Leslie Lynn Smith is the National Executive Director for GET Cities. GET stands for Gender Equality in Tech. Today’s episode will move away from standard cybersecurity and IT insights in favor of a larger look at investment opportunities for tech startups, and where and on who we spend investment capital. Smith is a multi-decade authority on state- and city-wide community investment initiatives with a lifelong passion for bringing people of marginalized races and genders to the table in fulfilling their tech business dreams. Smith talks about bridging the gap from angel investor money to initial seed, and why the space between the two can sink new startups, the slow, patient process of affecting equitable change at the legislative level, and offers an accelerated way to make IT and cyber teams more inclusive and equitable. If you’ve wanted to get involved with angel investing and helping young companies get off the ground, Smith talks you through the process with no steps missed. 

0:00 - Gender equity in tech
3:35 - Leslie Smith's journey in tech
9:40 - Equity in cybersecurity at GET Cities
15:03 - How does GET Cities work? 
21:20 - Concrete ways to work towards gender equity in tech
30:30 - Imposter syndrome revised
35:00 - Where does equity work need to be done in tech?
40:30 - How to invest in tech and cybersecurity
43:33 - GET Cities upcoming initiatives
46:00 - Learn more about GET Cities and Smith
46:40 - Outro

About Infosec
Infosec’s mission is to put people at the center of cybersecurity. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and phishing training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. More than 70% of the Fortune 500 have relied on Infosec Skills to develop their security talent, and more than 5 million learners worldwide are more cyber-resilient from Infosec IQ’s security awareness training. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.