Securing the Machines That Run Our World: CEO of Corsha, Anusha Iyer on Industrial Tech: Women in Tech Washington DC

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 Connect and collaborate with more incredible women in tech around the world at WomenInTechVIP.com Follow @WomenInTechShow on all social platforms "If she can do it, so can I." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.