Episode 339 Deep Dive: M.K. Palmore | Leading Through Uncertainty: Security, Safety, and Cyber Awareness in a Time of Crisis

In this episode, we sit down with M.K. Palmore, Chief Executive Officer at Apogee Global RMS, as he explores strategies for leading through uncertainty with a focus on security, safety, and cyber awareness in times of crisis. M.K. emphasises the critical importance of practicing security response scenarios, noting that organisations truly respond better in real-world incidents when they’ve regularly rehearsed decision-making with their teams. He discusses the value of people-centric leadership, the need for strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external partners, and the dangers of letting practice fall to the bottom of the priority list. As security concerns grow globally—particularly for government officials and public leaders—M.K. reflects on the heightened threat landscape, the impact of political divisiveness, and the role of leadership in lowering tensions. He concludes by highlighting the enduring need for leaders to maintain humanity and remain diligent, ensuring decisions are always made with people at the centre. M.K. Palmore is an award-winning cybersecurity executive, military veteran, public speaker, and leadership advisor with more than 30 years of combined public- and private-sector experience. He is the Founder and CEO of Apogee Global RMS, a veteran-owned enterprise risk management advisory firm delivering solutions across cyber and physical risk landscapes. Through Apogee, he also leads the Apogee Speakers Bureau, a premier platform showcasing more than 40 diverse experts at the intersection of technology, leadership, and security. Palmore’s distinguished career includes service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, leadership as head of the Cyber Security Branch at the FBI’s San Francisco Field Office, and senior executive roles in the private sector, including VP/Field CSO at Palo Alto Networks and Director in Google Cloud’s Office of the CISO. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Palmore also holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. His expertise spans cybersecurity strategy, executive risk management, leadership, digital transformation, cloud security, and national security. He is widely sought after as a keynote speaker and advisor to boards and senior executives navigating today’s complex threat landscape. Through Apogee Global RMS and its Speakers Bureau, Palmore is advancing his mission to amplify diverse voices and perspectives shaping the future of technology, leadership, and security.