In the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship, where innovation reigns supreme and risks are embraced as opportunities, a new wave of leaders is emerging, challenging conventions and reshaping industries. Among these trailblazers are women whose vision, resilience, and inventiveness are not only transforming their own ventures but also rewriting the narrative of success in the startup landscape.
In this series of articles, titled “Breaking Barriers: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Shaping the Startup Landscape,” we embark on a journey to uncover the stories behind the women CEOs who are leaving a significant mark on their respective industries. These visionary leaders are defying stereotypes, overcoming obstacles, and forging new paths towards progress and prosperity.
Throughout this series, we will explore the diverse profiles of women CEOs, each with her unique background, challenges, and triumphs. We will delve into their motivations, aspirations, and the strategies they employ to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship in a world that is often dominated by male voices.
Through in-depth interviews, insightful analyses, and firsthand accounts, we aim to shed light on the pivotal role that women entrepreneurs play in driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and redefining success in the startup ecosystem.
Join us as we celebrate the achievements, unravel the challenges, and honor the contributions of women entrepreneurs who are breaking barriers and shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Theirs are the stories of courage, determination, and triumph that will inspire everyone (not only women!) to dream bigger, reach higher, and forge ahead on the path to a more equal and vibrant startup landscape.
Part 1: The Visionary of Cybersecurity – The Profile of Lucyna Szaszkiewicz, the CEO and Co-Founder of 1Strike.io
In the fast-paced realm of cybersecurity, where threats evolve by the second and the stakes are higher than ever, one woman stands at the forefront, pioneering a path towards resilience and empowerment. Meet Lucyna Szaszkiewicz, the CEO of 1Strike.io, a cybersecurity company revolutionizing the way organizations confront and combat cyber threats.
At the heart of 1Strike.io lies a singular objective: to empower organizations with the tools and knowledge to navigate the treacherous waters of cyber warfare. Specializing in delivering software that autonomously simulates and combats cyber threats, 1Strike.io offers a beacon of hope in an increasingly uncertain digital landscape. With their innovative approach, they aim to assist organizations in constructing cyber resilience, ensuring they stay one step ahead of malicious actors.
Reflecting on her journey, Lucyna’s accomplishments stand as a testament to her unwavering determination and vision. A decade ago, amidst the demands of motherhood and MBA studies, she founded the “Freedomownia” foundation—an initiative designed to empower young mothers to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Against all odds, she organized gatherings, invited speakers, and fostered a community of over 500 women, all while juggling the responsibilities of childcare.
Looking back on your journey, what accomplishments are you most proud of and what do you hope to achieve in the future as a leader in your industry?
“Firstly, ten years ago – founding the “Freedomownia” foundation when I was on maternity leave and finishing my MBA studies. A spontaneous initiative to enable young moms like me to carve out a slice of everyday life to pursue their own business ideas, develop useful technical competencies, and get some good energy! At the time, the only alternative offerings we could take advantage of were babywearing or decoupage workshops. C’mon – I wanted to learn web development, ecommerce building or performance marketing. Despite the fact that I had no experience or financial resources, I organized 18 meetings, invited brilliant speakers, and gathered a total of more than 500 female participants bringing with them 150 of the most patient kids!!! Btw. you must know that at that time I was still breastfeeding my little son. I am in contact with many of the girls to this day, I got feedback that these events were very important for them, they were an inspiration for their further development and changed their professional path. But probably most- mine, courage and a great sense of influence began to build in me.
And I felt how much satisfaction comes from a sense of mission – acting in harmony with yourself but also for the good of the community. All the energy invested in this endeavor came back to me many times over. Since then, I have always engaged in topics that I considered important and in which I fully believed.”
These early experiences laid the foundation for Lucyna’s future endeavors, instilling in her a deep sense of purpose and mission. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded transformative projects and earned a reputation as a pioneer who gets results. From selling cutting-edge technologies in foreign markets to revolutionizing digital banking, Lucyna’s track record speaks volumes about her resilience and adaptability:
“I’ve had many sales successes and transformational projects. I’m a typical hunter, so results have always motivated me, but the second most important accomplishment was earning a reputation as “the one who always delivers” and “does the impossible”. – such as selling voice biometrics technology that no one knew about at the time in the distant Brazilian market, spearheading the implementation of Poland’s first recurring payment on the biggest daily newspaper paywall, moving the bank’s business customer service to digital at a record pace and low budget. I think this is mainly due to an opportunistic approach, finding pleasure in continuous self-development, total acceptance of potential failure but also “learnedness”, i.e. focus on analysis of lessons learned.”
Now, as a leader in the cybersecurity industry, Lucyna Szaszkiewicz is poised to make her mark once again. With 1Strike.io, she envisions a cultural shift—a world where cybersecurity is not merely an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of organizational strategy. Through innovative technologies and a commitment to continuous improvement, she aims to train a new generation of experts and revolutionize the way companies approach cybersecurity.
“In the industry in which I currently operate – cyber security, I would like to be able to influence a cultural change based on real, continuous building of cyber resilience in companies, rather than the “paper” illusion of implementing single pentests once a year, creating unpractical procedures and ad hoc, chaotic actions. So that a strategic, holistic approach becomes an obvious trend, just like being fit- taking care of the condition of our bodies. And the opinion that managers and boards of directors who don’t care about the safety of their customers, employees and partners would simply be ashamed! Train a new generation of experts using cutting-edge technologies and tools to automate the optimization of these previously costly and difficult processes in cyber security”
Despite improvements in gender equality, women entrepreneurs still tend to face biases in the startup environment. From Silicon Valley to global tech hubs, discrimination restricts access to funding and resources. In Poland, where most startups are founded and run by men, the discrepancy is clearly visible. Is it true that women have it more difficult to “make it” within the startup space? We asked Lucyna about her thoughts on the subject.
Have you experienced any gender-based discrimination or biases in your current entrepreneurial journey?
“Yes, throughout my 16 years in the IT industry, especially in the beginning when I was younger and more sensitive to it, I have experienced gender-based discrimination. I’ve encountered sexism, undervaluation of my skills and competencies, although in recent years, I’ve noticed a significant change in culture and attitudes. However, I still encounter biases, especially in discussions with investors, where I face “promotion and prevention questions” as described in the Harvard Business Review*. Additionally, there’s unequal treatment and evaluation of my actions and decisions compared to male startup founders. Fortunately, I’m surrounded by very supportive male co-founders and advisors who are attentive and focused on bringing about change in this area.”
*(source: https://hbr.org/2017/06/male-and-female-entrepreneurs-get-asked-different-questions-by-vcs-and-it-affects-how-much-funding-they-get )
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to start their business?
“Just do it. Everything you don’t know, you’ll learn through practice, gaining experience! Build your support network akin to the ‘PayPal Mafia’, consisting of advisors and experts who possess knowledge and skills you lack. Prepare for challenges and problems – everyone faces them! Being an entrepreneur, in my opinion, is about finding joy in the journey of building a growth mindset.”
