CyberWire Daily Simone Petrella: Fake it, until you make it. [CEO] [Career Notes]
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Feb 8, 2026 Simone Petrella, CEO of CyberVista and former DoD threat intelligence analyst, built a company to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. She discusses career pivots from counterterrorism to cyber, hiring for analytical potential over tech pedigree, empowering teams to own work, and the mantra of faking it until you make it.
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Unexpected Career Pivot Into Cyber
- Simone Petrella moved from aspiring volcanologist to DOD analyst after 9/11 shifted her interests toward counterterrorism and policy.
- She accepted a last-minute contract supporting computer network operations with no prior knowledge and learned on the job, which launched her cyber career.
From Volcanoes To Counterterrorism
- Simone originally wanted to study volcanoes and be a national park ranger before 9/11 redirected her toward government and counterterrorism.
- The post-9/11 environment in Washington, D.C. reshaped her career path into defense and intelligence work.
Hire For Curiosity, Train The Technical
- Simone found nontechnical hires with curiosity became strong analysts if trained, while pure technical people struggled to adapt.
- CyberVista formed to bridge the chasm between employer needs and individual training by focusing on role-based, measurable skills.