Episodios

  • 030: Interview with Pattrick

    030: Interview with Pattrick
    Nov 6 2025
    Summary
    In this engaging conversation, Patrick Wheatley shares his journey into the tech industry, discussing his early influences, college experiences, and the challenges he faced during his first internship. He reflects on his transition from backend development to UI/UX design, highlighting his work with IBM Watson and the lessons learned along the way. Patrick also addresses the realities of the job market, the importance of mentorship, and his aspirations for the future, all while emphasizing the significance of personal growth and travel in his life.

    Takeaways
    Patrick's journey into tech was influenced by his cousins. He faced challenges in college due to a lack of preparation. His first internship taught him valuable lessons about coding. Transitioning to UI/UX was a pivotal moment in his career. Working with IBM Watson was a significant milestone. The job market is saturated with misconceptions about tech careers. Mentorship plays a crucial role in supporting new talent. Patrick aims to move into a business-oriented role in the future. Traveling has become an important part of his life. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-care.

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    50 m
  • 029: Inside the World of Red Team Engineering with Mike Ortiz

    029: Inside the World of Red Team Engineering with Mike Ortiz
    Sep 7 2025
    Summary
    In this episode of DEM Tech, Ebony, Reginald, and Rico chat with Mike Ortiz, a Red Team engineer with a Marine Corps background. They explore Mike's journey into cybersecurity, the significance of Red Teaming in simulating real-world cyber threats, and the skills necessary for aspiring Red Teamers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between Red and Blue Teams, the value of continuous learning, and practical advice for those looking to enter the tech field. Mike shares insights on the Mitre Attack Framework and the necessity of understanding various systems and networks to succeed in cybersecurity.



    Takeaways
    • Mike Ortiz shares his journey from the Marines to Red Team engineering.
    • Red Teaming involves stealthy tactics to simulate real-world cyber attacks.
    • The Mitre Attack Framework is essential for understanding adversarial tactics.
    • Building a cyber range is crucial for practical learning in cybersecurity.
    • Red Teamers must have a broad knowledge of systems and networks.
    • Collaboration between Red and Blue Teams is vital for effective cybersecurity.
    • The importance of continuous learning and adaptation in tech careers.
    • Cybersecurity is a meritocracy where performance matters over background.
    • Phishing remains the most common attack vector in cybersecurity.
    • Aspiring tech professionals should focus on gaining diverse skills.





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    1 h y 6 m
  • 028: Open Discussions (Should Tech Folks Be Visible?)

    028: Open Discussions (Should Tech Folks Be Visible?)
    May 16 2025
    Summary
    In this conversation, Rico and Reginald discuss various topics related to remote work, including new protocols for accessing resources, the dynamics of virtual meetings, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. They also explore the future of development environments, the role of AI in human interaction, and the significance of mental health in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes the value of solo conversations and the need for open communication in the tech industry. In this engaging conversation, Reginald and Rico delve into the complexities of mental health in professional settings, the significance of maintaining camera presence during virtual meetings, and the challenges faced by introverts in communication. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how to navigate these issues, emphasizing the importance of visual engagement and proper etiquette in virtual interactions. The discussion culminates in a light-hearted yet meaningful exploration of the shared experiences that many face in the modern workplace.

    Keywords
    remote work, development environments, AI, mental health, communication, tech industry, podcasting, work-life balance, virtual meetings, DevOps, mental health, virtual meetings, camera presence, communication, introversion, professional life, workplace culture, engagement, virtual etiquette, personal struggles



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    53 m
  • 027: From Chef to Cybersecurity: Kevin J. Foster's Journey

    027: From Chef to Cybersecurity: Kevin J. Foster's Journey
    Apr 4 2025
    Summary: In this episode of Them Tech Folks, Rico Randall and Ebonyy engage with Kevin J. Foster Sr., a cybersecurity operations coordinator, as he shares his journey from restaurant management to a successful career in cybersecurity. Kevin discusses his early interest in technology, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the importance of mentorship in helping others achieve their dreams. He also highlights the significance of certifications in the field and shares insights on teaching cybersecurity principles. In this engaging conversation, Rico Randall and Kevin J. Foster Sr. explore the dynamic field of cybersecurity, discussing the importance of continuous training, the core responsibilities of security professionals, and the challenges faced when transitioning between roles. They delve into the significance of personality alignment in professional settings and share insights on staying current in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindset and personal development, highlighting how a proactive approach can lead to significant career advancements.

    Takeaways:
    • Kevin J. Foster Sr. is a cybersecurity operations coordinator.
    • He transitioned from restaurant management to cybersecurity.
    • His journey began with a tech school for certifications.
    • Mentorship played a crucial role in his career.
    • He emphasizes the importance of telling others your career aspirations.
    • Certifications like Security Plus and GSEC are vital in cybersecurity.
    • Kevin advocates for work-study programs to reduce certification costs.
    • He finds gratification in helping others realize their career dreams.
    • Teaching foundational courses is his favorite part of the job.
    • Cybersecurity has many fields, and it's important to find your niche. Training is essential for growth in cybersecurity.
    • Data protection is a universal goal across industries.
    • Transitioning roles can be stressful but rewarding.
    • Understanding personality traits can enhance team dynamics.
    • Staying current in tech requires continuous learning.
    • Mindset is crucial for career success.
    • Taking breaks can prevent burnout in demanding fields.
    • Engaging teaching methods can make learning enjoyable.
    • Networking and mentorship are vital for career development.
    • Personal development should be a continuous journey.
    Find Us:
    • Rico Randall
    • Ebony Pierce
    • Kevin J. Foster Sr.

