In the latest episode of “Breaking Into Cybersecurity,” the host
welcomes M.K. Palmore, a distinguished cybersecurity executive whose career spans over three decades of public and private service. M.K. shares his unique journey into the field, providing actionable advice for those charting a similar path. From his foundations in the U.S. Marine Corps and the FBI to his leadership of security strategy for Fortune 500 companies, M.K.’s story is a masterclass in strategic planning, adaptability, and the power of continuous reinvention.
A Foundation in Technology and Service
M.K. Palmore’s relationship with technology began long before it became his profession. Growing up in Washington, D.C., during the personal computing explosion of the 1980s, he developed an early fascination with computers, tinkering with early systems like the Commodore 64.
Despite this early spark, M.K. took a divergent path during his higher education. Accepted to both West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy, he chose the Naval Academy specifically because he viewed it as the more difficult challenge—a testament to his drive. There, he majored in Political Science rather than Computer Science, a decision that would later underscore his belief that you don’t need a technical degree to become a technology leader.
From the Marines to the FBI
After serving as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, M.K. transitioned to federal law enforcement in 1997. He joined the FBI, drawn to the agency’s dynamic scope of responsibility. For the first half of his 22-year Bureau career, he focused on “kinetic” threats—investigating bank robberies and counter-terrorism.
His “aha moment” arrived after transferring to the FBI’s Sacramento Division. There, he began investigating how terrorist organizations were utilizing the internet for recruitment and propaganda. This intersection of traditional crime and digital warfare was his gateway. Realizing that the future of national security would be fought online, he pivoted his focus entirely to cyber, eventually earning his CISSP certification and leading the Cyber Security Branch at the FBI’s San Francisco field office.
Intentional Career Planning: The Power of Journaling
Throughout his conversation with Chris Foulon, M.K. emphasizes that success is rarely accidental. Describing himself as a consummate planner, he shares his practice of intentional career mapping. M.K. advocates for tools like journaling to track progress, analyze failures, and refine goals. This deliberate mindset enabled him to navigate the daunting transition from 32 years of government service into high-level executive roles at Palo Alto Networks and Google Cloud, and ultimately to founding his own firm.
The Role of Communication: Translating Risk to Business
A recurring theme in M.K.’s advice is that technical skills are “table stakes,” the real differentiator is communication. He notes that many practitioners struggle to bridge the gap between the server room and the boardroom. His pursuit of an MBA from Pepperdine was a strategic move to learn the language of business. He stresses that today’s security leaders must be able to translate complex technical risks into business terms (revenue, brand reputation, and legal liability) that stakeholders can understand and act upon.
Leading in the Private Sector with Apogee Global RMS
Transitioning from the rigid structure of the government to the private sector required a shift in mindset from “mission-oriented” to “people-centered” leadership. Today, through his consulting firm, Apogee Global RMS, M.K. brings this expertise to the market. Apogee addresses a critical gap for small- to medium-sized businesses, providing fractional CISO services and resilient security infrastructure that were previously out of reach.
Staying Ahead: Lifelong Learning and AI
M.K. concludes with a directive for all aspiring professionals: stay curious. In an industry that changes daily, resting on yesterday’s knowledge is a liability. He champions continuous education, whether through formal certifications or self-study in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence. His pragmatic view on AI is that it should be embraced as a productivity driver, urging professionals to lean into new technologies rather than fear them.
Conclusion
M.K. Palmore’s journey from the streets of D.C. to the highest levels of cybersecurity leadership is proof that there is no single “right” way to break into the field. His insights offer a roadmap for success: plan intentionally, communicate effectively, and never stop learning. As M.K. reflects on his career, he reminds us that we are responsible for our own development and that, with the right mindset, we can all drive the industry's future.
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