Buckle Down & Break Through: From Devil Dog to Cyber Champion

Join Kathleen Smith and Rachel Bozeman as they welcome Tom Eston, a Marine turned cybersecurity trailblazer, podcaster, and mentor, for an inspiring dive into his journey. From his infantry days to carving out a security career, Tom shares how curiosity, self-discipline, and determination fueled his rise. Tom emphasizes the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and leveraging military-learned skills in the corporate world. His story is a testament to the potential within every veteran to reinvent themselves and excel in new fields.


Chapters

• 01:44 - Tom’s Marine Corps Infantry Days
• 03:07 - The Spark of a Tech Career
• 06:56 - Leaping into Security with a Real Estate Gig
• 09:58 - Advice on Seeking Mentorship
• 13:03 - Military Skills in the Corporate World
• 15:48 - The Birth of a Podcasting Passion
• 17:47 - Overcoming Nerves to Take Risks
• 20:38 - Advice to His Younger Self

Key Takeaways

• Self-Discipline Drives Success: Continuous learning and personal motivation are critical for career transformation. Your ability to set goals, stay focused, and push through challenges determines your professional growth.
• Mentorship Comes in Many Forms: You don’t need a formal mentorship program to seek guidance. A single conversation or brief connection can provide pivotal insights for your career journey.
• Skills Can Be Learned, Character Cannot: Technical skills can be taught, but the leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving skills gained in military service are irreplaceable and set you apart.
• Network and Share Your Knowledge: Attend conferences, start a blog, and put yourself out there so people can learn who you are. As Tom learned, sharing your knowledge can help educate you in return.

Follow us for more veteran stories to guide your transition journey, and text this episode to a fellow service member who’s navigating their exit. Catch you next time!


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