#51: Mariana Padilla: Leading the HACKERverse

We sat down with the Co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse (Recently known as KIKrr) to discuss entrepreneurship, product security, and the power of networking.

About Mariana Padilla

Mariana Padilla is the Co-founder and CEO of HACKERverse (Recently known as KIKrr). She is a self-described smasher of status quos and there’s nothing she hates more than being told “this is the way we’ve always done it.” Mariana initially joined HACKERverse because she had personally experienced the pain of purchasing enterprise software and was immediately on board with the vision of disrupting the traditional sales process. The challenge of solving the software sales problem lights her up and she won’t stop until she’s successful in creating a buyer-led sales motion for the cybersecurity industry.

Summary of the Conversation with Mariana Padilla

Mariana Padilla, co-founder and CEO of Hackerverse, shared her journey into cybersecurity, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for disrupting traditional software sales. She discussed her commitment to promoting diversity in cybersecurity and her participation in Google’s Growth Academy AI cybersecurity program.

Career Journey

Entry into Cybersecurity: Initially unfamiliar with cybersecurity, Mariana was drawn into the field after meeting her co-founder, Craig, and learning about his vision for Hackerverse.
Hackerverse Vision: The company aims to create a buyer-led sales motion in cybersecurity, allowing users to evaluate tools independently without relying on traditional sales processes.
Personal Motivation: Mariana’s experience with the painful process of purchasing enterprise software motivated her to join Hackerverse and work towards improving the software sales experience.

Insights and Highlights

Entrepreneurial Lessons: Emphasized the importance of flexibility and consumer feedback in entrepreneurship. She learned that starting with consumer insight and being open to pivoting is crucial for success.
Cybersecurity Insights: AI is a significant focus, both as a tool to enhance internal processes and as a potential security risk. The need to secure AI tools and address new threat vectors is top of mind.

Google’s Growth Academy AI Cybersecurity Program

Program Details: Hackerverse was one of 17 teams accepted into the 2024 cohort, providing access to Google product team members, mentors, and the Mandiant team.
Goals for Hackerverse: Leveraging AI safely to streamline internal processes, creating effective product roadmaps, and partnering with industry leaders to enhance their platform.

Promoting Diversity in Cybersecurity

Gender Disparities: Highlighted the gender disparities in cybersecurity and the need for more diversity. Shared her experiences at RSA and her involvement with programs like Hacker in Heels.
Future Initiatives: Plans to use Hackerverse to increase diversity in the talent pool through strategic partnerships, educational programming, and community engagement.
Allies and Mentors: Acknowledged the support of allies in the field and emphasized the importance of bringing men into the conversation to promote diversity.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Networking: Emphasized the importance of building a strong network in the cybersecurity industry. Mariana shared her approach of having numerous virtual coffees and engaging with people on LinkedIn.
Giving First Mentality: Advocated for a give-first approach, offering help and support to others in the industry. This builds strong relationships and fosters a supportive community.
Human Connections: Stressed the significance of building genuine human connections and maintaining visibility within the industry.

Closing Remarks

Mariana Padilla’s insights into cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of diversity provided valuable perspectives for the audience. Her focus on networking, consumer feedback, and giving first mentality were highlighted as key takeaways for professionals in the field.