MILCOM Founders Podcast -- Episode 11: From Army Intelligence to Cybersecurity Leader with Odie Gray 

Join host Rod Loges and guest Odie Gray as he shares his journey from Army intelligence professional to founding Dominus Gray and the Diversity Cyber Council, organizations dedicated to cybersecurity excellence and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech. 

In this episode: 

• Odie's path from a challenging childhood to finding direction through military service 
• His transition from flight operations to information security in the Army 
• Building two successful ventures: a cybersecurity compliance consultancy and a nonprofit tech education organization 
• The importance of meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude in business leadership 
• Why merging smaller businesses might be more effective than the traditional "wear many hats" entrepreneurial model 

Key takeaways: 

• The military principle of "lead by example" translates powerfully to business leadership 
• Technology skills will be essential as automation transforms the workforce by 2030 
• Nonprofits like Diversity Cyber Council play a crucial role in building an inclusive tech workforce 
• Seek environments where you and your business are valued rather than forcing opportunities 
• "Rejection is redirection" - use setbacks to guide you to better-aligned opportunities 
• Being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle commitment, not just a profession 

Guest: Odie Gray, Army Veteran and Founder of Dominus Gray and Diversity Cyber Council 

• LinkedIn: Connect with Odie Gray 
• Business Website: Dominus Gray 
• Nonprofit: Diversity Cyber Council 

Odie Gray is an Army veteran who transitioned from military intelligence to become a cybersecurity leader and social entrepreneur. Through Dominus Gray, he helps organizations meet cybersecurity compliance requirements, including CMMC certification and FedRAMP certification. His nonprofit, Diversity Cyber Council, provides technology education to underserved communities, helping them build careers in tech while addressing critical workforce gaps. 

Beyond his professional work, Odie is an avid traveler, certified scuba diver, and writer who was first published at age 11. His approach to business combines military discipline with a commitment to authenticity and creating opportunities for others. 

Looking ahead, Odie continues to grow both his businesses while participating in entrepreneurial programs throughout Texas, focusing on building partnerships and creating more opportunities in cybersecurity.

The MILCOM Founders Podcast champions and celebrates military community business owners. Each episode brings practical insights and lessons learned from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

Sponsored by One Degree Financial www.onedegreefinancial.com

Want to support veteran entrepreneurs? Learn about the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund at https://www.milcomfounders.com/