That question is becoming harder to answer. Because deepfakes are getting harder to spot. And digital trust is no longer a given.
In Episode 109 of Women Disrupting Tech, I spoke with Julia Jakimenko. She’s the founder of Cyberette. Her tech startup focuses on detecting deepfakes across video, audio, and images.
But what really stood out? Julia’s not just building software. She’s building standards. For truth. For transparency. For safety in a digital world shaped by AI.
💡 Key Takeaways from Episode 109
Julia started studying human rights law. Today, she’s leading a company that’s redefining how we respond to misinformation, AI-generated content, and digital safety.
Here are three things that stood out:
Digital Trust Starts With Transparency
Cyberette’s vision is clear: media verification should be as normal as two-factor authentication. Built-in. Always on. No second-guessing.
AI Can’t Be Ethical Without Clear Boundaries
Julia is outspoken about the risks of scraping, shortcuts, and data misuse. She believes AI needs global standards, and the companies building it should be held accountable.
Self-promotion Still Comes With a Gender Tax
Women in tech are often judged more on tone and appearance than on competence. Julia breaks down how she’s had to navigate expectations. And why "putting on a bit of ego" shouldn’t be a disadvantage.
🎧 Hear how Julia leads with clarity, integrity, and purpose in Episode 109 of Women Disrupting Tech by hitting play above.
What makes this episode special?
Julia’s story is about a journey from fitting in to taking up space. She was born in the post-Soviet era in Ukraine, and she was taught that girls needed to smile and be nice.
As a founder, she’s still told to smile more. It proves that women are held to a different standard than men. One where competence is not the only thing that matters.
That is frustrating if you’ve studied and lived in seven countries, and know more about cybersecurity and detecting deep fakes than most men.
You’ve got to admire how she’s dealing with that, both in her job and in her personal life. Another thing I admire is how she approaches success much more holistically. As something that comes from the inside. It inspired me to start looking for a way to do that too.
Important moments in the episode
03:20 Journey to Cyberette: A Unique Path
06:31 Understanding Deepfakes: Technology and Implications
09:31 The Threat of Deepfakes: Real-World Examples
12:05 Spotting Deepfakes: Red Flags and Awareness
14:55 AI and Digital Trust: Building Confidence Online
17:58 The Role of Women in Tech: Diversity and Inclusion
20:53 Challenges for Female Founders: Funding and Support
23:39 Self-Promotion: The Gender Divide
26:47 Success Redefined: Personal Growth and Business Goals
29:25 Cultural Adaptability: Lessons from Diverse Backgrounds
32:24 The Future of Cyberette: Envisioning Success
35:21 Privacy First: Ethical Considerations in AI
38:07 The Importance of Data Quality: Building Trust
37:36 Navigating the Male-Dominated Tech Landscape
44:06 Overcoming Self-Doubt: The Female Entrepreneur's Journey
46:48 The Power of Community: Building Networks
49:48 Vision for 2032: A Safer Digital World
52:33 Final Thoughts: Inclusion and Authenticity in Tech
Magic Quotes from Julia Jakimenko
This episode goes beyond startup strategy or AI trends. Here are three magic moments from the episode that show us Julia's heart as a founder.
“Our goal is not to stop AI, but to bring confidence back to the internet.”
Julia on Cyberette’s core mission
“Now for me, success is something more holistic. Something that comes from inside. I cancelled all those external values. I transitioned into peace and happiness that doesn’t rely on that portrayed image of what success is like.”
Julia on redefining success on her own terms
“I think we really need more role models. [...] If you don’t have those role models, you know, growing up, how can you know that someone that looks like you can be successful?”
Julia on the power of visibility for women in tech
These words are more than quotes. They’re reminders of why stories matter. And why we need more women like Julia shaping the future of tech.
Which one is the most magical for you? Let me know in the comments.
[…] success is something more holistic. Something that comes from inside. - Julia Jakimenko
Five Ways to Spot a Deepfake (Tips from Julia)
Deepfakes are getting better with AI. But there are still ways to spot them. During our conversation, Julia shared some practical red flags you can look out for to prevent you from being abused.
Pressure to act quickly
This is the biggest red flag. If someone asks you to respond fast, especially on the phone, pause.
Requests to move platforms
Scammers often try to move you from email to WhatsApp or a call. That’s because voice cloning is easier over the phone.
Unnatural blinking or lighting
Watch the eyes. And check if the light on the person’s face matches the background.
Robotic tone or strange background noise
If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts.
Inconsistent context
Someone looks like they’re at the office, but you hear beach sounds? That’s a clue.
Julia calls this a “zero trust” approach. It doesn’t mean paranoia. It means paying attention.
🎧 For Julia's full masterclass on detecting deepfakes, listen to Episode 109 on Spotify, Apple, YouTube or Amazon.
Coming up on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week on Women Disrupting Tech, we hear from FEM-Start founders Marian Spier and Simone van Bijsterveldt how they’re empowering female entrepreneurs. We cover the need for education, confidence, and collaboration in supporting female founders, as well as the aspirations for Femstart to create a global platform for women in business.
And education should not only cover women. Investors need education, too. Here’s Marian explaining why.
So stay tuned for this and much more on Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode: Keep Being Awesome!
Dirkjan
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