By: Jake Smiths

When Yossi Barishev joined hosts Noa Eshed and Ronen Menipaz on the Real Life Superpowers podcast, the discussion evolved into a study of leadership, courage, and transformation in the fast-changing world of cybersecurity.

Barishev, featured by New York Tech Media and NewsBlaze as one of the influential emerging figures in cybersecurity, now leads a stealth-mode venture focused on redefining identity and trust for the digital age. His conversation with Eshed and Menipaz offers a rare perspective on how conviction, calculated risk, and emotional intelligence drive effective leadership in a highly competitive industry.

Experience as the Bridge Between Risk and Confidence

Before becoming a founder, Barishev spent more than a decade building his expertise through hands-on cybersecurity operations and enterprise consulting at Sygnia and Fireblocks. These experiences shaped his ability to make confident decisions in high-pressure environments where uncertainty is the only constant.

He believes that every step forward involves risk and that growth begins the moment one chooses to act despite uncertainty. This perspective mirrors global industry trends. Gartner’s 2025 forecast projects a 15 percent increase in global spending on information security, driven by rising awareness of the need for proactive defense and identity protection. As cybersecurity evolves into a strategic business function, leaders like Barishev show that technical experience combined with adaptive thinking has become a powerful differentiator.

The Stealth Equation: Building Credibility Through Silence

One striking takeaway from Barishev’s discussion with Eshed and Menipaz is what he calls the stealth equation. Founders operating in stealth mode must strike a balance between confidentiality and visibility, establishing trust without revealing too much.

Barishev views reputation as a critical form of capital. When a founder is credible, the company gains credibility by association. Thoughtful public engagement and authenticity can build early trust while preserving the secrecy needed for innovation.

He also cautions that external praise can be misleading. Too much dependence on validation can cause leaders to lose their sense of direction. Instead, he believes that real progress occurs when decisions stem from inner conviction, backed by experience, rather than approval.

Identity and Trust: The Core of AI Cybersecurity

Barishev’s stealth venture focuses on the urgent issues in modern cybersecurity: identity and trust. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, so do the threats it enables, from deepfakes to synthetic identities.

The Entrust 2025 Identity Fraud Report found that AI-driven fraud has increased in the past year. Similarly, Fortune Business Insights projects that the global identity verification market will exceed $40 billion by 2030. These numbers reveal an escalating demand for innovation in digital verification systems.

For Barishev, identity represents the foundation of digital trust. His startup’s mission is to safeguard authenticity in an environment where algorithms can replicate nearly anything, ensuring that technology strengthens human connection rather than eroding it.

Controlled Chaos as a Framework for Growth

Barishev often refers to his leadership style as controlled chaos. It is a concept centered on embracing unpredictable situations to develop adaptability, focus, and resilience. By intentionally engaging with uncertainty, he believes leaders can build mental strength and the ability to stay clear-headed under stress.

This approach also defines his partnership with co-founder Janan Rosenberg, with whom he worked at Sygnia. Their collaboration is built on trust and complementary thinking. Together, they have created a company culture that values learning, transparency, and decisive action, proving that strong partnerships turn volatility into progress.

The Human Side of Cybersecurity Leadership

The conversation between Yossi Barishev, Noa Eshed, and Ronen Menipaz captures a truth that extends beyond cybersecurity. Technology may evolve rapidly, but leadership still relies on empathy, integrity, and the courage to act. Behind every advancement in AI and cybersecurity are people willing to take risks, adapt to change, and build trust in uncertain conditions.

As automation reshapes industries, Barishev’s philosophy serves as a reminder that human leadership remains the cornerstone of innovation. His belief in controlled chaos, adaptability, and trust suggests that the future of cybersecurity will not only be defined by machines but also by the people with the courage to guide them.