My Captiva Story (Part 1)

Learn about Eberechi Ugwu-Amole’s personal experience, professional journey, and how her passion for entrepreneurship and hard work led to the launch of a cybersecurity company.

This is the first of a two-part blog series about her life story, opportunities, and challenges as a woman-owned business in the cybersecurity industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal experience & journey?
Immersed in the vibrant mix of my family’s innovative spirit, I was raised in an environment where entrepreneurship and dogged diligence were not just values but a way of life. My father, a seasoned Economist, and a host of other relatives, despite their professional accolades, shared a unified passion for entrepreneurship, firmly believing in the power of hard work to propel them forward. Their dedication was a palpable force, molding my aspirations, and fueling my drive to venture into the realm of business ownership—a journey that has guided me to where I stand today.

Conversely, my mother’s career as a dedicated teacher and principal provided me with a different, but equally influential, perspective. Observing her commitment to shaping young minds, and supporting her through countless nights of grading student papers, instilled in me a deep appreciation for education and teaching. This experience intertwined with my entrepreneurial spirit, led to the launch of Captiva Solutions (Captiva). Driven by a mission to cultivate the next generation of cyber-defenders, Captiva stands as a testament to my dual heritage of entrepreneurial zeal and educational fervor, embodying our motto, “Enlightening the Future®.” Through this endeavor, I aspire not only to advance the frontier of cybersecurity education but also to honor the rich legacy of hard work and innovation instilled in me by my family.

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of Captiva, my position today represents the peak of a journey enriched by a diverse mix of experiences acquired through strategic, operational, and tactical roles. These roles have afforded me the opportunity to provide program leadership, management, and guidance across a wide range of industry verticals. Each step on this path has honed my skills and expanded my understanding of the complex interplay between technology, business, and human capital. Shaping a leadership style that is both visionary and pragmatic, enabling me to guide Captiva with a steady hand and an innovative mindset, toward its mission.

What motivated you to start the company?
In 2010, the inception of Captiva was sparked by a critical observation: the market’s glaring deficiency between the theoretical knowledge provided by many cybersecurity certification exams and the practical skills urgently needed in the field. With organizations facing escalating threats, and a growing demand for skilled professionals capable of defending against them, I was driven by a desire to bridge this gap and envisioned Captiva as a beacon for the next generation of cyberwarriors. I decided to incorporate a more holistic approach by strategically integrating our courses with real-world skills, providing our students with a robust foundation that is not only theoretically balanced but also primed for real-world challenges from day one. This innovative approach led to the creation of our Real-Skills-for-Real-Jobs(RS4RJ)® methodology.

A methodology that is more than just a training philosophy; it’s a commitment to transforming emerging talents into highly competent cybersecurity professionals who are job-ready and equipped with the knowledge and skills required by today’s dynamic technology landscape. This approach set Captiva apart in the cybersecurity education sector and also reinforced our mission to develop a resilient and skilled workforce capable of navigating and securing the digital frontier.

What are some challenges and conflicts you have had to overcome as a woman-owned business in the cybersecurity industry?
Navigating the cybersecurity industry as a woman-owned business presents a unique set of challenges and conflicts, many of which stem from the deeply ingrained stereotypes and biases that still pervade the technology world. Here are three main challenges and conflicts encountered, along with strategies employed to overcome them. The goal is to inspire and empower other women in technology to navigate their paths with confidence and determination.

• Breaking Industry Stereotypes
  • Challenge: The cybersecurity field is traditionally male-dominated, and breaking through the stereotypes that question the competence of women in technology has been a persistent challenge.
  • Overcoming Strategy: Persistence in demonstrating expertise and delivering results has been key. Establishing a track record of success, participating in industry discussions, and contributing thought leadership have helped to slowly change perceptions and establish credibility.

• Balancing Gender Dynamics in Leadership
  • Challenge: As a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, establishing authority and leadership without being perceived as too aggressive or too passive is a delicate balance.
  • Overcoming Strategy: Adopting an authentic leadership style that emphasizes empathy, inclusivity, and decisiveness has been vital. Encouraging open communication and fostering a culture of respect and equality within the organization helps in setting the tone for how challenges are addressed and resolved.

• Accessing Networks and Opportunities
  • Challenge: Women often face barriers to accessing the same networks and opportunities as their male counterparts, which can limit growth and partnership opportunities.
  • Overcoming Strategy: Actively seeking mentorship, joining women-focused technology and cybersecurity networks, and leveraging platforms that support diversity in technology have been crucial. Creating our own networks and opportunities by organizing events and forums has also played a significant role.

The next blog in this series covers Eberechi’s contribution to the community, new projects, and final thoughts for those looking to enter the cybersecurity space.