Efren L. Salazar

05/28/2025

🎙️ LIVE Podcast Event: Code Red - AI Disruption & the Business of Digital Defense

Mr. Tolgay Kizilelma, Ph.D. brings a rare fusion of executive experience, academic leadership, and AI risk innovation, making him a must-hear voice in cybersecurity today.

🎧 Join us as we discuss how AI is redefining cyber governance, careers, and compliance, and get your questions answered live.

📲 Watch LIVE on your favorite platform:
🔴 Zoom → https://lnkd.in/gH7UcrVr
📺 YouTube Live → https://lnkd.in/gAJ9Zc_z
💼 LinkedIn Live → https://lnkd.in/giXa57yR
🎯 RSVP & Submit your questions here:
✅ https://lnkd.in/gjSDRHjn

🎧 Missed it? Catch the replay on:
🎙️ Apple Podcasts → https://lnkd.in/g2fJbZGn
🎵 Spotify → https://lnkd.in/g9FPh4ri

05/23/2025

🔥 GUSTAVO Part 2 is LIVE! 🎙️
Now streaming on Spotify, YouTube & Apple Podcasts 🟢🔴🍏

This episode, we break down the real power of working in MSPs and MSSPs — and why coming from these industries can be a MAJOR win for your tech and cybersecurity career. 💼🔐

💥 Why it matters:
✔️ Unique skills you gain
✔️ Doors it opens in cybersecurity
✔️ Long-term growth potential

If you’re serious about leveling up in tech, this is one you don’t want to miss. 💯

🎧 Link in bio to listen now!
Tag someone who needs to hear this👇

05/21/2025

🎙️ Wake Up X Solutions Podcast is HERE to shake up your mindset and fuel your grind! 🚀

Whether you’re into cybersecurity 🔐, entrepreneurship 💼, or leveling up your career 🔥, we’ve got real talk, expert insights, and motivational gems you won’t want to miss.

🧠 New episodes drop with 🔥 topics like:
• Network Security & VPN Protection
• Career Growth in Cybersecurity
• Behind-the-scenes of building a brand
• Lessons from powerful books like So Good They Can’t Ignore You

🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Tag someone who needs to hear this 👇

01/13/2025

🚨 Big News! 🚨

We’ll be recording with Gustavo Mastroianni soon,
make sure to share your comments and questions now!

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our Wake UP X Podcast packed with expert insights, tips, and guidance to help you navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. 🔐

Cybersecurity is more important than ever. As cyber threats continue to rise, protecting data, privacy, and business operations is crucial. This podcast will explore why cybersecurity is essential, the growing demand for professionals, and how you can elevate your career in this field.

Why Cybersecurity Matters:

Protecting Data & Privacy:
Cybersecurity helps safeguard personal and business data from cybercriminals who are constantly developing new attack methods. A strong security strategy is essential to prevent data breaches and identity theft.

Business Continuity:
Cyberattacks can disrupt business operations and cause significant financial damage. A solid cybersecurity framework ensures business continuity, even during a crisis.

Evolving Cyber Threats:
Cybersecurity is an exciting, fast-paced field. As technology evolves, so do the threats, and professionals must stay ahead of the curve by continuously learning and adapting.

Benefits of Pursuing Cybersecurity:

High Demand & Career Growth:
The cybersecurity field is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for skilled professionals in every industry. This creates numerous career opportunities and high-paying roles.

Job Security:
With the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, this field offers strong job security, providing a stable career with significant impact.

Skill Development:
Cybersecurity professionals are always learning and adapting to new challenges, making it an intellectually rewarding career.
Stay tuned for our podcast, where we’ll dive deeper into these topics and share expert advice.

Follow me for updates, and stay tuned for the launch! 🚀

01/10/2025

✨Exciting Announcement!✨

I’m thrilled to introduce Gustavo Mastroianni as the first guest on my virtual podcast! Gustavo Mastroianni is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) responsible for overseeing technical and cybersecurity operations in his organization. With his vast expertise and leadership in the field, this conversation promises to be insightful and inspiring.

A huge thank you to Gustavo Mastroianni for being my first guest! I’m excited to announce that this podcast will be launching on all platforms, including YouTube and LinkedIn, so be sure to keep an eye out for it!

Here’s a sneak peek at the topics we’ll cover:

1. Let’s Chat About Your Journey

We’ll start by exploring Gustavo's personal journey into cybersecurity:

How did he get started in the field?

