K.O.’s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast
I started out wrapping burritos at Chipotle, dreaming of something bigger but not quite sure where to go. Over time, that drive to learn and grow led me into cybersecurity—an industry where the stakes are high and the stories are endlessly fascinating. K.O.’s Launchpad is my way of opening the door for anyone curious about how to break in, level up, and find purpose in a field that’s shaping our digital future. In every episode, we’ll chat with experts, share practical strategies, and explore the gritty realities (and victories) that come with protecting data, people, and organizations in a tech-driven world. This podcast is built around real talk: the ups, the downs, and the moments when you know you’re onto something big. I believe that if you have the heart to hustle, no challenge is too big—cybersecurity included. Whether you’re aiming to get your first security gig, sharpen your offensive or defensive skills, master GRC, or lead with confidence, you’ll find the insights and inspiration here. Join me each week as we tackle the front lines of cyber and give you a roadmap to success.
Episodes
In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we feature an inspiring journey of technical mastery, strategic thinking, and continuous growth.
The highlight of this week's episode is Dave Abbott, a Cisco Security Engineering Leader who covers the company’s largest cybersecurity partners. Dave’s work at the intersection of cloud and networking security has led to significant improvements for clients across multiple industries.
This episode d...
In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an inspiring journey of dedication, technical excellence, and global influence.
The highlight of this week's episode is Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Labs at Arctic Wolf and one of the world’s leading voices in cybersecurity. With over 24 years of experience, Ismael has advised governments, critical infrastructure operators, and top corporations on defending against motivated thr...
In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an amazing journey of curiosity, dedication, and mastery.
The highlight of this week's episode is Phillip Wylie, a respected offensive security professional and ethical hacker with over 21 years in cybersecurity. From system administrator to pentester, conference speaker, author, and educator, Phillip shares the mindset and practical steps that shaped his career in ethical hacking.
This...
In this episode of K.O.’s Launchpad, we share an inspiring journey of transformation, dedication, and growth.
The highlight of this week's episode is Alena, who transformed her career from research and teaching to defending against cyber threats at State Farm. Her path demonstrates what is possible when you commit to growth and lean into new challenges with curiosity.
This episode dives deeply into how to build technical capabiliti...
In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad, we share an amazing journey of perseverance, determination, and success.
The highlight of this week's episode is a former varsity football player who earned one of LSU's most difficult degrees in computer science. Lloyd Powell, who is currently a NASA cybersecurity leader and the creative force behind the @pietales podcast, shares the secrets of thriving under duress and discovering your own rhy...
Kyu Lee is a Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Cisco, where she designs secure infrastructure and helps enterprises strengthen their defensive posture in an ever-evolving threat landscape. She holds an M.S. in Information Security Engineering from the prestigious SANS Institute of Technology, along with 12 GIAC certifications, a CISSP, and CompTIA Security+. Her technical foundation is rooted in hands-on experience—as both a SOC...
About Faizal:
Faizal Hamdoon is an accomplished sales and marketing professional known for his dynamic approach and relentless pursuit of excellence. A former Eagle Scout and US National Paralympic athlete, Faizal brings a unique blend of discipline, resilience, and a competitive edge to every endeavor. With over a decade of diverse experience in sales, he has built a reputation for driving exceptional growth through innovative st...
In this episode of K.O.'s Launchpad: An Infosec Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Simeon Kakpovi, the founder of the KC7 Foundation and a senior threat intelligence analyst at Microsoft. We discuss his transition from a network defender at Lockheed Martin to shaping a more inclusive future in cybersecurity through his nonprofit organization. Kakpovi shares his vision for breaking barriers in the industry,...
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