In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Diondria sits down with cybersecurity expert and Solutions Consultant Shanikqua Burks—an Army Intelligence veteran, CISSP-certified professional, and founder of Pre-Sales Advancement and Training Hood (PATH).

With over 18 years of experience in federal cybersecurity and enterprise technology, Shanikqua breaks down what it really takes to succeed in cyber and pre-sales—from translating complex security concepts for executives to building trust that actually closes deals.

This conversation is for the builders, the protectors, and anyone navigating the intersection of risk, technology, and business impact.

Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, pivot into pre-sales, or level up your career, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, mindset, and long-term growth.

🔗 Connect with Shanikqua

LinkedIn: Shanikqua Burks

Instagram / Threads: @SBsellsTech

P.A.T.H: https://www.buildwithpath.org/

🚀 Call to Action

If this episode helped you, share it with someone trying to break into tech, cybersecurity, or pre-sales.

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⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Shanikqua’s journey into cybersecurity

03:00 – What federal cybersecurity looked like then vs now

07:00 – What Zero Trust actually means

11:30 – Simplifying cybersecurity for executives

13:00 – The challenge of selling in federal markets

14:00 – What a Solutions Consultant actually does

17:00 – What separates top SEs from average

20:00 – From $150K to $250K: what changes

22:00 – Discovery vs Demo (key moment)

29:00 – Building PATH and mentoring others

32:00 – Confidence and navigating imposter syndrome

34:00 – Mindset shifts for career growth

37:00 – When to pivot roles

38:00 – Building your personal brand

40:00 – Breaking into pre-sales and cyber

43:00 – Lightning round

45:00 – Final advice