Learn to respond to real threats — not just read about them.
1:1 coaching and hands-on lab training for high school and college students who want to build real cybersecurity skills — and a career path to match.
No coding background required. Fully remote.
Sources: ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025
Rod Ware — Founder & CEO
20 years in the field. Now investing it in the next generation.
Rod Ware — Founder & CEO, Respond Consulting LLC
I'm Rod Ware, founder and CEO of Respond Consulting LLC. I hold a degree in Network Engineering from 2004, and my professional career spans over 20 years across IT and cybersecurity — in Entertainment, Higher Education, Financial Services, the Medicaid industry, and the Utility and Energy sector.
What drew me into cybersecurity were the high-profile breaches that started making headlines after 2010. I was tasked to complete security questionnaires from business affiliates for organizations to ensure there was a solid security posture, and took part in full auditing for compliance due to breaches raising the risks and threats companies faced. I left my Director of IT role and did something many people wouldn't have done, which was start over as an Information Security Analyst contractor within a Security Operations Center — SOC for a Financial Services firm. From there I grew in my career to become a Manager for many years across multiple organizations. I began coaching early in my career, working with interns at the companies I was employed with. It became something I genuinely loved — investing my knowledge and experience into developing people. I believe knowledge is power, and in an industry that changes every single day, that belief only grows stronger.
What I've found is that many students who graduate still need to be retrained because the industry moves so fast. What works is giving students a curriculum and training platforms that keep them relevant — continuing education and real preparedness so they can compete for the careers they want. Respond Consulting is my way of giving back: so that on day one of their jobs, students are ready to make an impact, help protect the companies of this nation, and strengthen security across all technologies.
My coaching and custom curriculum building is designed to help students find their true path within cybersecurity. There are many directions to take — and when they find theirs, they can confidently spread their wings and fly.
From zero to incident responder — one session at a time.
We build a personalized roadmap, then work through it together in recurring live sessions.
Free intro call
We talk through your student's interests, current skill level, and goals. No pressure — just a conversation to see if we're a good fit.
Custom roadmap
Your coach builds a personalized learning path — covering the tools, certifications, and lab challenges that match your student's goals.
Recurring sessions
Live 1:1 sessions with hands-on lab work through industry-standard security training platforms. Real skills, not passive video watching.
Built for the student who's curious — and the parent who wants proof it's worth it.
Hands-on from the first session
- No coding background required — we meet you where you are
- Real cybersecurity incident response lab challenges, not lecture videos
- A path toward certifications, competitions, and internships
- Fully remote — work with your coach from anywhere
Structure, credibility, and a clear ROI
- One consistent coach tracking real progress — not a generic course
- Transparent package pricing, including any platform licenses
- Regular check-ins so you can see what's actually being learned
- A field with a well-documented, long-term talent shortage
Three pillars. One integrated program.
Every engagement combines coaching, platform training, and career guidance — not as add-ons, but as a single coordinated program built around your student.
1:1 Coaching
Recurring live sessions with a dedicated coach who tracks your progress, adjusts your roadmap, and holds you accountable — not a rotating roster of instructors.
Platform Training & Licensing
Structured access to industry-standard cybersecurity training platforms — labs, capture-the-flag challenges, and certification prep — included in your monthly rate.
Career Roadmap Guidance
A personalized path through the certifications, tools, and specializations that match your goals — whether that's incident response, cloud security, or something else entirely.
One package. Coaching and training, together.
Coaching and platform training are bundled into a single monthly rate. Platform licenses are included — no separate charges to buy or manage.
1:1 Coaching + Lab Access
Personalized roadmap, recurring live sessions, and hands-on training through industry-standard security platforms.
Book a free intro call.
We'll talk through your student's interests, answer your questions, and figure out together whether Respond Consulting is the right fit.
Request your intro callPrefer to reach out directly?
Send us an email or connect on social media. We're happy to answer questions before you book a call.