CEO Gene Yu on BBC Outlook: From Special Forces to Cyber Forces

LAST EDITED:
PUBLISHED:
7/5/2025

What drives a man from the battlefield to the boardroom? How does that journey shape Gene’s approach to leading Blackpanda? What’s in store for the future of cyber incident response?

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In a gripping episode of BBC Outlook, Gene Yu, CEO and Founder of Blackpanda, shares the extraordinary true story of how he went from a rebellious Asian-American teen to a decorated Green Beret, and eventually to a private citizen leading a hostage rescue mission in a Philippines jungle.

More than a thrilling rescue tale, the episode paints a powerful portrait of resilience, purpose, and leadership — qualities that define Gene and infuse everything we do at Blackpanda.

Small-medium businesses are disproportionately targeted by cyber threats, yet underserved in response capabilities. This podcast offers a glimpse into:

  1. The mindset behind Blackpanda’s mission: From elite military operations to real-world incident response, Gene’s experience shapes Blackpanda’s rapid and decisive approach to digital emergencies.
  2. Values that build trust: Integrity, preparation, and relentless execution aren’t just military principles—they’re business-critical in cybersecurity.
  3. The origins of a leader: Understanding Gene’s backstory provides insight into the DNA of Blackpanda: resilient, adaptive, and always ready to act.

Gene’s insights are for anyone interested in the intersection of cybersecurity, leadership, and crisis response. Listen to the interview here.