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Underground Strategy

Bridging Military Tactics with Cybersecurity in FinTech

Season 1, Ep. 12

In this episode of Underground Strategy, we welcome Hex, a former operations officer in the South African Navy with 18 years of specialized experience in electronic warfare, now known as electromagnetic warfare. With a career rooted in cyber and electronic security strategies, Hex has a unique skill set that merges military precision with cutting-edge cybersecurity techniques.


After completing his MBA, Hex made the transition from military operations to the FinTech world, where he currently serves as the Security and Fraud Manager at Kazang. His work focuses on securing micro-payments for South Africa’s informal sectors, overseeing everything from threat detection and anomaly detection to robust cyber protection protocols. Hex's goal is to bridge the gap between traditional financial services and underserved communities, bringing security to vulnerable transactions.


Join us as we dive into Hex’s fascinating journey, from military tactics to modern-day cybersecurity, and how his expertise is being applied to safeguard financial services in a rapidly changing digital world.


Tune in for an insightful discussion that bridges the worlds of military operations and modern FinTech cybersecurity!

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  • 26. Military Christmas - Reflections and Realities

    35:13||Season 1, Ep. 26
    In this edition of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony bring a festive yet poignant twist to the podcast as they explore the traditions, letters, and unique experiences of military personnel during Christmas. From historical moments like the 1914 Christmas Truce to personal reflections from their own deployments, this episode delves into the resilience and camaraderie that emerge in the most challenging circumstances.Max shares stories of cozy family Christmases alongside recollections of Swedish coffee and festive trimmings on deployments. Tony recounts a warm South African Christmas with deminers, while reflecting on the mix of celebration and loss often faced by those in active duty. They also touch on the famous 1941 Christmas address by Winston Churchill and letters from soldiers in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and even World War II.This episode pays tribute to service members who find ways to honor the season, no matter where they are stationed, while reminding us of the sacrifices made by those serving during the holidays.Wishing all listeners a Merry Christmas, whether you're celebrating at home or far away.Discover Max’s book co-authored by Tony, Number 788: https://a.co/d/2sUkfQSFollow us for updates and more content: https://undergroundstrategy.comMax Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy
  • 25. Military Culture: Ceremonies and the Role of War

    27:55||Season 1, Ep. 25
    In this episode, recorded just days before Christmas, Max Lauker and Tony Garcia bring a relaxed yet reflective tone to the Underground Strategy podcast. From holiday traditions to the deep connections between military service, ceremonial duties, and global conflict, this conversation covers a lot of ground.The episode begins with Max and Tony sharing Christmas traditions—from Swedish celebrations on the 24th to Scottish winter mornings with blazers and cookies for Santa. But the discussion soon transitions into a thoughtful exploration of ceremonial guard duties, their significance, and the cultural differences in how military traditions are honored.Drawing from personal experiences, Max recalls guarding Stockholm’s Royal Castle during a snowy Christmas and reflects on how ceremonial roles contribute to both public engagement and unit cohesion. The conversation expands to military traditions worldwide, from Swiss Guards to riot drills and even the grandiose parades of more autocratic states.Max and Tony also explore how societies view and respect their armed forces, particularly during times of war and peace. Max shares his nuanced perspective on the balance between honoring military service and ensuring the ultimate objective remains peace—a timely reminder as the holidays approach.Discover Max’s book, Number 788 - https://a.co/d/2sUkfQSFollow us for updates and more contentMax Lauker on Instagram: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy on Instagram: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy
  • 24. Andrew Balaam - Selous Scout and Bush War Operator

