CyberWire Daily Podcast Summary Episode: MK Palmore: Lead from Where You Stand. [CISO] [Career Notes]
Host/Author: N2K Networks
Release Date: July 12, 2025

Introduction to MK Palmore

In this episode of CyberWire Daily, host Dave engages in an insightful conversation with MK Palmore, the Director of the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Google Cloud. MK shares his remarkable career trajectory, leadership philosophies, and his passionate advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cybersecurity industry.

Career Journey: From Naval Academy to Marine Corps to FBI to Google Cloud

MK Palmore's career began with a childhood fascination for science fiction and technology. As one of the first in his neighborhood to own an Atari system and a Commodore 64, he developed an early interest in programming.

[01:45] MK Palmore: "I started programming at a very, very young age around BASIC."

Despite his initial aspirations to become an astronaut, MK's path took a decisive turn when he set his sights on the U.S. Naval Academy during his middle school years—a challenging goal for a young African American boy from Southeast Washington, D.C. Through relentless focus and determination, he achieved his dream, attending the Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, Rhode Island, followed by graduating from Annapolis and being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Marines.

MK's military career as a logistician in the Marine Corps Air Wing provided him with a robust foundation in leadership and operations. His transition from the military to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) marked the beginning of his foray into cybersecurity.

[03:30] MK Palmore: "Without explicit mentorship during my time as a young officer in the Marines, I began looking at other opportunities."

At the FBI, MK initially considered a law degree but was drawn to the Bureau's growing focus on cybersecurity. This pivot rekindled his early passion for technology and set him on a path to lead one of the FBI's largest cybersecurity investigative teams in San Francisco.

Transition into Cybersecurity

MK's deep dive into cybersecurity within the FBI exposed him to the evolving challenges of the cyber threat landscape, solidifying his decision to specialize in this critical field.

[05:10] MK Palmore: "Cybersecurity was exactly the right place that I needed to be for any future aspirations professionally."

His extensive experience in cybersecurity investigations and leadership within the FBI provided him with the expertise and strategic mindset necessary for his current role at Google Cloud. Here, MK is responsible for engaging in high-level conversations with customers, helping them identify solutions to digitally transform and maintain relevance in a rapidly changing technological environment.

Leadership Philosophy: Lead from Where You Stand

One of the central themes of MK's discussion is his leadership philosophy: "Lead from where you stand." This approach emphasizes proactive problem-solving, taking initiative, and being a leader in all aspects of one's role, regardless of formal authority.

[07:15] MK Palmore: "Be a leader in all aspects, lean into problems and provide solutions as opposed to sitting back and waiting for others to provide solutions."

MK believes in expanding one's network, availing opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, and fostering environments where both giving and receiving help are encouraged. This philosophy not only drives personal growth but also contributes to the collective advancement of the cybersecurity field.

Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cybersecurity

A passionate advocate for diversity, MK highlights the significant underrepresentation of minorities and women in the cybersecurity industry. He stresses the importance of creating inclusive environments that reflect the diverse society we live in.

[07:55] MK Palmore: "I don't think there are enough folks in this industry that looks like me. We're talking about underrepresented minorities and, of course, I include women in that large swath."

MK emphasizes the need for the industry to actively work towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, believing that a more diverse workforce leads to more innovative and effective cybersecurity solutions. He takes pride in his efforts to help individuals from underrepresented backgrounds gain access to opportunities within the field.

Advice to Aspiring Professionals

Drawing from his varied experiences, MK offers valuable advice to those aspiring to enter or advance in the cybersecurity industry:

1. Mentorship: Seek out mentors who can guide and support your career development.
2. Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and evolving threat landscapes.
3. Networking: Build and maintain a robust professional network to open doors and foster collaborations.
4. Resilience: Maintain focus on your goals despite economic or personal challenges.

[08:25] MK Palmore: "Never let anyone else shake your confidence or shape the view of what you see for yourself."

Conclusion

MK Palmore's journey from a young tech enthusiast to a leading CISO at Google Cloud underscores the importance of resilience, strategic leadership, and a commitment to fostering diversity within the cybersecurity landscape. His insights offer valuable guidance for professionals at all stages of their careers, emphasizing that effective leadership begins with taking initiative and leading from one's current position.

Notable Quotes:

• MK Palmore at [01:45]: "I started programming at a very, very young age around BASIC."
• MK Palmore at [03:30]: "Without explicit mentorship during my time as a young officer in the Marines, I began looking at other opportunities."
• MK Palmore at [05:10]: "Cybersecurity was exactly the right place that I needed to be for any future aspirations professionally."
• MK Palmore at [07:15]: "Be a leader in all aspects, lean into problems and provide solutions as opposed to sitting back and waiting for others to provide solutions."
• MK Palmore at [07:55]: "I don't think there are enough folks in this industry that looks like me. We're talking about underrepresented minorities and, of course, I include women in that large swath."
• MK Palmore at [08:25]: "Never let anyone else shake your confidence or shape the view of what you see for yourself."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates MK Palmore's experiences, leadership philosophies, and his dedication to enhancing diversity within cybersecurity. It serves as an informative overview for those interested in understanding the career pathways and strategic insights of a leading CISO in the industry.