In this week’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Clare Ryan, CEO of ITUS, a cybersecurity company dedicated to helping small businesses navigate the ever-evolving threat landscape. Clare shares her incredible journey, from growing up in a council estate and selling fruit & veg at the local market to becoming the first in her family to attend university. Clare’s story is full of twists, including a memorable placement year spent in Australia working in an abattoir—while her friend got to research the health benefits of chocolate for Mars! She also talks about her role as an Access Officer at university, where she supported other first-generation students and showed them what’s possible with the right guidance. We dive deep into Clare's decision to start her own company, why she chose cybersecurity, and the challenges she faced along the way—from being let go from her role to securing investment and the power of networking. Clare also shares valuable insights on what she looks for when interviewing staff, how someone can break into the IT industry, and the best courses for those looking to learn more about IT. This conversation is packed with practical advice and key takeaways, not just for job seekers or those exploring new career directions, but also for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. #CyberSecurity #Entrepreneurship #WomenInTech #CyberCEO #PhDJourney #Neurogenesis #SmallBusinessProtection #StartupStory #Leadership #ITIndustry #WomenInSTEM #BusinessInnovation #TechLeadership #CyberThreats #CyberProtection #CareerJourney #FirstGenSuccess #CEOInsights #NetworkingTips #EntrepreneurialJourney #PodcastEpisode #CareerInspiration #CybersecurityStartup