Michael C. | Leland

Michael C.

5.0

Studied at Colorado Technical University

Works at Stanley Black & Decker

Available Monday at 10:00 PM UTC

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Available Monday at 10:00 PM UTC

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About Michael

My career began humbly—earning just $10 an hour doing essential tech support work. I didn’t have a prestigious degree or a long list of connections. What I did have was curiosity, grit, and an unshakable determination to build a better life through technology. It didn’t happen overnight. But over the years, as I grew technically and professionally, the compensation caught up. I went from hourly paychecks to salaried roles. From subcontractor gigs to being a trusted cybersecurity leader. From trying to “get a foot in the door” to building doors of opportunity for others. Today, I make well over six figures doing work I love—solving complex problems, protecting critical systems, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. My journey proves that you don’t have to start with privilege or prestige to build a rewarding career in tech. You have to start—and never stop learning.

Why do I coach?

I coach and mentor new professionals in cybersecurity because I remember what it felt like to start from the bottom—feeling overwhelmed, unsure, and constantly wondering if I was “good enough” to make it in this field. Cybersecurity can be intimidating when you’re new. There’s so much to learn, and it’s easy to feel like everyone else is miles ahead. I had mentors who gave me guidance, encouragement, and tough love when I needed it—and that made all the difference. Now, it’s my turn to pay it forward. I coach because I believe the next generation of cybersecurity professionals doesn’t just need knowledge—they need belief. They need someone to remind them that they can make it, even if they didn’t go to a top school, if they’re changing careers or starting from scratch as I did. Coaching matters because skills alone don’t get you through the tough days—support does. Having someone in your corner who’s been through it, who can help you navigate the learning curves, the setbacks, and the imposter syndrome, can be a game-changer. If I can help someone grow their confidence, land that first job, or take the next step in their career, I’ve done something beyond tech—it’s about building people, not just pipelines.

Work Experience

Business Information Security Officer

Stanley Black & Decker

October 2024 - Present

Leading SBD's NIST SP 800-171 implementation for its Government Technologies (GT) Business Unit to achieve a Cybersecurity Maturity Model, Level 2 accreditation.

Adjunct Faculty

Amarillo College

January 2023 - Present

Courses Taught: CMPT-2349, Advanced Computer Networking Technology (Server+); ITSY-2341, Security Management Practices (PenTest+) Security Awareness and Security

Faculty

American Public University

December 2023 - October 2024

Courses Taught: ISSC461, IT Security: Countermeasures; ISSC290, Securing Databases; ISSC642, Intrusion Detection and Incident Handling Security Awareness and Security

Information Systems Security Manager

Consolidated Nuclear Security,

July 2020 - March 2024

Led multiple multi-member, multi-site, and cross-functional project teams and coordinated the secure implementation of several hybrid and cloud-based enterprise products. Product Security, Corporate Security and +20 skills

Chief Warrant Officer 2

United States Army Reserve

August 2007 - July 2020

I was responsible for maintaining, processing, and troubleshooting Army computer systems and operations, including multiple virtual server environments in rugged conditions. I led and managed junior enlisted soldiers concerning information systems, communications, and networking theory and equipment training. Provided artifact information for certification authorization under NIST 800-53. Product Security, Information Assurance and +12 skills

Michael was also given offers to work at

Pantex
Sprint/Nextel
Coalfire
Comcast

Education

Colorado Technical University

Doctor of Computer Science, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance

2019 - 2022

A key to staying one step ahead of cybercriminals may be constant and vigilant monitoring of systems and networks. You could grow your expertise in managing enterprise systems through understanding Sarbanes-Oxley regulations, trust and privacy best practices, and enterprise tools such as CORBA and J2EE, XML, RDF, OWL, and UML with a Doctor of Computer Science degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from CTU. Security Management, Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and +13 skills