Dr. Carlous Caple on Cybersecurity, Global Training, and Entrepreneurial Legacy
- Legend Magazine
- Oct 21
- 4 min read
The World Became My Classroom
Dr. Carlous Caple on Cybersecurity, Global Training, and Entrepreneurial Legacy
From psychology professor to cybersecurity analyst for the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Carlous Caple has built a career that defies convention and demands attention. His journey began in academia, but the events of 9/11 transformed his trajectory—pushing him from theory into practice, from classroom to combat zones, and ultimately into the heart of global digital defense.
With a portfolio that includes training for NASA, the U.S. Army, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Delta, Dr. Caple now designs cybersecurity platforms and training systems that protect federal infrastructure and empower professionals worldwide. His work is rooted in adaptability, cultural fluency, and a deep understanding of human behavior—making him a rare hybrid of strategist, educator, and practitioner.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Caple shares the pivotal moments that shaped his philosophy, the realities of transitioning into cybersecurity, and the cultural insights that drive his entrepreneurial success.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped your business philosophy?
Dr. Caple: The tragedy of September 11, 2001. Before then, I was a university professor focused on theory. After 9/11, I had to become a practitioner. I was working with the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), developing training for officers during multiple deployments. That moment forced me to meet real-world needs. The world became my classroom.
Q: How did your background in psychology evolve into cybersecurity?
Dr. Caple: It started unexpectedly. I was conducting workshops and conferences, and the needs were typical. But then I began developing short courses for military officers who needed training on the move. That snowballed. I left academia and joined the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) full-time. Today, I’m an Information Security Business Analyst with the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, designing training platforms and vetting systems through the Risk Management Framework Authority to Operate (ATO) process.
Q: What does your current role involve?
Dr. Caple: I analyze stakeholder needs and create training and development platforms. As an information systems analyst, I guide programs through an ATO process, ensuring applications are secure and continuously monitored for cyber threats. It’s about delivering stellar security across federal systems.
Q: What advice do you give to people who want to break into cybersecurity?
Dr. Caple: It’s not just about boot camps or courses. You need to understand your personal perspective on cybersecurity—how you secure yourself. Then, translate that into a career. Start with certifications, yes, but also focus on transferable skills. Learn how to protect yourself first, then others.
Q: How do you balance creativity with the practical demands of your work?
Dr. Caple: Creativity is essential. I work with diverse clients, so I have to configure outcomes that fit unique needs. Brainstorming and problem-solving are where creativity meets practicality.
Q: What role has networking played in your journey?
Dr. Caple: A huge role. I joined the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) and met incredible mentors—like the late Dr. Asa Hilliard. That network opened doors and shaped my thinking. I hold a concentration in Business Analytics from the Harvard Business School. My experience there expanded my network to different worlds and cultures I never knew existed. That experience provided a foundation that led me to serving as a Vice President for Academic Affairs in Accra, Ghana. It’s the people you meet while on your journey that impact your standing and the direction you will go.
Q: What traits define a successful entrepreneur today?
Dr. Caple: Cultural literacy and adaptability. You must study culture and engage with people outside your comfort zone. That’s where innovation happens.
Q: How do you stay ahead of trends in your industry?
Dr. Caple: I track emergent trends across cultures. Media and travel are my biggest sources of inspiration. I firmly believe in travel as the best education for life’s work.
Q: Can you share a time when you had to pivot your business strategy?
Dr. Caple: I’ve worked across government, finance, and military sectors while maintaining a focus on education and technology. Each pivot taught me to be adaptable. I live by the scout’s motto: “Always be prepared.”
Q: What’s your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Dr. Caple: Study your industry. Understand the trends. Outline your structure. Then execute—boldly.
Q: How do you foster a positive company culture?
Dr. Caple: I get to know people. Everyone has something to contribute. Understanding individuals helps organizations to function productively.
Q: What long-term impact do you hope your work will have?
Dr. Caple: I want others to see themselves beyond traditional structures. Business doesn’t have to be confined to four walls. It can be fluid and global.
Dr. Carlous Caple’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention—proof that purpose often emerges from disruption. What began in the halls of academia evolved into a mission that now spans continents, industries, and digital frontiers. His work doesn’t just protect systems—it empowers people. From training military officers during wartime to securing federal platforms and mentoring future cybersecurity professionals, Dr. Caple has transformed adversity into architecture, theory into action, and knowledge into global impact.
At a time when the world is more connected—and more vulnerable—than ever, his voice reminds us that cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and code. It’s about culture, adaptability, and the courage to pivot when the world demands more of us. His legacy is not confined to titles or institutions, but lives in the minds he’s trained, the systems he’s secured, and the communities he’s inspired to think bigger, act bolder, and lead with integrity.
In a digital age defined by disruption, Dr. Caple stands as a stabilizing force—one who proves that the most powerful defense begins not with technology, but with vision.
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