RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Timestamps:

00:00 "Master RMF Execution Skills"

05:22 "Career Uncertainty and Next Steps"

08:50 Evaluating Cybersecurity Degree Programs

11:21 From Job Quit to SOC Internship

12:42 Cybersecurity Projects and Insights

16:29 Vulnerability Management and Team Grading

21:08 Workplace Culture Shapes Experience

25:09 Platform Transition & User Support

26:26 Cloud Solution Architect Role

31:46 AI Data Security Concerns

33:22 Comprehensive DLP and User Training

38:29 Strategic Planning and Networking Tips

42:28 Navigating Trends and Personal Choices

45:54 Cyber Love Story Gone Wrong

46:41 "Being a Voice for Us"

49:30 "Improve Daily: Like & Subscribe"

Video Description:

Welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke.

In this episode, Christopher Okpala sits down with Destini Simmons (Cyber Shorty), Solutions Engineer, Cybersecurity Instructor, and Co-Host of the Textual Chatter podcast, to break down how she transitioned from a Criminal Justice major to a thriving career in cloud and cybersecurity.

This is a real conversation about what it actually takes to break into tech in 2026.

Destini shares

• How she pivoted into cybersecurity with no traditional tech background

• Why degrees and certifications alone will not get you hired

• How to strategically plan your cybersecurity career path

• The importance of networking and building your online presence

• How to use AI tools to map out your learning and career goals

• What hiring managers and recruiters actually look for

• The mindset required to survive and thrive in tech

If you are trying to break into cybersecurity, cloud security, or tech with no experience, this episode gives you practical strategy, not fluff.

Whether you are a beginner, career switcher, or already in IT looking to level up, this conversation will help you understand how to stand out in a competitive tech job market.

Subscribe to Tech Woke for real conversations about cybersecurity careers, GRC, cloud security, AI governance, and breaking into tech the smart way.

#Cybersecurity #CloudSecurity #TechCareers

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Guest Information:

🔗 https://solo.to/intelwave

🔗 https://www.skool.com/intelwave-3354/about

Timestamp:

00:00 "Mastering RMF for Cybersecurity"

04:04 "Proving Skills Over Credentials"

07:33 Cybersecurity Career Prep Insights

10:51 Intentional Networking for Cybersecurity Success

13:03 "Path to Cybersecurity: It Depends"

19:10 Entry-Level Cybersecurity Career Options

21:45 Cybersecurity: Teamwork & Collaboration Skills

25:35 "Build Relationships, Not Just Apply"

27:40 "LinkedIn: Key to Cybersecurity Networking"

32:34 Optimize LinkedIn for SOC Analyst

36:10 Networking for RMF on LinkedIn

37:06 Networking for RMF Career Growth

41:04 "Building Your Personal Brand"

44:53 "Persistence, Discipline, Strategy, Action"

48:39 Cybersecurity Education for Youth

Video Description:

In this episode of the Tech Woke Podcast, Christopher Okpala sits down with cybersecurity threat intelligence analyst Nigel Boston to break down the real strategy for getting into cybersecurity in 2026 with no experience. This conversation goes beyond certifications and generic advice. They talk about what actually works in today’s competitive tech market including choosing the right cybersecurity role, building hands-on projects, learning cloud fundamentals, and developing proof of work that hiring managers respect.

Nigel shares a clear step-by-step roadmap for beginners, explains why certifications alone are not enough, and dives into the power of intentional networking, LinkedIn branding, and relationship-building to stand out from thousands of applicants. They also discuss how to build a strong personal brand, how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters, what entry-level cybersecurity roles make sense in 2026 such as SOC analyst and vulnerability management, and why soft skills like communication and documentation matter just as much as technical ability.

If you are transitioning from retail, customer service, education, or another non-tech field and want to break into cybersecurity, this episode gives you practical, realistic guidance on how to do it the right way. No shortcuts. No hype. Just real strategy that works.

RMF Academy: https://www.rmfacademy.io/

Please Rate the Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/techwoke

Jason Dion Free Book:

https://tldrcybersecurity.com/subscribe

Timestamp:

00:00 "Exam Questions: Wording Matters"

04:32 "Roadmap to Becoming a Hacker"

08:01 "Is Pen Testing Right?"

10:14 Simplifying Complex Tech Concepts

15:17 "Mastering NIST Cybersecurity Framework"

18:48 "Practical Certifications vs. Theoretical"

20:42 "Balanced Approach to Exam Prep"

24:02 "Applicant Tracking Systems Explained"

28:06 "CISSP: Key to Job Interviews"

29:39 Military Networking Drives Career Opportunities

32:20 "From IT to Military Engineering"

37:17 "Generational Tech Understanding Gap"

40:15 Age Perception in Consulting Careers

44:35 "AI Adoption and Responsible Use"

46:17 "Adapting to Rapid AI Changes"

51:25 "Building Practical Certifications Independently"

52:49 AI Revolutionizing Skill-Based Hiring

55:54 "Taking a Career Shot"

Video Decription:

Welcome back to the Tech Woke Podcast. In this episode, host Christopher Okpala sits down with Jason Dion, one of the most trusted cybersecurity educators in the industry, whose training has helped over a million people break into IT and cybersecurity.

They break down how beginners with zero tech experience can choose the right certifications, avoid common mistakes, and build real, job-ready skills. Jason also shares practical advice on hands-on learning, navigating today’s cybersecurity job market, and how AI and cloud technologies are reshaping tech careers. Whether you’re transitioning from a non-tech background or looking to future-proof your career, this conversation delivers clear, real-world guidance for breaking into cybersecurity the right way.