Joshua D. Copeland, Director of Cybersecurity at Crescendo AI
- Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17, initially working in logistics
- Accidentally became a workgroup administrator due to his affinity for computers
Podcast
Overview
In this insightful episode of The Brand Called You, Joshua D. Copeland sits down with host Ashutosh Garg to unpack his cybersecurity journey, challenge industry norms, and discuss his book Unpopular Opinion. Below is a detailed breakdown of the episode’s highlights with timestamps:
00:01:02- What drew Joshua into cybersecurity, and how did his journey evolve?
- Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17, initially working in logistics
- Accidentally became a workgroup administrator due to his affinity for computers
- Transitioned into formal cybersecurity roles across help desk, penetration testing, GRC, and Chief Security Officer positions
- Emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning
00:02:10- What failures shaped Joshua’s leadership style?
- Frequently inherited failing organizations and rebuilt security programs from scratch
- Learned humility, flexibility, and the value of collaborative problem-solving
00:03:07- Why embrace the “Unpopular Opinion” identity?
- Began sharing candid critiques on LinkedIn about certifications, burnout, and security theater
- Discovered many professionals silently agreed but lacked language to speak up
- Now uses the platform to prompt honest, necessary conversations
00:04:48- What inspired Unpopular Opinion?
- Messages from peers who felt validated by his posts
- Recognition that myths like grind culture and certification worship harm professionals
- The book serves as a manifesto against burnout, gatekeeping, and performative security
00:06:10- What “performance” does Joshua critique?
- The obsession with appearances—dashboards, acronyms, polished panels
- Calls out “security theater” that ignores people, trust, and process
00:06:56- Why are certifications a mirage of competence?
- The industry confuses what’s measurable with what’s meaningful
- Certifications often benefit HR and vendors more than actual capability
- Real competence is demonstrated through problem-solving, not memorization
00:08:15- Why is burnout a system failure?
- Burnout is not heroism—it’s a sign of broken systems
- Advocates for sustainable staffing, mandatory downtime, and psychological safety
- Elite cybersecurity allows people to rest because systems work
RESOURCES:
Learn more about Joshua D Copeland: LinkedIn
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Profile
- Enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at 17, initially working in logistics
- Accidentally became a workgroup administrator due to his affinity for computers
- Transitioned into formal cybersecurity roles across help desk, penetration testing, GRC, and Chief Security Officer positions
- Emphasizes adaptability and continuous learning
