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Elle Zoma
Elle Zoma
Principal Consultant

Cyber GTM GirlTalk Podcast S2:E1

Posted on 1 September 2024
Stanton House Podcast: Cyber Go-To-Market Girl Talk with Tal Kollender
In Stanton House’s latest episode of ‘Cyber Go-To-Market Girl Talk,’ Elle Zoma, our specialist GTM recruiter for pre-IPO security vendors, kicks off the second season by diving into the unique challenges and triumphs of women in cybersecurity leadership roles. This season, the podcast explores the startling statistic that less than 1% of security vendors have female CEOs or Founders.

In this first episode of series two, Elle interviews Tal Kollender, CEO and Co-Founder of GYTPOL, a cybersecurity firm known for its innovative approach to device misconfiguration detection and remediation. Tal Kollender, often compared to the "technology version of J.K. Rowling," shares her journey from a hacker to a startup CEO. She founded GYTPOL with the aim to go beyond just visibility in cybersecurity by providing comprehensive solutions that include detection, continuous monitoring, and zero-disruption remediation. Tal’s passion and dedication to solving cybersecurity problems, coupled with her unique perspective as a former hacker, have been pivotal in the success of GYTPOL, which started from a simple idea sketched on a napkin.

The episode delves into Tal's experiences in the male-dominated cybersecurity field, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support from both male and female colleagues. Tal discusses the challenges she faced, such as overcoming stereotypes and building credibility in a predominantly male industry. She credits her success to the supportive environment created by her co-founders and mentors, which allowed her to lead and grow the company confidently.

We encourage listeners to take away key insights on building a successful startup team, the importance of integrity and reputation in the cybersecurity community, and the value of perseverance and passion. Tal emphasizes the significance of having a strong support network, the need for women to be direct and assertive in their careers, and the critical role of mentorship in navigating the challenges of the cybersecurity industry. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring female entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the dynamics of leadership in cybersecurity startups!