We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tayla Green. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tayla below.

Hi Tayla, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2022, I took a leap that changed the entire trajectory of my career and my life. At the time, I was working in a comfortable role outside of cybersecurity—one with stability, predictable routines, and benefits. But deep down, I knew I had the drive and passion for something more impactful, something that matched the way I think, solve problems, and see the world. That “something” was cybersecurity.

Making the switch wasn’t easy. I didn’t have a traditional background in tech. What I did have was a vision, determination, and a whole lot of grit. So I took the risk: I invested time and money into earning my Master’s in Cybersecurity. I networked obsessively. I studied at night while working during the day. I applied to roles that seemed like a stretch. I prepared for interviews like they were final exams.

And eventually, it paid off.

I broke into the field, landing a role that started my journey as a cybersecurity professional. Not long after, I earned a promotion, jumping a level ahead of schedule. That momentum gave me the confidence to take another risk—launching my own cybersecurity brand and consulting firm.

Now, I’m not only protecting digital infrastructure—I’m building my own. I’m creating pathways for others to enter this space, especially those who come from unconventional backgrounds like mine. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned and used it to found my brand because I believe in hacking the future—our way.

That first risk? It taught me that betting on myself was the best investment I could make. And I haven’t looked back since.

Tayla, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Absolutely! I’m a cybersecurity professional with a passion for both protection and empowerment. My journey into cybersecurity wasn’t traditional—I actually transitioned into this field after working in another industry. I wanted more. More challenge, more impact, and more alignment with my strengths. So I made the bold decision to pivot careers and earn my Master’s in Cybersecurity, all while working full-time. That risk completely transformed my life.

Today, I work in cybersecurity risk and insider threat, helping organizations protect their most valuable assets from within. I analyze threats, develop security programs, and support decision-makers with smart, people-focused solutions. But beyond my day job, I’m building a brand around my own values—one that merges cybersecurity, education, and empowerment.

I launched a consulting and education platform where I offer services like cybersecurity training, risk assessments, and hands-on learning experiences for both businesses and young learners. One of my biggest goals is to bring cybersecurity to communities that don’t usually have easy access to it—whether that’s through school partnerships, summer camps, or relatable online courses.

What sets me apart is how I blend technical expertise with lived experience. I’m someone who entered this industry without the “perfect” background—and I use that as my superpower. I understand how to translate complex security concepts in a way that actually makes sense to real people. I see cybersecurity not just as protection, but as power—and I want others to feel that too.

I’m most proud of the fact that I bet on myself, made a bold shift, and created a path where there wasn’t one laid out for me. That decision opened doors, but it also gave me a mission: to help others step confidently into spaces they were never expected to enter.

At the core of everything I do—whether it’s working with clients or building out educational programs—is the belief that cybersecurity should be accessible, empowering, and deeply human.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was this idea that I had to follow a “perfect path” to be successful.

For a long time, I believed that in order to make it—especially in tech—I needed to have the right degrees, the right internships, the right connections. And because I didn’t come from that mold, I often questioned whether I truly belonged in rooms filled with people who did. I was smart, ambitious, and driven—but I also carried this quiet pressure to constantly prove myself.

That mindset held me back more than I realized. It made me hesitate. It made me overthink opportunities. It made me minimize my wins, even when I’d worked twice as hard for them.

The turning point came when I decided to pursue cybersecurity full-time. I didn’t have the most traditional resume, but I had real grit, real curiosity, and a master’s degree I earned through serious hustle. I started showing up in rooms anyway—at conferences, interviews, meetings. I stopped trying to “measure up” to someone else’s story and started owning mine.

That’s when everything changed. I landed roles I once thought were out of reach. I got promoted faster than expected. I found my voice, and with it, a new level of confidence.

Unlearning that old idea—that there’s only one path to success—freed me. Now, I lead with authenticity and resilience, and I make space for others who are carving out their own way too. Because success doesn’t require perfection. It just requires you to keep showing up—even when the blueprint doesn’t look like anyone else’s.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Honestly? It’s been a mix of consistency, authenticity, and being unapologetically me.

In cybersecurity—a field that can feel super technical and intimidating—I’ve built my reputation by making things more human, more relatable, and more real. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out, and I’m not afraid to share my journey, including the pivots, the challenges, and the bold risks I took to get here. People respect that.

I also make it a point to show up—not just for job titles or promotions, but for people. Whether it’s mentoring someone who’s trying to break into the field, sharing resources, or speaking truthfully about the realities of being a woman of color in tech, I lead with transparency and impact. That energy is magnetic—it builds trust and it builds community.

Professionally, I’ve delivered results. I’ve helped organizations strengthen their insider threat programs, manage risk more effectively, and create security strategies that aren’t just smart, but sustainable. That kind of value speaks for itself.

But what’s really helped me stand out is my mindset. I don’t approach cybersecurity like it’s just a job—I treat it like a mission. I care about protecting people, educating communities, and creating space for others who don’t fit the typical tech mold. That purpose fuels everything I do.

So in short—what helped me build my reputation? I stayed consistent, I stayed real, and I stayed focused on serving others while staying true to who I am.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becomingdrtayla_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylacgreen/