How do you break into cloud engineering and build a high-impact career in GovTech?

In this episode of the HackerProofHQ Podcast, we sit down with Abdie Mohamed, Lead Cloud Governance Engineer at Lockheed Martin, to unpack what cloud governance engineers actually do, the tools they use, and how to build a sustainable, well-paid career in government and enterprise cloud environments.

Abdie shares real-world insights from his journey into tech — from landing his first role without a traditional background to specializing in cloud governance and long-term career strategy.

• Breaking into tech with a non-traditional background

• The real benefits and values of working in GovTech

• Common challenges faced in the tech industry

• Leveraging transferable skills to accelerate your career

• Balancing side hustles while working in tech

• What cloud governance is and why it matters

• Tools used to implement governance in cloud environments

• Long-term career planning and investing as a tech professional

Whether you’re an aspiring cloud engineer, a tech professional exploring cloud governance, or curious about GovTech careers, this episode delivers practical, actionable insights.

00:45 – Introduction

01:43 – Journey into Tech

04:52 – First Job in Tech

08:05 – Top 3 Values of Working in Government Tech

11:30 – Challenges Along the Journey

13:20 – Leveraging Transferable Skills

14:18 – Side Hustles as a Tech Professional

16:12 – Long-Term Career Goals

16:32 – Cloud Governance as a Tech Niche

16:43 – Top 2 Things to Know for Cloud Governance Careers

17:30 – Tools Used in Cloud Governance

19:13 – Investing as a Tech Professional

23:21 – Closing Remarks

HackerProofHQ Newsletter: https://www.hackerproofhq.com/

Connect with Abdie Mohamed: https://www.instagram.com/abdiethespeaker

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Networking is one of the most misunderstood skills in career development. In this episode of Hacker Proof HQ, we sit down with NexoAfrica, a career-driven community helping young professionals access real opportunities through intentional networking and strategic community building.

NexoAfrica connects individuals across Africa and globally to high-value opportunities in industries like technology, finance, and investment banking. Their approach goes beyond traditional networking, focusing on exposure, visibility, and placing talented people in the rooms where real decisions are made.

In this conversation, we break down how NexoAfrica operates, how to join their community, and what it actually takes to stand out professionally. If you are early in your career, transitioning industries, or looking to expand your professional network with purpose, this episode will give you practical insight and clarity.

• What NexoAfrica does and who the community serves
• How to join NexoAfrica and access opportunities
• The right way to network without forcing connections
• How to navigate career transitions and growth
• NexoAfrica’s five-year vision and long-term mission

NexoAfrica

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nexoafrica

00:31 – Episode Introduction

01:14 – What NexoAfrica Does

01:57 – Meet the NexoAfrica Team

05:27 – NexoAfrica’s Mission

06:28 – How to Join NexoAfrica

08:15 – Moving From Point A to B in Your Career

09:57 – Team Roles Explained

15:56 – NexoAfrica in Five Years

18:58 – Switching From Tech to Investment Banking

21:15 – Feedback From the Hacker Proof HQ Event

25:00 – Building Community and Vibe Curation

30:13 – How to Network the Right Way

32:44 – Questions for Hacker Proof HQ

41:49 – Episode Outro

Cloud Security Playbook (Free):

https://www.hackerproof.com

Resume Refresh and Career Coaching:

https://www.hackerproof.com

Support the Podcast:

https://ko-fi.com/hackerproofhq

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In this episode, we sit down with Wendy, a seasoned cybersecurity professional, author, and advocate for women in tech.

She shares her inspiring journey from breaking into the field to earning a PhD, and what it truly takes to thrive in cybersecurity and tech careers in 2025.

You’ll learn:

• How women can stand out in male-dominated tech spaces
• Practical entry routes into cybersecurity this year
• The real value of a PhD in advancing your career
• How AI is shaping the next generation of tech professionals
• Key takeaways from Wendy’s latest cybersecurity book

If you’re a student, cybersecurity enthusiast, or a woman looking to grow in tech, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply right away.

Guest Links:

📚 Get Wendy’s Book → https://a.co/d/iOIm1yR

📸 Follow Wendy on Instagram → @wendyintech

Timestamps:

00:45 – Intro

01:30 – Meet Wendy

02:45 – What She Does in Cybersecurity

03:10 – Thriving in a Male-Dominated Field

08:00 – How Women Can Make Their Voices Heard

14:33 – Does Your Degree Really Matter?

17:15 – Entry Routes Into Cybersecurity

20:35 – Work–Life Balance

21:45 – The Value of a PhD

25:35 – Should Gen Z Focus More on AI?

27:10 – About Wendy’s Book

29:40 – Key Lessons

34:55 – Outro

Resources Mentioned:

🧰 Cloud Security Playbook (Free)

💼 Resume Refresh & Career Coaching

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