Scrappy to Strategic: Erik Episcopo on Building SEO Systems, Navigating AI Shifts, and a Growth Mindset

Listen to the Podcast

In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, David Khim interviews Erik Episcopo, SEO Manager at Wiz, one of the fastest-growing cloud security companies (recently acquired by Google). Erik shares his unconventional career path, from answering a Craigslist ad while in Taiwan to building high-scale SEO programs at CrowdStrike and Wiz. They discuss what it takes to be a “super IC,” how AI is reshaping SEO workflows and strategy, and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in a shifting landscape. From experimenting with AI-assisted content to managing massive content refresh cycles, Erik offers a thoughtful, energetic view into what modern growth-focused SEO looks like.

Key Takeaways

• From Craigslist to Cloud Security: Erik began his SEO journey in Taiwan via Craigslist, building scrappy resume content—and now runs enterprise SEO at Wiz.
• What Makes a Super IC: Top individual contributors creatively solve problems, leverage AI, and own results without waiting for permission.
• Hiring for AI Fluency: Erik looks for candidates with real-world AI experiments, not just philosophical opinions on LLMs and content automation.
• SEO Workflows at Scale: At Wiz, Erik scaled content from day one—launching engines, refreshing content, and coordinating localization at speed.
• Early Career Lessons from Link Building: Writing hundreds of persona-based HARO pitches helped Erik master storytelling, resourcefulness, and outreach.
• The Value of Scrappiness: A past filled with “gray hat” tactics taught Erik the limits of SEO and how to think like a growth-minded marketer.
• Learning > Stagnation: A guiding principle for Erik is: if you’re not learning or growing, it’s time to move—and that’s fueled his career pivots.

Show Links

• Visit Wiz and its Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms page
• Connect with Erik Episcopo on LinkedIn
• Connect with David Khim on LinkedIn and Twitter
• Connect with Omniscient Digital on LinkedIn or Twitter

Time Stamps

• [00:00] Intro to Erik Episcopo and his role at Wiz
• [04:30] Wiz’s Google acquisition and SEO at warp speed
• [08:45] AI in hiring: what Erik looks for in SEO candidates
• [15:12] The “Super IC” mindset and how to move fast with AI
• [20:20] Taroko Software: scrappy SEO incubator in Taiwan
• [26:30] Persona-driven link building and HARO wins
• [32:10] Domination in resume and wedding dress SEO
• [36:45] Transitioning from teaching to tech via Craigslist
• [42:00] Lessons from Taiwan: growth mindset and risk-taking
• [48:20] Navigating uncertainty and leaning into experimentation