In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Teja Sane, a Data Assurance Engineer, to talk about her journey from growing up in India with no interest in technology… to building a career in cybersecurity.

Teja shares how she started as a mechanical engineer, moved to the U.S. for further education, and chose to study information systems because she was interested in it—not because she had any plans to go into cybersecurity.

At the time, she knew nothing about cyber. It wasn’t until a mentor encouraged her to give it a try—despite fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty—that things began to shift.

We talk about imposter syndrome, the pressure to succeed, taking certifications like Security+, GSEC, and CISSP, and what it really looks like to step into cybersecurity when you don’t think you belong.

Now, with experience and multiple certifications, Teja is focused on giving back and helping others find their path. If you’ve ever felt unsure about starting, changing directions, or stepping into something new, this conversation will resonate.

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. In this episode of Authentically Cyber, I sit down with Kim Mansour, Founder and Coach at Three Worlds Coaching, to talk about what burnout actually looks like—especially in technology and cybersecurity—and why so many people don’t recognize it until they’re deep in it.

Kim shares her journey from software engineering to career coaching, along with real insight into the difference between stress and burnout, early warning signs to watch for, and why so many people stay in roles where they’re unhappy.

We also talk about how to start taking back control, why venting can actually be helpful, and simple ways like writing things down to better understand what you’re feeling. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re just stressed… or something more, this conversation is for you.

0:00 Introduction

1:43 From software engineering to career coach

5:06 Burnout in careers

6:13 Burnout in technology (especially cybersecurity)

7:33 Burnout vs. stress

12:10 Early warning signs of burnout

15:30 Unhappiness and signals of burnout

18:38 Why people stay in jobs they’re unhappy in

22:24 Tips for taking back control

24:54 Why venting helps

28:00 Writing out your thoughts

29:05 Who burns out quickly?

34:40 First steps to dealing with burnout

Rae McElroy didn’t start her career in cybersecurity with a technical background. In fact, when she first entered the field, she had very little technical knowledge at all.

Through determination, mentorship, and a willingness to learn, Rae worked her way through GRC roles, completed a software engineering bootcamp to strengthen her technical foundation, and eventually launched her own company.

But the journey wasn’t just about skills. Like many professionals in cybersecurity, Rae also faced intense imposter syndrome along the way.

In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to break into cybersecurity, build confidence in your abilities, and create opportunities even when you feel like you’re starting from behind.

In this conversation we discuss: • Starting a cybersecurity career without a technical background • Moving from GRC into more technical work • Why Rae decided to complete a software engineering bootcamp • Battling imposter syndrome in cybersecurity • Building the confidence to launch your own company

Authentically Cyber explores the human side of cybersecurity careers through honest conversations with the people shaping the industry.