Tech Woke

Christopher Okpala•redcircle.com

Join us as we demystify the tech landscape, offer guidance on educational pathways, and showcase inspirational stories of individuals who have successfully transitioned into tech careers. We address challenges, celebrate triumphs, and equip you with the knowledge and motivation to take your first steps or advance further in the tech world.

Last refreshed: March 12th, 2026 at 2:37 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

From Pool Cleaner to Network Engineer ft. Robert Lott

Welcome back to another episode of Tech Woke. In today's episode, we delve deep into an inspiring career journey with Robert Lott, who transitioned from cleaning pools to becoming a respected network engineer and cybersecurity expert. Join , Christopher Okpala and Robert Lott, as they discuss the importance of dedication, continuous learning, and going above and beyond in your career. Robert shares his experiences in the IT world, from earning his Cisco certification through relentless self-stud...

Sep 01, 2024•1 hr

Nigel Boston Journey To Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst in One Year

Welcome back to Tech Woke. the podcast where we dive deep into the journeys of inspiring individuals in the tech world. In today's episode, titled "Nigel Boston's Journey To Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst in One Year," we're excited to bring you the story of Nigel Boston, a senior cybersecurity intelligence analyst who transitioned into this challenging and dynamic field in just one year. Join our hosts, Nigel Boston and Christopher Okpala, as they explore Nigel's incredible journey from a he...

Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min

Unveiling the Secrets: Tameka Kirk's Path to Information Security

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Tech Woke Today, we're diving into the extraordinary journey of Tameka Kirk, an IT program manager at the Department of Energy, and her path to prominence in the field of information security. From her foundational years in the military, where she honed vital life skills like discipline and independence, to securing classified communications and transitioning to a computer security specialist role—Tameka's story is a testament to the power of continuous...

Aug 30, 2024•48 min

Cybersecurity Careers Degrees vs Certifications

Welcome back to the Tech Woke show, everyone! I'm your host, Christopher Okpala, and today we're diving into a hotly debated topic in the cybersecurity world: Degrees vs Certifications. With my background in both—a degree in Digital Forensics and multiple certifications—I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each path. We’ll talk about the time, cost, and practical experience differences, and how each can impact your job search and career growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to cl...

Aug 29, 2024•6 min

From Athlete To Mac System Administrator

Welcome to another episode of Tech Woke, the podcast where we dive deep into the journeys of individuals navigating their unique career paths. Today, we’re excited to bring you the inspiring story of Bishop Freeman. From managing the largest body shop in Madison to transitioning into the IT and government space, Bishop's career journey is nothing short of remarkable. He started his tech adventure by skipping the A+ certification and diving headfirst into a Network+ course, followed by relentless...

Aug 28, 2024•1 hr 5 min

From Security Guard To Network Engineer

Welcome to another episode of Tech Woke where we delve into the world of cybersecurity, career transitions, and personal journeys. Today's episode, "From Security Guard to Network Engineer," features an inspiring conversation between our hosts, Christopher Okpala and Kai. Kai shares her incredible journey from playing college basketball and working various retail and security jobs to becoming a successful network engineer. She discusses the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including her t...

Aug 28, 2024•24 min

Transitioning From From Office Administrator To Information System Security Officer

Welcome back to another insightful episode of Tech Woke I'm your host, Christopher Okpala, and joining me, as always, is my co-host, Neisha. Today, we're diving into the journey of transitioning from an Office Administrator to a Senior Information System Security Officer, featuring none other than Neisha herself. Neisha brings a wealth of experience in cybersecurity, growing her expertise from administrative beginnings to the complexities of compliance in cyber. Having grown up in Maryland, she ...

Aug 26, 2024•30 min

Transitioning from Retail to Information System Security Officer

✤ Hi everyone!!! ✤ Welcome to “Tech Woke” ✤ Osasu shares his inspiring journey from working in retail to becoming an Information System Security Officer. He began his career in the retail industry, where he gained valuable skills in customer service, communication, and problem-solving. Despite the challenges of the retail sector, Osasu's passion for technology and cybersecurity led him to pursue further education and training in information systems. Through dedication and hard work, he transitio...

Jul 28, 2024•33 min

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