Episode 10 - From Lab Research to Founder: Grit and The Leap into Cybersecurity

Richard Bejtlich sits down with Greg Bell, Corelight co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, to explore the transition from elite academic research to the world of venture-backed startups. Greg shares the "light bulb moment" at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory that led a group of scientists to turn Zeek (formerly Bro) into a commercial reality. The conversation covers the "virtuous cycle" between open-source projects and sustainable business models, explaining why professional maintenance is critical for mission-critical software. Greg also offers practical perspective for the next generation of defenders, discussing the role of "applied curiosity" in a shifting job market and his personal experience with the "grit" required to leave a secure career for the uncertainty of a startup. Whether you are a network operator or interested in the mechanics of tech entrepreneurship, this episode offers a candid look at the challenges of bridging the gap between research and industry.