In our latest Power Up Boston episode, Beth Porter, Head of Studio Operations at C10 Labs and faculty at BU Questrom School of Business, joins Adam and Mike for a deep dive into what it takes to build smarter, safer, and more resilient startups in today’s fast-paced tech world.
Beth’s journey spans venture studios, cybersecurity classrooms, and AI-powered innovation spaces, and she brings a wealth of knowledge (and a dose of real talk) to the conversation.
The Hacker-First Mindset: Not Just for Cybersecurity
One of Beth’s standout points in this episode is the idea of adopting a hacker-first mindset—not just in cybersecurity, but in how startups approach building and scaling their products.
“Think like a hacker before you build like a founder.”
Whether it’s spotting vulnerabilities early, stress-testing systems, or thinking creatively about problem-solving, this mindset encourages founders to stay proactive and resourceful.
Beth also dives into why startups need to be mindful of how they handle data, and how even the smallest oversight can lead to significant risks down the road.
AI, Data, and the Startup Advantage
The conversation wouldn’t be complete without exploring the role of AI in startups. Beth talks about how AI isn’t just a tool—it’s becoming an integral part of how startups analyze data, make decisions, and gain competitive advantages.
She emphasizes that protecting data isn’t just about encryption and firewalls anymore—it’s about understanding how data aggregation, relationships, and transformations create value.
“Protecting your data isn’t just about encryption anymore. It’s about how you aggregate it, transform it, and use it to build smarter systems.”
For any startup leveraging AI, Beth’s perspective on data security and AI innovation is both timely and insightful.
Balancing Growth, Risk, and Resilience
Every founder knows the tension between moving fast and staying secure. Beth explores how startups can navigate this balance without losing momentum.
She shares her thoughts on the importance of risk assessments, business continuity planning, and simply having open conversations as a team about what could go wrong—and what to do about it.
“Risk assessments aren’t just about identifying vulnerabilities—they’re about vocalizing your anxieties as a team and deciding how to address them.”
For founders juggling a thousand priorities, Beth’s advice is a reminder that slowing down to plan isn’t a delay—it’s an investment in long-term success.
Final Takeaways from our chat with Beth Porter
Beth’s insights remind us that building a successful startup isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about executing thoughtfully, building securely, and staying adaptable in a constantly changing tech landscape.
From helping founders refine their napkin-stage ideas to navigating the risks of scaling a startup, Beth’s work at C10 Labs highlights the importance of combining strategic planning with bold execution.
If you’re looking for actionable insights, thoughtful advice, and maybe a few wake-up calls about your own startup’s approach to growth and security—this is the episode for you.
🎧 Don’t miss the full conversation with Beth Porter on Power Up Boston.