"Resistance training is, you know, they can take away everything in terms of like, your comfort, your warmth, your food, you know, etc, make you disoriented, but they can't take away your will to resist, right? And they can't take away your mind, right? That's the thing that you can always control in terms of resistance. And so I emphasized that to her what they taught us over and over, which was, never forget who the enemy is." - Gene Yu In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast featuring Gene Yu, the founder and CEO of BlackPanda, we explored innovative approaches to cybersecurity and the vital role of crisis response. Gene’s unique background as a former Green Beret and West Point graduate has significantly shaped BlackPanda's approach. The company has revolutionized the cybersecurity field by offering emergency response services wrapped in an insurance-like product, making high-quality cybersecurity accessible and affordable for businesses across Asia. Gene emphasized the importance of credibility and trust in cybersecurity, drawing on his military background to build a strong and reliable brand in the industry. Gene also shared insightful stories from his career, highlighting the importance of transferring skills across domains and the human element in crisis response. His transition from military crisis management to cybersecurity showcases the adaptability and strategic thinking required in both fields. Gene's amazing experience rescuing a family friend from Abu Sayaff terrorists underscored the critical role of resilience, psychological strength, and human connection in crisis situations. BlackPanda's focus on specialization and niche expertise in emergency cybersecurity has positioned them as a leading firm, capable of delivering highly effective and efficient solutions tailored to specific emergencies. Gene shared a gripping, ⁠true story⁠ about rescuing a family friend that had been kidnapped by ⁠Abu Sayyaf⁠, an experience that profoundly impacted his life. This mission highlighted the importance of resilience, adaptability, and human connection in crisis situations. Amazon commissioned Gene to write a book about the incident that will be released on October 1, 2024 and you can find it ⁠here.⁠ https://t.ly/69ZHy