Episode #90: Yossi Barishev – Cybersecurity rising star, stealth co-founder CEO

In this episode we speak with Yossi Barishev – one of the most watched founders in cybersecurity today.

He’s led security operations and innovation at Sygnia and Fireblocks, advised Fortune 500s, and now, he’s building a stealth-mode venture focused on rethinking identity and trust in the age of AI.

He’s been recognized by outlets like Business Insider, NYTech Media, and NewsBlaze as a leader shaping the future of cybersecurity.

This episode is about uncertainty, self-trust, and building the internal tools to lead through volatility.

In this conversation, we explore:

The trap of seeking external validation.

Early on, Yossi found himself chasing reassurance from more experienced founders – until he realized that the same validation could shake him when things got hard. “If you trust this external validation too much, whenever some negative signal comes in, it shakes you.”

Learning to trust your internal compass.

With time, his confidence shifted inward “There’s literally zero way to predict what the hell this journey throws at you… I just believed in my ability to be able to deal with it.”

The power of throwing yourself into deep water

His biggest moments of growth came when everything was uncertain – and the only path was forward. “The times where I usually flourish the most – it’s when my back is against the wall.”

Introducing chaos – on your own terms.

Rather than waiting for life to disrupt him, Yossi learned to lean into difficult, high-stakes situations. “If you’re able to introduce chaos in a controlled manner, it teaches you a lot more.”

Becoming the Swiss Army knife.

Yossi chose adaptability over specialization, learning how to show up confidently in any scenario. “Honestly- just throw me in the Bronx with no cash and no clothes. I’ll work it out.”

Comparing yourself to others – and what to do with that.

He reflects honestly on the emotional weight of watching peers raise money and start companies first. “What did they have that I lack?”

Using doubt as fuel.

Naysayers weren’t discouragement – they were motivation. “Even if I don’t have the answers right now, I believe in my ability to find them… I was like, I’m going to show you that you’re wrong.”

How he thinks about advice and mentorship.
Advice, he says, is always a mix of data and subjective perspective – and the most useful mentors are those who’ve failed often. “Every single advisor I have is someone who made more mistakes than right decisions.”

This episode is for anyone navigating self-doubt, forging a nonlinear path, or learning to lead without a blueprint.

Listen in- and share it with someone learning to trust themselves in uncertain waters.