In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Deanna Sheward, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Capablanca.
Deanna shares her unique journey from academia to entrepreneurship. She recounts how her background in art, architecture, and research instilled in her a passion for learning and personal growth, which later fueled her pivot into the tech industry. Deanna explains how the skills she honed as a researcher—like public speaking, project management, and self-promotion—naturally translated into entrepreneurial success. However, she emphasizes the challenge of building a new professional network from scratch after shifting from academia to technology. By attending meetups and leveraging connections from her previous circles, she managed to establish a strong foundation in the startup ecosystem.
Deanna also delves into the origins and growth of Capablanca, a cybersecurity firm she co-founded with her husband, Luis. Initially balancing consulting work alongside their full-time jobs, the couple decided to build Capablanca as a flexible business that allowed them to balance their professional and personal lives after the birth of their son, Lorenzo. Deanna highlights the challenges and rewards of working with her spouse, underscoring the importance of clear roles and teamwork. She reflects on how Capablanca’s client base has evolved, shifting from early-stage startups to a more diverse array of companies, all united by a pressing need for security solutions.
Discover how Deanna Sheward turned her vision into a thriving business in this episode of The First Customer!
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