How does a serial entrepreneur navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape? In this conversation with Mike Armistead, co-founder and CEO of Pulse Security AI, Cam and Otis explore the art of building companies that endure beyond short-term trends.

"Leadership is about matching strategies to people and situations," Mike explains, drawing from his extensive experience in founding and growing technology companies. From his early days at Pure Software and Lycos to co-founding Fortify Software and Respond Software, Mike shares insights into the critical role of timing, persistence, and adaptability in entrepreneurial success.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Mike's focus on the intersection of technology and business strategy. "The next major shift is artificial intelligence," he notes, discussing how Pulse Security AI is bridging the gap between technical security tools and broader business objectives. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or a leader looking to align strategies with people, Mike's journey offers a roadmap for navigating complex challenges with clarity and purpose.

More About Mike:
Mike Armistead is a serial entrepreneur and corporate leader who has built and grown technology companies for more than thirty years. His career began at Pure Software, Reed Hastings’ first startup before Netflix, and later at Lycos during the early internet boom. He went on to co-found Fortify Software, which grew into a category leader before being acquired by HP. Mike then co-founded Respond Software, which was acquired by FireEye for $186 million in 2020. When FireEye split into Mandiant and later became part of Google, he continued to focus on the next major shift in technology: artificial intelligence. Today, Mike is the co-founder and CEO of Pulse Security AI, where he helps organizations close the gap between technical security tools and the broader business strategies they are meant to support. A Stanford-educated engineer, he has also coached more than 500 youth sports
games, an experience that shaped his belief that leadership is about matching strategies to people and situations. His career reflects persistence, timing, and a commitment to building companies that last beyond short-term trends.

#10xyourteam #EntrepreneurialLeadership #TechLeadership #SerialEntrepreneur #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #AILeadership #ScalingCompanies #StartupJourney #TechInnovation #LeadershipMindset


Chapter Times and Titles:

From Pure Software to Lycos [00:00 - 10:00 ]
Introduction to Mike Armistead
Early career at Pure Software and Lycos
Lessons from the early internet boom

Co-Founding Fortify Software [10:01 - 20:00 ]
Building a category leader in software security
The journey to acquisition by HP
Key takeaways from scaling a tech company

Respond Software and the FireEye Acquisition [20:01 - 30:00 ]
Co-founding Respond Software
The $186 million acquisition by FireEye
Navigating the acquisition process

The Next Major Shift: Artificial Intelligence [30:01 - 40:00 ]
Founding Pulse Security AI
Bridging the gap between tech tools and business strategy
The role of AI in future technology trends

Leadership Lessons from Youth Sports [40:01 - 50:00 ]
Coaching over 500 youth sports games
How sports shaped Mike's leadership philosophy
Matching strategies to people and situations

Building Companies That Last [50:01 - End]
Persistence and timing in entrepreneurship
Final thoughts on enduring business success
How to connect with Mike and Pulse Security AI

Mike Armistead,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-armistead-1164715/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulse-security-ai-inc/
https://pulsesecurity.ai/