Plenty of people dream to become doctors, business owners, professional athletes, and even become President, so why not do everything you dream of? Here’s how Michael Raskovskiy, a U.S Navy hospital corpsman veteran, became not only Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for over eighteen years, but also a business owner of his own MMA gym, labeled “Ironhide Academy.” 

As young individuals in high school we are always engendered with a crucial question, “What will you do after highschool?” Pondering on the idea about what you want to do for the rest of your life can be a bit intimidating. Some of us know the answer right away, some of us just haven’t figured it out yet, or we want to do multiple things but can’t decide. You don’t always have to stick to one thing, just like Michael Raskovskiy, who got multiple degrees in a variety of different majors, while also maintaining a successful business. 

Raskovskiy became Vice President and CISO by being persistent and conscientious. His job consists of overseeing corporate and Federal cybersecurity programs. In shorter terms, it aims towards the protection from cyber threats and hackers. 

Raskovskiy received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Campbell University, a Masters Degree of Science in Information Security and Assurance from Western Governors University, as well as a Graduate Degree in International Business from the University of Liverpool. 

“I am a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, a Certified Ethical Hacker, and a Certified Hacking Forensics Investigator,” explained Michael Raskovskiy. All in all, he spent a total of ten years in school. With the right amount of devotion his profession wasn’t a hard thing to achieve.

“All I had to do was be passionate and persistent,” stated Raskovskiy.

He is very professional in what he does, but doesn’t let it override what he also loves doing, martial arts. He got into martial arts over thirty years ago at the age of six by watching martial art movies. Raskovskiy even acquired a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With his experience, love, and passion for martial arts, he, along with some of his close friends, created their own MMA gym, Ironhide Academy located in Leesburg, Virginia. In fact, all owners of Ironhide Academy served in the U.S Armed Forces. Raskovskiy is also an instructor at Ironhide Academy. He teaches Jiu Jitsu, submission wrestling, and MMA. He is also a participant in the sport, winning numerous international competitions.

“I compete and coach grappling tournaments, kickboxing and MMA fights,” stated Raskovskiy.

He highlights the importance of not only doing a serious profession that helps provide for his family, but also doing a profession that he simply just gets to enjoy competitively, as well as being able to help others gain confidence. He enjoys being an instructor because it keeps him confident and committed.

“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I protect the well being of American warfighters and the public,” explained Raskovskiy. 

“Be relentless in pursuing your dreams. Tune out the naysayers and ditch all the negative people in your life,” expresses Raskovskiy. This is what aids Michael Raskovisky in being successful in all his professions.