Facing Fear, Building Bold: Michele Novack on Cybersecurity, Mindset Shifts, and Entrepreneurial Grit

In this powerful episode of AiBiz, host Avik Chakraborty speaks with Michele Novack—founder of CardinalsByte, cybersecurity expert, and author of 21 Days of Evidence—about fear, failure, and building a business from scratch. Michele shares how she overcame fear of the unknown when she left a corporate paycheck to start her own firm, why mindset is the foundation of success, and how women in male-dominated fields can lead with confidence. From launching her website to landing her first client, Michele opens up about imposter syndrome, mentorship, and practical steps for moving from survival mode to growth and abundance.

 

About the Guest:Michele Novack is the founder of CardinalsByte, a cybersecurity risk management firm helping small businesses and professionals like accountants, insurers, and attorneys stay safe and compliant. With over 30 years of leadership experience, she is also an author and speaker who mentors others on navigating fear, burnout, and self-doubt with authenticity and purpose.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Fear is not the enemy—it's a signal. Learn to ride with it, not run from it.

• Entrepreneurship is less about eliminating fear and more about taking action despite it.

• Women in tech can lead with authenticity—confidence isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about owning what you know.

• Michele’s 5 pillars of success and her daily “Top 3” focus system can help combat overwhelm and increase clarity.

• Success requires continual learning, testing ideas, and staying connected to why you started.

 

Connect with Michele Novack:Website: www.cardinalsbytes.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cardinalsbyte-mnovack Free Consultation: Mention this episode of AiBiz to schedule a complimentary session

 

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