Shadya Maldonado Pioneering Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity | Breaking into Cybersecurity

An episode of the Breaking Into Cybersecurity podcast, hosted by Christophe Foulon | Renee Small | breakingintocybersecurity.org, titled "Shadya Maldonado Pioneering Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity | Breaking into Cybersecurity" was published on February 6, 2026 and runs 26 minutes.

February 6, 2026 ·26m · Breaking Into Cybersecurity

Summary

Breaking into Cybersecurity with Shadya MaldonadoIn this episode of Breaking into Cybersecurity, Shadya Maldonado, Founder and CEO of ArcQubit, shares her journey and extensive experience in the field. With 16 years in security operations, technology modernization, and risk management, Shadya discusses her transition from a military analyst to a leader in cybersecurity and AI. She highlights her work with organizations such as CISA, DARPA, DOE, and NASA, as well as her passion for developing tools to make quantum computing accessible. Shadya also offers valuable advice for individuals looking to grow their careers in cybersecurity.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:16 Shaday's Unconventional Path to Cybersecurity01:48 From Military to Cybersecurity02:50 Exposure to Data Science and Cybersecurity03:43 Immersion in Cybersecurity and SANS Conference04:45 Founding Arc Qubit and Quantum Computing06:49 Developing Quantum-Ready Talent14:02 The Importance of Cybersecurity Knowledge21:06 Shaday's Leadership Journey24:24 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals26:09 Closing RemarksSponsored by CPF Coaching LLC - http://cpf-coaching.comThe Breaking into Cybersecurity: It’s a conversation about what they did before, why they pivoted into cyber, what the process was they went through, how they keep up, and advice/tips/tricks along the way.The Breaking into Cybersecurity Leadership Series is an additional series focused on cybersecurity leadership and hearing directly from different leaders in cybersecurity (high and low) on what it takes to be a successful leader. We focus on the skills and competencies associated with cybersecurity leadership, as well as tips/tricks/advice from cybersecurity leaders.Check out our books:The Cybersecurity Advantage - https://leanpub.com/the-cybersecurity-advantageDevelop Your Cybersecurity Career Path: How to Break into Cybersecurity at Any Level https://amzn.to/3443AUIHack the Cybersecurity Interview: Navigate Cybersecurity Interviews with Confidence, from Entry-level to Expert roleshttps://www.amazon.com/Hack-Cybersecurity-Interview-Interviews-Entry-level/dp/1835461298/Hacker Inc.: Mindset For Your Careerhttps://www.amazon.com/Hacker-Inc-Mindset-Your-Career/dp/B0DKTK1R93/About the hosts:Renee Small is the CEO of Cyber Human Capital, one of the leading human resources business partners in the field of cybersecurity, and author of the Amazon #1 best-selling book, Magnetic Hiring: Your Company's Secret Weapon to Attracting Top Cyber Security Talent. She is committed to helping leaders close the cybersecurity talent gap by hiring from within and encouraging more people to enter the lucrative cybersecurity profession. https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebrownsmall/Download a free copy of her book at magnetichiring.com/bookChristophe Foulon focuses on helping secure people and processes, drawing on a solid understanding of the technologies involved. He has over ten years of experience as an Information Security Manager and Cybersecurity Strategist. He is passionate about customer service, process improvement, and information security. He has significant expertise in optimizing technology use while balancing its implications for people, processes, and information security, through a consultative approach.https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophefoulon/Find out more about CPF-Coaching at https://www.cpf-coaching.comWebsite: https://www.cyberhubpodcast.com/breakingintocybersecurityPodcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/breaking-into-cybersecuriYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BreakingIntoCybersecurityLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-into-cybersecurity/

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