Ep.9 - Maxie Reynolds, Founder of Subsea Cloud

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In this episode of the Hackers to Founder podcast, host Chris REal0day interviews Maxie Reynolds, a pioneer in sustainable technology and cybersecurity. Maxie shares her unique journey from working offshore as a ROV pilot to founding Subsea Cloud, a company focused on underwater data centers. She discusses overcoming family expectations, her experiences in the offshore industry, and her transition into cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on cultural differences experienced while living in Alabama and Australia, her philosophy on life choices, and her brief foray into the entertainment industry as a stuntwoman and actress. In this conversation, Maxie shares his experiences ranging from cultural misunderstandings to the challenges faced during red team engagements in cybersecurity. He discusses his transition from working at PWC to starting his own firm, emphasizing the importance of networking and building a client base. Maxie also highlights the significance of continuous learning through reading and debates the effectiveness of carbon capture and other environmental solutions. Finally, he introduces his company, Subsea Cloud, which focuses on innovative data center efficiency. In this conversation, Maxie discusses the intricacies of subsea operations, emphasizing the cost efficiency and energy dynamics involved. He shares insights on the challenges faced by startups, particularly in navigating the enabler's dilemma and the impact of antitrust regulations. The discussion also covers client acquisition strategies, the exploration of GPU trials, and the landscape of crypto mining. Maxie highlights the importance of networking and building authentic connections, while also touching on the art of social engineering and perceptions in networking. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Maxie delve into the intricacies of red teaming, the importance of social engineering, and the profound impact of literature on personal and professional development. They discuss their dream team for red team engagements, share insights on various influential books, and reflect on the writing process and its challenges. The dialogue highlights the significance of knowledge sharing and the role of imagination in problem-solving, culminating in a thoughtful exploration of happiness and lifestyle choices.

Takeaways

• Maxie  Reynolds is a trailblazer in sustainable technology and cybersecurity.
• She overcame family expectations to pursue a career offshore.
• Maxie's journey includes working as a ROV pilot and in underwater robotics.
• She transitioned into cybersecurity and founded her own company.
• Cultural experiences in Alabama and Australia shaped her perspective.
• Maxie emphasizes the importance of taking opportunities in life.
• She believes parenting is a challenging and thankless task.
• Maxie's philosophy is to live an interesting life without regrets.
• She has a unique background in stunt work and acting.
• Maxie's experiences highlight the intersection of technology and personal growth. Cultural identity can lead to misunderstandings in professional settings.
• Red team engagements can present unexpected challenges.
• Transitioning to entrepreneurship often involves risk and uncertainty.
• Networking is crucial for building a client base.
• Continuous learning through reading is essential for personal growth.
• Carbon capture technology faces significant challenges and skepticism.
• Data centers can be made more efficient through innovative cooling solutions.
• Being likeable, driven, and smart are key traits for success.
• Understanding the technical aspects of environmental issues is vital.
• Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities. Water has a high specific heat, affecting ocean warming.
• Subsea operations can be significantly cheaper than traditional methods.
• Startups often face challenges due to the enabler's dilemma.
• Antitrust movements can benefit startups by reducing acquisitions.
• Determination and synthesis of information are key to startup success.
• Client trials are a common strategy for acquiring larger companies.
• The crypto mining market presents unique opportunities and challenges.
• Targeting large companies is a primary focus for growth.
• Funding strategies are crucial for operational success.
• Networking authentically can lead to valuable connections. Max shares his ideal red team members, emphasizing their unique skills.
• Social engineering is a crucial aspect of red team engagements.
• Books like 'The Artist's Direction' and 'Atomic Habits' are influential.
• Maxie prefers actionable, research-based books over self-help.
• The conversation touc