Dwayne Natwick’s journey to the pinnacle of the technology and cybersecurity world is a compelling narrative of dedication, passion, and strategic vision. As the CEO of Captain Hyperscaler, LLC™, Dwayne has built a company that not only focuses on high-quality technical and professional training but also embodies his deep-rooted values of mentorship and innovation. This profile delves into Dwayne’s remarkable career, his vision for Captain Hyperscaler, and his thoughts on the future of cybersecurity.
Early Beginnings and First Steps into Technology
Dwayne Natwick’s foray into the world of technology began almost 40 years ago, at the tender age of 13. His father managed a company that installed phone cables for notable clients such as the US Postal Service in Washington, DC, and NASA on Wallups Island, VA. During school breaks and summers, Dwayne would assist in these installations, gaining hands-on experience that would lay the foundation for his future career. This early exposure to the technical aspects of the industry sparked a passion that would drive him forward.
In 1989, Dwayne’s father ventured out to start his own company. Dwayne continued to work with him, learning the ropes of the business during high school and college breaks. This period was instrumental in shaping his work ethic and technical skills.
Transition to Management and Leadership Roles
After earning an undergraduate degree in Business Management, Dwayne worked full-time for his father, installing computer and telephone cabling. His career took a significant turn in 1995 when he entered the management training program for a network and telecom distribution company. This role relocated him from Maryland to Michigan, where he was tasked with opening a new location. Starting as the Assistant Manager, Dwayne quickly rose to the position of Manager, overseeing the hiring and development of staff.
Despite his evident leadership abilities, Dwayne found himself often playing the role of a de facto supervisor without the official title. This pattern continued for years as he held various roles within different teams. Although recognized as a senior member and mentor, formal leadership positions seemed elusive.
Breaking Through to Leadership
The turning point came when Dwayne joined a Microsoft training provider. Here, he worked closely with the CEO as the Training Architect Lead, managing a team of technical trainers and customer support managers. Under his guidance, the team delivered high-quality training to clients, showcasing his leadership and strategic capabilities. This role solidified his path towards leadership in the technology and cybersecurity training sectors.
Dwayne’s next significant role was with a global systems integrator’s managed security service provider team, where he served as the Global Cloud Security Lead. His expertise and strategic vision were critical in shaping the company’s cloud security initiatives.
Founding Captain Hyperscaler, LLC™
In August 2023, Dwayne made a bold move by founding his own company, Captain Hyperscaler, LLC™. This venture was born from his passion for sharing knowledge and his desire to mentor the next generation of technology professionals. Captain Hyperscaler aims to provide high-quality technical and professional training that goes beyond mere certification. The company’s mission is to offer courses that not only prepare students for exams but also impart valuable knowledge that can be applied to their organizational needs.
Captain Hyperscaler, LLC™: Mission, Vision, and Values
A Commitment to High-Quality Training
Captain Hyperscaler was established with a clear mission: to deliver a white-glove, high-touch training experience. Dwayne’s extensive experience in the training industry has shown him that many courses are overly focused on certification content, neglecting the practical, transitive value that benefits organizations. Captain Hyperscaler seeks to fill this gap by providing training that prepares students for certification exams while also equipping them with practical skills that enhance their organizational contributions.
Building a Risk-Aware Culture
One of the core objectives of Captain Hyperscaler is to foster a risk-aware culture within organizations. Dwayne believes that cybersecurity training should not only focus on technical skills but also on building awareness and understanding of security risks across all levels of an organization. This holistic approach aims to create a culture where security is a shared responsibility.
Inclusivity and Ownership
Captain Hyperscaler’s values are deeply rooted in inclusivity and a sense of ownership. Dwayne emphasizes that everyone within the organization, from trainers to client directors to students, should feel a sense of belonging and ownership in the company’s success. This inclusive culture is designed to motivate and inspire, ensuring that every team member is committed to the company’s mission and vision.
The Importance of Attitude and Passion
Dwayne’s approach to building and managing teams is centered on attitude and passion. He believes that technical skills can be taught, but the right attitude and a genuine belief in the company’s mission are crucial. By focusing on these characteristics, he ensures that his team members are not only skilled but also deeply committed to their roles.
Training and Development
As a leader in the training industry, Dwayne places a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. He ensures that his team has access to the resources and training they need to stay ahead of industry trends and developments. This commitment to professional growth is a cornerstone of Captain Hyperscaler’s success.
Creating a Motivating Culture
A clear mission and a motivating culture are vital for organizational success. Dwayne has witnessed companies falter due to a lack of direction and an uninspiring culture. At Captain Hyperscaler, he strives to create an environment where employees are motivated by the company’s mission and feel valued for their contributions. This culture of motivation and respect is a key driver of the company’s achievements.
Vision for the Future
Long-Term Goals for Captain Hyperscaler
Over the past five years, Dwayne has focused on building his personal brand, which has now evolved into Captain Hyperscaler. His long-term vision for the company includes expanding its services to deliver comprehensive training that encompasses both technical skills and cybersecurity awareness. By fostering a risk-aware culture within organizations, Captain Hyperscaler aims to become a leading provider of holistic cybersecurity training.
