Artificial Intelligence, Critical infrastructure security, Cybersecurity, Defense in depth, Disruption, Podcast, Purpose, Technology

Robert Martin, Tireless Teacher in Cybersecurity

May 5, 2021

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4 min read

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JOURNEY INTO CYBERSECURITY

I met Rob Martin at the ISSA Raleigh chapter’s monthly networking event a few years ago. Through the ISSA community, he introduced me to the many people who have become friends and colleagues in the cybersecurity and non-profit space. Rob was always willing to support programs at local schools when I tried to make children more aware of cybersecurity and privacy in middle and high schools. Rob continues to play an instrumental role on the board of the ISSA Raleigh chapter, and as a volunteer teacher and mentor to many people.

What I like about Rob is his immense dedication to the education of others in cybersecurity. He’s greatly invested to helping minorities, veterans, and underserved communities in gaining access to the resources they need to succeed. He rallies his “battle buddies” to lift people up and give them access to opportunities to learn, grow and work in cybersecurity and beyond.

Rob inspires me to continue to grow and do my part in creating learning and growth opportunities for others in cybersecurity. I’m grateful for his presence in my life, the role model he is to me and for sharing his valuable lessons on this podcast. His positive impact and selfless leadership will be felt by many generations to come, I’m certain of it!

If his story inspires you too and moves you to invest in yourself, let him know. I bet he would appreciate knowing that you are thriving thanks to his words of wisdom and guidance. Don’t forget to pay it forward!

Recommendations from Rob

Be kind first and foremost.

Reach one. Teach one. Denzel Washington. Reach out to people who can help you in your development, and pay your good fortune forward.

Embrace mentorship.
Challenge yourself and others while others challenge yourself.
Not only lead, but follow. Reach out to people who can help you in your development, and pay your good fortune forward.
Give someone a book.
Give hope.

Keep learning. Maximize your education! You won’t know how valuable the lessons are until you use them.

Be courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be a coward.

Do the hard things.
Break out of your shell. Embrace and enjoy collaboration. It’s never about “me”.
When an opportunity presents itself, jump on it and treat it with responsibility.

What pays you? What will advance you forward?

Education
Healthy habits
Find a battle buddy.
Integrity is an invaluable principle in cybersecurity. Start building your personal integrity now.

What are you doing in your day in 30-minute increments. Manage your time wisely.

Don’t lie to yourself. Be honest.
See when you can carve out time to invest in yourself so you can do the things that pay you.
You have to take care of yourself and be healthy, good and strong before you can help others.
Make little changes instead of big changes, when trying.

You don’t know what you don’t know.

Everything you do on the Internet is immortalized.

Security is a collective and we all have a stake in the game. Pursue a career in cybersecurity to help other people and to protect yourself and other people’s future. Don’t pursue a title or an income in cybersecurity.

Success is to care about and help others. Let that be your legacy.

Find your purpose. Once you figure out your why, you will be unstoppable.