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Authentically Cyber

Authentically Cyber

By: Kathy Chambers
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About this listen

Cybersecurity careers rarely follow a straight line.

Authentically Cyber explores the real stories behind the people working in cybersecurity today. From career pivots and unexpected first steps to leadership, entrepreneurship, and everything in between, these conversations reveal how people actually break into and grow in cyber.

If you're curious about the human side of cybersecurity careers, you're in the right place.

Kathy Chambers Media 2026
Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Cybersecurity Wasn’t the Plan: A Mentor Changed Everything
    Apr 14 2026

    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.

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    30 mins
  • Burnout vs. Stress in Cybersecurity: How to Know the Difference
    Apr 6 2026

    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

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    39 mins
  • From GRC to Founder: How Rae McElroy Built a Cybersecurity Career from Scratch
    Mar 26 2026

    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.

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    27 mins
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