Expanding Impact and Awareness
Dwayne envisions Captain Hyperscaler as a catalyst for change in the cybersecurity industry. He aims to work with other cybersecurity leaders to build awareness about cybersecurity threats and ethical use of information. This includes addressing issues like cyberbullying and educating users of all ages about security risks. By doing so, he hopes to create a more secure and informed digital landscape.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Lessons from Experience
Balancing professional commitments with personal life is a challenge that Dwayne has mastered over his 26-year marriage and the raising of three children. He emphasizes the importance of making time for family and ensuring that professional responsibilities do not overshadow personal commitments. This balance is crucial for long-term success and personal well-being.
Coaching and Family Time
Dwayne’s commitment to family is evident in his involvement in his children’s activities. He has coached sports teams for his children over the past 15 years, most recently his youngest son’s basketball team. This involvement not only strengthens his family bonds but also provides him with a fulfilling break from professional responsibilities.
Impact on the Security Industry
Educating and Empowering Teams
Before founding Captain Hyperscaler, Dwayne made significant contributions to the security industry as the Global Cloud Security Lead for a managed security services division. His role involved educating and empowering global teams to effectively address cloud security needs. By sharing his knowledge and expertise, he enhanced the capabilities of teams worldwide, helping them better serve their clients.
Thought Leadership and Community Engagement
Dwayne is an active thought leader in the cybersecurity community. He has spoken at major conferences such as AWS re:Inforce and GrrCon, sharing insights on topics like managed security and building a risk-aware culture. His presence on podcasts, user groups, and other platforms further amplifies his impact, making cybersecurity knowledge more accessible to a broader audience.
Contributions to Literature and Media
Dwayne has also contributed to the field through on-demand courses and published books on cybersecurity. His status as a Microsoft MVP and AWS Community Builder enables him to leverage social media and his podcast to disseminate valuable information and engage with the community. These contributions have positioned him as a respected voice in the cybersecurity space.
Values and Work Culture at Captain Hyperscaler
Inclusivity and Ownership
Captain Hyperscaler’s values are centered on inclusivity and a sense of ownership. Dwayne believes that every member of the organization should feel valued and invested in the company’s success. This inclusive culture fosters collaboration and innovation, driving the company forward.
Commitment to Quality and Integrity
The company’s commitment to quality and integrity is reflected in its training programs. By ensuring that courses provide transitive value to organizations, Captain Hyperscaler upholds high standards of excellence. This commitment extends to all aspects of the business, from customer interactions to internal operations.
Advocating for Change in the Security Industry
Prioritizing Risk Awareness
Dwayne is a strong advocate for building a risk-aware culture within organizations. He believes that many companies still do not prioritize security adequately, often acting without a thorough understanding of risks. By encouraging organizations to take a step back and reevaluate their security strategies, he hopes to promote more effective and proactive security practices.
Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
The rise of artificial intelligence presents both opportunities and challenges for the security industry. Dwayne emphasizes the need for ethical use of AI and proper training to understand its implications. Captain Hyperscaler is preparing to be at the forefront of this change by incorporating AI-related security training into its programs, ensuring that organizations can navigate the evolving technological landscape responsibly.
Preparing for the Future of Security
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence
Dwayne views the ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence as a technological revolution akin to the industrial revolution of the early 1900s. As companies continue to integrate AI into their operations, the need for robust security measures and ethical guidelines becomes increasingly critical. Captain Hyperscaler is committed to providing the necessary training to help organizations understand and manage these challenges.
Building a Risk-Aware Culture
A risk-aware culture is essential for navigating the complexities of modern technology. By promoting security awareness from top executives to everyday users, Captain Hyperscaler aims to create an environment where everyone understands and values security. This approach not only mitigates risks but also enhances overall organizational resilience.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Pursuing Passion Over Trends
Dwayne’s advice to budding entrepreneurs is to pursue areas they are passionate about rather than following trends. Success in security, AI, cloud, or any other field requires a deep commitment and genuine interest. Entrepreneurs should identify areas of need within their chosen industry and develop a clear mission and value proposition.
Building a Motivating Culture
Creating a motivating and inclusive culture is crucial for long-term success. Dwayne emphasizes the importance of building a culture that others respect and are inspired by. This involves clear communication of the company’s mission, fostering a sense of ownership among team members, and ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
In Summary:
Dwayne Natwick’s journey from a young technician helping his father to the CEO of Captain Hyperscaler, LLC™ is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership. His commitment to high-quality training, building a risk-aware culture, and promoting inclusivity has positioned Captain Hyperscaler as a leader in the cybersecurity training industry. As he continues to mentor others and advocate for better security practices, Dwayne’s impact on the industry will undoubtedly grow, shaping the future of cybersecurity for years to come.