    01:14:33||Season 1, Ep. 24
    This week on the Underground Strategy Podcast, Max and Tony sit down with Andrew Balaam, a former Selous Scout and veteran of the Rhodesian Bush War.From Andrew’s early life in Southern Rhodesia to his experiences in the legendary Selous Scouts, this episode goes straight into the realities of pseudo-operations, inter-unit rivalries, and life on the frontlines of a conflict that shaped Southern Africa’s history. Andy shares unique insights into the tactical and personal challenges of operating behind enemy lines, as well as his thoughts on leadership, resilience, and the nuances of warfare.Some highlights from the episode:-Life as a Selous Scout: What made this unit unique, and how pseudo-operations reshaped the battlefield.-Operation Detachment: The first vehicle-based cross-border raid into Mozambique and its impact on Rhodesian strategy.-Leadership and Solo Operations: The challenges of operating independently in hostile environments, including Andrew’s unforgettable 57-day mission.-Historical Reflections: Andrew's candid thoughts on the political and personal aftermath of the Rhodesian conflict and his transition to life post-military.Andrew also discusses his books, including Bush War Operator and his latest work Skuzapo, which brings to life the stories and perspectives of both black and white Selous Scouts.Check out Andrew’s books:Bush War Operator: Memoirs of the Rhodesian Light Infantry, Selous Scouts and beyondSkuzapo: The Untold StoryVisit undergroundstrategy.com for additional resources, reviews, and articles or follow us on Instagram.Max Lauker: https://instagram.com/maxlaukerUnderground Strategy: https://instagram.com/undergroundstrategy
  • 23. UGS Special Edition: General Botha - Rise to Power Part 2

    21:51||Season 1, Ep. 23
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  • 22. Military Requirements and Selections - Thoughts and Banter

    37:40||Season 1, Ep. 22
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  • 21. UGS Special Edition: General Louis Botha – Rise to Power Part 1

    23:05||Season 1, Ep. 21
    In this UGS Special Edition, we continue our military legends series with a focus on General Louis Botha, a towering figure in South African military history and often likened to America’s George Washington.In this episode, Max interviews Tony, who shares insights from his co-authored book, Botha, Smuts and the First World War. They explore Botha’s early life, his rise as a commander during the Second Anglo-Boer War, and his strategic genius in defending the Tugela line against British forces. This discussion brings to light Botha’s unique tactical eye, his ability to build loyalty among his troops, and the early guerilla tactics that defined his military approach.Let us know if there are other military legends you’d like us to cover in upcoming episodes!For more on the topic, Tony's book Botha, Smuts and the First World War (available in South African bookstores) provides an in-depth look.The UK edition, Botha, Smuts and the Great War, is available on Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/6dO2j7i
  • 20. WWII Espionage in South Africa with Evert Kleynhans

    26:30||Season 1, Ep. 20
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  • 19. Limited Series Behind the Book: Number 788 - The End of the Beginning

    23:58||Season 1, Ep. 19
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  • 18. Mexican Cartels—The Evolution of Small Armies with Agent Condorito

    21:44||Season 1, Ep. 18
    In this week’s episode of Underground Strategy, Max and Tony sit down with Alex, also known as Agent Condorito, to explore the militarization of Mexican cartels and their evolving tactics. Alex, an open-source intelligence enthusiast, has been closely monitoring cartels through digital channels, uncovering insights that often go underreported.Alex discusses the rapid transformation of cartels like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation Cartels, who have incorporated conventional warfare tactics, specialized units, and heavy weaponry, operating like small armies. The conversation delves into how cartels have leveraged technology—such as drones, anti-drone systems, and social media recruitment—to expand their reach and establish dominance in areas they control.The discussion also highlights the ongoing turf wars, alliances, and internal conflicts within major cartels, as well as the Mexican government’s response and the role of foreign agencies like the DEA. Alex’s stories shed light on the social impact of these cartels, from the widespread violence that affects local communities to the complex web of loyalty and fear that sustains these organizations.Find more insights from Alex on his Instagram page: https://instagram.com/agentcondoritoLinks to Topics Discussed:DEA - https://english.elpais.com/international/2024-05-10/the-deas-crusade-against-the-sinaloa-and-jalisco-cartels-the-most-dangerous-and-deadly-drug-crisis-the-us-has-ever-faced.htmlLos Zetas - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Zetas