Scrappy to Strategic: Erik Episcopo on Building SEO Systems, Navigating AI Shifts, and a Growth Mindset

In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, David Khim interviews Erik Episcopo, SEO Manager at Wiz, one of the fastest-growing cloud security companies (recently acquired by Google). Erik shares his unconventional career path, from answering a Craigslist ad while in Taiwan to building high-scale SEO programs at CrowdStrike and Wiz. They discuss what it takes to be a “super IC,” how AI is reshaping SEO workflows and strategy, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in a shifting landscape. From experimenting with AI-assisted content to managing massive content refresh cycles, Erik offers a thoughtful, energetic view into what modern growth-focused SEO looks like.

Key Takeaways

• From Craigslist to Cloud Security: Erik began his SEO journey in Taiwan via Craigslist, building scrappy resume content—and now runs enterprise SEO at Wiz.
• What Makes a Super IC: Top individual contributors creatively solve problems, leverage AI, and own results without waiting for permission.
• Hiring for AI Fluency: Erik looks for candidates with real-world AI experiments, not just philosophical opinions on LLMs and content automation.
• SEO Workflows at Scale: At Wiz, Erik scaled content from day one—launching engines, refreshing content, and coordinating localization at speed.
• Early Career Lessons from Link Building: Writing hundreds of persona-based HARO pitches helped Erik master storytelling, resourcefulness, and outreach.
• The Value of Scrappiness: A past filled with “gray hat” tactics taught Erik the limits of SEO and how to think like a growth-minded marketer.
• Learning > Stagnation: A guiding principle for Erik is: if you're not learning or growing, it's time to move—and that's fueled his career pivots.

Show Links

• Visit Wiz and its Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms page
• Connect with Erik Episcopo on LinkedIn
• Connect with David Khim on LinkedIn and Twitter
• Connect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or Twitter

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Also, check out our Kitchen Side series where we take you behind the scenes to see how the sausage is made at our agency:

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