Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast

Cybersecurity doesn’t just have a talent gap — it has a leadership gap.
In this episode of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we sit down with Dave Berke, retired Marine Corps officer, former Top Gun instructor, and Chief Development Officer at Echelon Front, to talk about why leadership is missing across IT and cybersecurity — and why technical excellence alone is no longer enough.
Dave shares lessons learned from combat aviation, military leadership, and years of teaching leadership alongside Jocko Willink — and explains why leadership is a skill that must be learned, not a trait you’re born with.
In this episode, we cover:
Why the “best technician” often struggles as a leader
The leadership gap across cybersecurity and IT teams
Why leadership isn’t about titles or authority
How introverts and technical professionals can still become strong leaders
The role of humility, ownership, and teamwork in healthy security teams
How to lead from any position — even without a leadership title
Why developing leaders is the ultimate test of leadership
If you work in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, or any technical field — this conversation will change how you think about your career growth. 
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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If you’ve been learning cybersecurity, applying for jobs, or working in the field—and your confidence has taken a hit—this episode is for you.
In Season 6, Episode 3 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down why confidence drops so often in cybersecurity and how to rebuild it in a real, practical way.
We talk about:
How lack of confidence shows up in interviews and on the job
Why rejection, layoffs, and career changes fuel imposter syndrome
The difference between chasing confidence and building competence
How small wins and repetition rebuild belief over time
Why failure is part of growth—not a sign you don’t belong
How community feedback helps silence self-doubt
This episode isn’t about hype or “fake it till you make it.”
 It’s about earning confidence through action, consistency, and support.
You don’t need to be perfect.
 You need reps, feedback, and people in your corner.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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If you feel like you’ve been studying cybersecurity but not actually making progress, this episode is for you.
In Season 6 Episode 2 of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, Steve and John break down how to reset your cybersecurity learning plan and stop wasting time on the wrong things. Whether you took a break, jumped between too many topics, or followed advice that didn’t fit your goals, this episode will help you refocus.
We walk through how to honestly assess where you are, how to choose one clear cybersecurity path instead of trying to learn everything, and how to build a realistic learning plan that fits your background and schedule. We also call out common mistakes we’re seeing in 2026—like over-consuming content, chasing tools without fundamentals, and copying someone else’s roadmap.
This episode is about clarity, direction, and momentum—without starting over from zero.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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Many cybersecurity professionals didn’t quit — they just got stuck.
In this Season 6 premiere of The Cybersecurity Mentors Podcast, we share 5 practical tactics to restart your cybersecurity career in 2026, especially if you lost momentum, felt burned out, or fell behind in 2025.
This isn’t about hype or starting over from scratch. It’s about:
Reflecting without beating yourself up
Choosing one clear direction instead of chasing everything
Taking small, realistic steps you can actually sustain
Sharing progress for accountability
Finding a community so you don’t do this alone
Whether you’re trying to break into cybersecurity, get back on track, or level up after a tough year, this episode is designed to help you reset with clarity and confidence.
Come hang out with us in the Cybersecurity Mentors Skool community. It’s free to join.

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In the season five finale of the Cyber Security Mentors podcast, hosts Steve and John reflect on the season's highlights, featuring insightful discussions with various cybersecurity experts. They recap key lessons learned, including leadership during crises, negotiation tactics, and the importance of community support. The episode also addresses listener questions and outlines future plans for the podcast, emphasizing continued growth and engagement with the cybersecurity community.
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