Episode Summary: Simone Petrella – "Fake it, until you make it." [CEO] [Career Notes]

CyberWire Daily by N2K Networks | February 8, 2026

Main Theme

This episode features Simone Petrella, CEO of Cyber Vista, sharing her career journey from aspiring volcanologist to cybersecurity executive. Petrella reflects on pivotal moments that shaped her path, her approach to leadership, and her philosophy on bridging the cybersecurity talent gap. The conversation focuses on embracing change, empowering diverse talent, and the importance of networks and mentors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Aspirations & The Impact of 9/11

• Childhood aspirations: Simone originally wanted to be a research scientist and a national park ranger, specifically interested in studying volcanoes.
  • “I was very into national parks and I wanted to be a national park ranger. More specifically, maybe a research scientist to study volcanoes.” (01:32)
• Pivotal moment: The realization of the risks in volcanology shifted her direction, coupled with the transformative effect of 9/11.
  • “The fatality rate of volcanologists is quite high…Turned out it’s a scary field to go into.” (01:46)
  • “Nine eleven was a very transformational event for me…being in Washington D.C. at the time actually really changed my focus and interest in international relations and specifically counterterrorism.” (01:57–02:24)

2. Breaking into Cybersecurity

• First steps: Entered the Department of Defense expecting to work on policy, but her path soon led to a defense contractor and an unexpected assignment in computer network operations.
  • “I had a manager that said, hey, can you go help out on this contract?...I had no idea what that meant…But I was like, sure, let’s give it a try.” (02:42–03:07)
  • “I said, great, let’s give it a try. And I in some ways feel like I have been riding a wave ever since.” (03:20)

3. The Analyst Talent Gap & Upskilling

• Non-technical backgrounds can excel: Petrella found technical aptitude could be taught to those with analytical thinking from any background.
  • “I ended up having a 0% success rate, taking someone with a purely technical background and turning them into an analyst…but what I could do was take journalism majors…prelaw or people with unique backgrounds...If they had an interest and a ability to learn, I could teach them the technical.” (03:44–04:18)
• Talent pipeline issues: She questions the prevailing system, which places undue burden on candidates to upskill, while employer needs evolve rapidly.
  • “There’s really this massive chasm between the two…I really felt like there was a way to help bridge that gap by looking at a more organizational and employer-centric way.” (04:41–05:10)
  • Focused on reframing the skills gap as an issue of measurable employer needs vs. individual responsibility.

4. Leadership Philosophy

• Consensus vs. buy-in: Simone values inclusive decision-making but acknowledges consensus is impossible; seeks buy-in instead.
  • “You know, it’s impossible to build consensus, but you can gain buy-in…It’s important for everyone to be heard and I think co-opting people into the process is really important.” (05:34–05:58)
• Empowering passion:
  • “I would always rather have to rein you back in because you’ve stuck your neck out a little bit too far than push you forward. And I think that’s just about like trust and accountability.” (06:21–06:36)
  • “People will go and do amazing things, but my job is to give them the tools to really excel.” (06:38)

5. Career & Life Advice

• Take risks and trust yourself:
  • “Don’t be afraid to pursue, and in some cases jump into, something that’s totally outside your comfort zone. There’s the old adage to fake it until you make it, but it’s true.” (06:57–07:13)
• Invest in relationships: The value of broad, informal mentorships.
  • “Start to form relationships and a network of people that you admire and respect…you never know what opportunities that will present over time.” (07:20–07:38)
  • The diversity of mentors provides unique perspectives.

6. Legacy & Personal Values

• Being remembered:
  • “When they close the box, what do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for having a compassionate and big heart and having, even if just a small piece to play in someone’s life experience.” (08:13–08:30)
  • Views reward in the impact made on others.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On tackling new challenges:

  “I in some ways feel like I have been riding a wave ever since.”
  — Simone Petrella (03:22)

• On upskilling and diversity in cybersecurity:

  “If they had an interest and a ability to learn, I could teach them the technical.”
  — Simone Petrella (04:15)

• On leadership:

  “As a leader, I am a firm, firm believer in the idea of empowering people to really own and kind of run with the things that they're passionate about.”
  — Simone Petrella (06:00)

• On risk:

  “Don’t be afraid to pursue and in some cases jump into something that's totally outside your comfort zone. There’s the old adage to fake it until you make it, but it's true.”
  — Simone Petrella (06:58)

• On mentorship:

  “It’s amazing how much that diversity of what I consider to be informal mentors can provide perspective wise...”
  — Simone Petrella (07:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Simone’s Early Aspirations & 9/11: 01:30–02:45
• Entry into Cybersecurity: 02:42–03:22
• Talent Development & Analyst Success: 03:44–04:41
• Reframing the Skills Gap: 04:41–05:19
• Leadership Style & Empowerment: 05:20–06:40
• Career Advice – Fake It Until You Make It & Networking: 06:57–07:42
• Personal Legacy: 08:13–08:30

Tone & Style

Petrella’s narrative is candid, introspective, and encouraging, marked by a focus on tangible impact and the human side of cybersecurity. Her advice is practical, inclusive, and based on real experience, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and nurture broad networks.

This episode provides a motivating insider’s perspective on forging non-traditional paths in cybersecurity and reminds listeners that attitude, adaptability, and a heart for people are as crucial as technical skills.