Securing the Machines That Run Our World: CEO of Corsha, Anusha Iyer on Industrial Tech: Women in Tech Washington DC
The Women in Tech show celebrates incredible women advancing in technology worldwide. Remember, "If she can do it, so can I". In this episode we chat with Anusha Iyer, CEO and founder of Corsha, an identity security startup based in Washington, D.C. With over 25 years of experience as an engineer, she shares her inspiring journey from her early fascination with programming and linguistics to leading cutting-edge innovations in machine identity and operational technology security. We unpack Anusha's path from a first-generation immigrant balancing family expectations, to landing in cybersecurity through serendipitous meetings, to working with organizations like the U.S. Air Force and building a startup that bridges the gap between physical and digital worlds. This episode dives deep into building resilience as a leader, setting boundaries, overcoming fundraising challenges, and the importance of believing in yourself while shaping the future of tech. Whether you’re curious about cybersecurity, startup pivots, or want empowering advice on servant leadership and team building, this conversation will leave you motivated to reach for new heights in your own tech career.
In this inspiring episode, Espree Devora welcomes Anusha Iyer, CEO and founder of Corsha, an identity security company focused on securing and automating machine-to-machine connectivity in operational technology. Anusha Iyer shares her journey from an early fascination with programming in high school to leading a cutting-edge cybersecurity startup protecting industries like manufacturing, robotics, and critical infrastructure.
With over 25 years in technology and a unique background spanning linguistics, cybersecurity, and leadership, Anusha Iyer gets real about pivoting her company, raising funds, building a resilient team, and the importance of self-belief for women in tech.
Topics
Corsha’s mission: Securing the intersection of physical and digital systems, from robots to AI controllers (03:32)
How Anusha Iyer got started in tech and gravitated toward cybersecurity (03:58)
The parallels between digital and physical security: Building trust in the digital era (05:25)
Example use case: Protecting Air Force robots and secure data sharing (09:15)
Navigating an arranged marriage, immigration, and finding her career path by showing up and seizing opportunities (13:37)
Lessons in leadership: From servant to assertive leader, setting boundaries, and building company culture (19:53)
The co-founder journey, pivots, and maintaining strong values and healthy work-life balance (24:18)
Fundraising as a woman in tech: Overcoming rejection, finding the right investors, and learning from "no’s" (32:24)
Advice for younger women and early-career tech professionals: Don’t underestimate yourself, show up with curiosity and drive (41:19)
Favorite resources: "Joy at Work", Lessons in Chemistry, Brene Brown, and practical tech tools like Todoist (42:29)
Takeaways
“Believe in yourself. Everything starts with that belief.”
“Leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about showing more vulnerability and surrounding yourself with people better than you.”
Resources & Mentions
Corsha: corsha.com
Must-read book: Joy at Work
Also recommended: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus (audiobook favorite with her daughter)
Thought Leader: Brene Brown
Connect with Anusha Iyer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anusha-iyer/
Website: corsha.com
Join the Community
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"If she can do it, so can I."
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