What challenges did he face, and what pivotal moments shaped his career?

2. Recommended Frameworks and Why

Gustavo will share his thoughts on the best cybersecurity frameworks, including:

NIST, CIS, and others.

Why these frameworks are effective and how they’ve influenced his approach to security.

3. GRC vs. Cybersecurity: Which Path Is Better?

We’ll dive into the differences between Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) roles and traditional cybersecurity roles:

Which path offers more career growth?

How do personal interests and goals shape this decision?

4. Cybersecurity Across Industries

Which industries are poised for the most growth in cybersecurity?

Healthcare, schools, or government?

Gustavo’s perspective on where the demand will rise and why.

5. Skills and Mindset for Success

What does it take to excel in cybersecurity?

The balance between technical expertise and leadership skills.

Why leadership may or may not be necessary in this field.

6. Certifications vs. Experience

Are certifications or hands-on experience more valuable in cybersecurity?

Gustavo’s advice on achieving credibility and growth in the industry.

Whether professionals should aim for both.

7. Starting Salaries and Expectations

What’s a reasonable pay range for new grads with little to no experience?

Insights on entering the field, growth potential, and setting realistic expectations.

12/10/2024

I want to share something with you

The first time I saw you was back in 2004, during our freshman year. I knew then that I wanted to be with you, but I was too shy and insecure to approach you. We both moved on after high school, and I didn’t see you again for years. I always wondered about you, hoping for another chance to cross paths.

Then, as fate would have it, we bumped into each other while I was working on a project for a friend. This time, I told myself I couldn’t let the opportunity slip away—I had to ask for your number. It’s funny to think that I didn’t even realize you were connected to people I knew from work and childhood.

This year is special to me because it marks exactly 20 years since I first saw you, and I want to honor that milestone by making it even more meaningful.

Through the years, we’ve faced challenges that have shown me how strong and resilient you are. Your strength inspires me to do more for us and our family. From the start, I’ve always told you that no matter how tough things get, you’ll never have to face them alone. We’re a team, partners in every sense of the word, and I’ll always be here to support you—even when you feel like you don’t need it.

You mean everything to me, and I’m grateful for the life we’ve built together. 💍

I love You! 💓

11/05/2024

I'm excited to offer a hands-on training program designed to help people break into the tech industry! 💻✨ This program will cover essential skills like computer hardware, custom builds, troubleshooting, and corporate IT skills. By the end, you'll be ready to start or secure a position in corporate business IT. 🚀

This training will be one-on-one, either with me or a team member, providing real-time experience with communication, ticketing systems, and phone support to simulate real client interactions. 📞💼

If you're interested in joining and are ready to work toward success in tech, let me know by commenting "Yes" below! 👍 I've created this program in response to many requests for help, guidance, and mentorship, and I’m excited to help you reach your goals! 🎉

10/24/2024

It’s a privilege to be one of the five chosen for this position, and I’m proud to represent our entire Information Technology department at Sutter Health.

- We made it! 💉💻

05/31/2024

2024 HS Diploma 😬

Let's set the record straight: not having a diploma didn't stop my drive or my determination to succeed. It did present a challenge when it came to climbing higher within the company, as a diploma became a requirement. However, I tackled that obstacle head-on and overcame it. For 20 years, I thrived and grew without one, which only fueled my hunger and determination to prove myself despite the lack of formal qualifications. So, don't get discouraged if you don't have a diploma. You can still achieve great things and turn any hurdle into a stepping stone.

- When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.

05/29/2024

A little story:

2008 I was supposed to graduate but I dropped out from high school

2023: I went back to complete my credits to graduate

2024: I have successfully received my diploma and now enrolling to a university 🎓

11/24/2022

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃

11/02/2022

Being a barber is hard, folks. It's not just about cutting hair—it's about making people feel good. And it's about making them look good!

But it's not just about you, either. It's about your customer, and making sure they feel comfortable with what you're doing. You have to listen to them, because they'll tell you what they want or need. And when that happens, you need to be ready to deliver!

And most importantly: always dedicate yourself to improving yourself every time.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zQWRLmGvBd8?feature=share

www.wakeupx.com/podcast

Being a barber is hard, folks. It's not just about cutting hair—it's about making people feel good. And it's about making them look good!But it's not just ab...