DEM tech folks

Discover candid insights from industry professionals on navigating nepotism, developing mentorship, leveraging AI tools, and understanding modern workplace dynamics. This episode offers practical advice, personal stories, and industry trends that can help you shape your career or organization. Key Topics: The realities of nepotism in hiring practices and how to manage it ethically Mentorship and m...

The Future of AI in Business and Personal DevelopmentIn this lively conversation, the speakers explore how AI is transforming industries, the pitfalls of implementations, and strategic ways to navigate the evolving landscape. From AI's impact on mental health to career pivoting and effective project management, they share practical insights and humorous anecdotes to help listeners understand how t...

Recorded: 2/18/2025 Guest: David Huynh Keywords Marine Corps, IT career, personal growth, success, military experience, HVAC, entrepreneurship, legal services, technology, life transitions, IT, Cybersecurity, Career Transition, Mentorship, Social Media, Certifications, WGU, CIA Triad, Hands-On Experience, Education, IT education, discipline, motivation, cybersecurity, personal transformation, care...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Quinyon Nave, a 21-year-old cybersecurity entrepreneur making waves in healthcare and medical device security. Join us as he shares his journey from tinkering with electronics in high school to leading cybersecurity initiatives in the military and building his own business. This conversation highlights the importance of purpose, perseverance, an...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes HERE Summary In this engaging conversation, Elixabeth Ruggeri shares her unique journey from advertising to cybersecurity, discussing the importance aof data governance, the role of hospitality in networking, and her insights on cryptocurrency standards. She emphasizes the value of time management, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the signifi...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 backenad development to UI/UX design, highlighting his work with IBM Watson and the lessons learned...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 import...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 significan...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 importanc...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 mind...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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. Th...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE 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 h...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary In this conversation, Rico Randall and his co-hosts explore the diverse journeys of individuals in the tech industry, focusing on personal stories, milestones, and the importance of communication and adaptability in professional settings. Erica Rivera shares her unique path from engineering to project management, highlighting the challe...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary In this engaging conversation, DEM Tech Folks discuss the journey of Davis Donacien, who shares his experiences transitioning from a background in mechanical engineering to the tech world, focusing on Linux and video production. The discussion covers the importance of networking, mentorship, and continuous learning in the tech industry,...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary In this conversation, Louis discusses his journey into the tech industry and the importance of access to resources and hands-on experience. He shares his experience participating in a summer program where he learned to build a computer, which sparked his interest in technology. Louis emphasizes the value of grassroots efforts and commun...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary In this engaging conversation, Jordyn shares her journey from aspiring basketball player to a prominent figure in the tech industry, particularly in cybersecurity. The discussion covers her experiences in the military, her transition into tech, and the importance of fitness in maintaining mental clarity. Jordyn emphasizes the significan...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE In this conversation, Dan Tudorache discusses his journey in the tech industry, from starting as a system administrator to becoming a solution architect. He emphasizes the importance of self-leadership and understanding one's own passions and strengths. Dan also highlights the need for continuous learning and development, both in technical skil...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary  In this engaging conversation, Ismaelle Salomon, a tech sourcer, shares her journey from education to tech recruitment, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faces in the industry. The discussion covers the importance of preparation for interviews, the dynamics of salary negotiations, and the role of diversity in tech. Ismaelle...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Recorded on July 13, 2023 Summary The conversation covers Corey Morris's experience, learning from challenges, working within the DoD community, negotiating salaries, troubleshooting stories, transitioning to Microsoft, working in a pod, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this part of the conversation, Corey Morris discu...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Summary Ernest Gibbs III shares his journey into the tech industry, starting from his early interest in computers and troubleshooting. He pursued the A+ certification and landed his first tech job in a call center. Ernest then transitioned to a new tech job where he gained more experience and considered pursuing the Network+ certification. Even...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE Samuel Tillman shares his journey from a troubled youth to becoming a successful SRE (Site Reliability Engineer) with the NBA. He discusses his early life, military experience, and how he got interested in technology. Samuel talks about his transition to civilian life and the challenges he faced in finding IT jobs. He also highlights the import...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE We had a great time chatting with  Professor Roger Whyte . This conversation explores the challenges of clickbait and superficial training, the importance of mentorship and networking, the order of importance for career development, the value of certifications in the IT field, the power of community and networking in the tech industry, the deba...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE In this conversation, the hosts celebrate Toni Benson's birthday and introduce her as a guest. Toni shares her background, including growing up in Dover, Delaware, and attending Delaware State University. She explains how she initially pursued computer science but switched to management information systems. Toni then discusses her decision to j...

Show Support by subscribing to Ad-Free Episodes  HERE In this conversation,  Elliott Fields discusses his journey starting out in IT, building a career, and the importance of staying relevant in the field. Elliott Fields discusses his transition from working with Exchange to Azure. He explains how he used Azure to build lab environments and learn about networking, security, and other related topic...