Scrappy to Strategic: Erik Episcopo on Building SEO Systems, Navigating AI Shifts, and a Growth Mindset

In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, David Khim interviews Erik Episcopo, SEO Manager at Wiz, one of the fastest-growing cloud security companies (recently acquired by Google). Erik shares his unconventional career path, from answering a Craigslist ad while in Taiwan to building high-scale SEO programs at CrowdStrike and Wiz. They discuss what it takes to be a “super IC,” how AI is reshaping SEO workflows and strategy, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in a shifting landscape. From experimenting with AI-assisted content to managing massive content refresh cycles, Erik offers a thoughtful, energetic view into what modern growth-focused SEO looks like.Key TakeawaysFrom Craigslist to Cloud Security: Erik began his SEO journey in Taiwan via Craigslist, building scrappy resume content—and now runs enterprise SEO at Wiz.What Makes a Super IC: Top individual contributors creatively solve problems, leverage AI, and own results without waiting for permission.Hiring for AI Fluency: Erik looks for candidates with real-world AI experiments, not just philosophical opinions on LLMs and content automation.SEO Workflows at Scale: At Wiz, Erik scaled content from day one—launching engines, refreshing content, and coordinating localization at speed.Early Career Lessons from Link Building: Writing hundreds of persona-based HARO pitches helped Erik master storytelling, resourcefulness, and outreach.The Value of Scrappiness: A past filled with “gray hat” tactics taught Erik the limits of SEO and how to think like a growth-minded marketer.Learning > Stagnation: A guiding principle for Erik is: if you're not learning or growing, it's time to move—and that's fueled his career pivots.Show LinksVisit Wiz and its Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms pageConnect with Erik Episcopo on LinkedInConnect with David Khim on LinkedIn and TwitterConnect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or TwitterSome interviews you might enjoy and learn from:Actionable Tips and Secrets to SEO Strategy with Dan Shure (Evolving SEO)Building Competitive Marketing Content with Sam Chapman (Aprimo)How to Build the Right Data Workflow with Blake Burch (Shipyard)Data-Driven Thought Leadership with Alicia Johnston (Sprout Social)Purpose-Driven Leadership & Building a Content Team with Ty Magnin (UiPath)Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:Blue Ocean vs Red Ocean SEOShould You Hire Writers or Subject Matter Experts?How Do Growth and Content Overlap?Connect with Omniscient Digital on social:Twitter: @beomniscientLinkedin: Be OmniscientListen to more episodes of The Long Game podcast here: https://beomniscient.com/podcast/