From firefighter aspirations to securing the defense industrial base—this episode of The Virtual CISO Moment dives into a career path that didn’t follow the plan… and turned out better because of it.

Robert Duchesne shares how a pivot from the Air Force into cybersecurity led him to supporting national security missions, leading enterprise security operations, and ultimately launching RD3 Technologies. Along the way, he breaks down the realities of building a cybersecurity business, the difference between government and corporate risk mindsets, and why passion—not paychecks—has to be the driving force in this field.

We also get into what it really takes to succeed in cybersecurity today: constant learning, understanding the business, and becoming a trusted advisor—not just a technical expert.

If you’re navigating your own path in cybersecurity or thinking about starting something of your own, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.