    Keywords: cybersecurity, career journey, mentorship, certifications, teaching, IT, professional development, Security Plus, GSEC, SANS, cybersecurity, training, data protection, career transition, personality tests, professional development, staying current, mindset, personal growth, GRC

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    1 h y 4 m
  • 026: Tech Genius says he is an Asian who didn’t want a college degree

    026: Tech Genius says he is an Asian who didn’t want a college degree
    Apr 1 2025
    Find Us:
    • Rico Randall (DevelopEveryMind.com)
    • Tiffany Bryant (StatsonStats.io)
    • Edwin Sarmiento
    Keywords: Riverside, post-production, tech consulting, disaster recovery, data management, cybersecurity, compliance, Microsoft SQL Server, consulting, high availability, consulting, technology, leadership, community building, education, career development, AI, vulnerability, learning, tech industry

    Summary: In this conversation, Tiffany Bryant and Rico Randall discuss various aspects of technology with Edwin Sarmiento as well as how he got into the industry. The conversation delves into the his transition from being a generalist to a specialist in tech, the critical role of data in disaster recovery, the importance of a cybersecurity mindset, and the nuances of consulting in tech. Edwin shares his journey from the Philippines to Canada, his experiences with natural disasters, and how they shaped his approach to high availability and disaster recovery solutions. Edwin M Sarmiento shares his insights on the importance of addressing people and process issues in organizations, rather than just focusing on technology. He emphasizes the value of vulnerability in leadership, the significance of community building in tech, and the debate between formal education and practical experience. Edwin also discusses the cyclical nature of technology and the need for curiosity and foundational knowledge in a rapidly evolving landscape, particularly in the context of AI.

    Takeaways:
    • Riverside has improved post-production capabilities significantly.
    • Transitioning from generalist to specialist can enhance expertise.
    • Data is essential for all tech-related solutions.
    • Cybersecurity should be viewed as a mindset, not just a role.
    • Consultants should focus on asking the right questions to fill knowledge gaps.
    • High availability and disaster recovery are crucial in tech.
    • Understanding compliance is vital for tech consultants.
    • Natural disasters can inform better disaster recovery strategies.
    • Community and documentation are key in tech industries.
    • The human element is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Every technical problem is a people and process problem first.
    • The importance of meeting teams physically to understand issues.
    • Vulnerability in leadership fosters better communication and problem-solving.
    • Teaching is a way to master new skills and concepts.
    • Curiosity and foundational knowledge are key to understanding technology.
    • Mistakes are part of the learning process and should be embraced.
    • Community building is essential for supporting newcomers in tech.
    • Degrees may not be necessary if practical experience is gained.
    • History repeats itself in technology; understanding patterns is crucial.
    • Action is more important than information in achieving goals.


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    1 h
  • 025: From Cyber Engineer to Cyber Entrepreneur (CLEAN)

    025: From Cyber Engineer to Cyber Entrepreneur (CLEAN)
    Mar 9 2025
    In this episode of Dem Tech Folks Podcast, DEM Tech Folks interview Jose Lopez, CEO of Global Shock Technology. They discuss Jose's journey from military service to a successful career in tech, particularly in cybersecurity. Jose shares insights on the importance of specialization, the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian roles, and the lessons learned from his experiences. The conversation also touches on entrepreneurship, the future of technology, and the significance of resilience in the face of adversity.

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    1 h y 7 m
  • 024: Can Black Girls Hack?

    024: Can Black Girls Hack?
    Jan 31 2025
    The conversation with Tennisha Martin, founder of Black Girls Hack, a range of topics, including the challenges with finding your way, getting help in order to grow, and a discussion on diversity in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The speakers share their thoughts on bias in AI and the importance of diversity in technology fields. The conversation covers a range of topics related to diversity in tech, the impact of AI on underrepresented communities, the importance of hands-on experience in cybersecurity education, and the journey of creating and running Black Girls Hack. The speakers also discuss the need for more Black representation in the tech industry and the challenges faced by Black women in the field. The conversation delves into the significance of soft skills, career planning, and the path to achieving career goals in cybersecurity. Tennisha Martin discusses her work, personal branding, and the mission of Black Girls Hack. She also shares insights on time management, code-switching, and the importance of surrounding oneself with an amazing support system. The conversation concludes with a discussion about upcoming events and the exchange of swag.

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    1 h y 4 m
  • 023: Wake up!... Don't sleep on him

    023: Wake up!... Don't sleep on him
    Dec 31 2024
    This episode was recorded June 05, 2023.

    In this conversation, Steven Jones shares his journey in the field of technology, from his early interest in taking apart electronics as a child to joining the Navy and pursuing a career in IT. He discusses the challenges he faced in IT training, including failing certification exams, and the successes he achieved in obtaining certifications. Steven also talks about his introduction to virtualization and networking, and how he developed a passion for both areas. He reflects on his journey of exploring different IT specializations and finding his niche in the field. In this conversation, Steven Jones discusses his experience with day trading as a source of additional income. He shares his preferred trading time and explains his transition to pre-sales and sales engineer roles. Steven also discusses the travel requirements in his new roles and the work-life balance they offer. He talks about creating content and building a personal brand, and reflects on the interview experience. The conversation concludes with closing remarks, future collaboration ideas, and a promotion of the podcast and website's research survey for a training program.

    Develop Every Mind

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    1 h y 13 m