Did you enjoy school?
I didn’t particularly enjoy school as it felt quite regimented, but I loved university because it gave me more independence, choice and responsibility for my own learning and growth. It was the first time I felt I could really shape my own path.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Law degree and postgraduate professional legal qualifications.
Has your career path been a smooth transition, a rocky road or a combination of both?
Definitely a combination of both. Every career comes with challenges and uncertainty, but often those are the moments when you learn the most, grow the fastest and discover what you’re really capable of.
What specific challenges do you see women facing in the industry?
At a senior level, technology and cybersecurity remain largely male-dominated environments, and some traditional perceptions still persist. While this is changing, there is still a smaller pool of women applying for senior roles and fewer women who have already attained those positions, which can sometimes make them feel less accessible. That’s why role models and mentors are so important. Having people who can help you navigate opportunities, challenge your thinking and expand your network can make a significant difference. Those mentors can be both men and women.
What is the best career advice you can give to others?
Believe in yourself and believe that anything is possible. Don’t allow other people’s perceptions to define your potential.
If you had to pick one mentor that had the biggest influence on you, who would it be?
The founders of the first technology business I worked for had an enormous influence on me. They believed in me and gave me the opportunity to transition from being a corporate lawyer to the chief operating officer. They saw the bigger picture of what I could bring to the business, and their belief in me made me determined to succeed and deliver value. It taught me how powerful belief, trust and enablement can be in helping someone reach their potential.
From where do you draw inspiration?
My daughters are my greatest source of inspiration. I want them to dream big and know that even when barriers are put in front of you, you can overcome them and succeed. Nothing is impossible. Sometimes you simply have to trust yourself and not be afraid to take a different road if that’s where the opportunity lies.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced to date?
Building a new family life with my children has been the biggest challenge I have faced. It meant redefining our sense of stability, creating our own strong and supportive team, and shaping a new way of living that allowed each of us to grow and thrive. The journey required resilience, adaptability and determination every step of the way. While it has been my greatest challenge, it has also been my greatest achievement. Together, we have built a future grounded in trust, security and happiness.
What qualities do you feel make a good leader?
Staying calm under pressure, leading with confidence and remaining resilient when faced with challenges. Equally important is communicating clearly, acting with integrity and genuinely listening to the perspectives of others.
From a work viewpoint, what have the last 12 months been like?
The last 12 months have been a period of significant change. Change often brings challenges, but it also creates opportunities for greater alignment, growth and progress.
What would you say are the biggest tech-based challenges we face today?
Keeping systems secure, ensuring AI is developed and used responsibly, and making sure people are not left behind as technology continues to evolve at pace.
What can be done to encourage more women into the industry?
We need to continue investing in mentoring, flexibility and inclusive recruitment practices. Women shouldn’t be filtered out because they have followed a non-traditional career path, have childcare responsibilities or are assessed through processes that lack diversity. The industry benefits when it attracts talent from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Give us a fact about you that most other people wouldn’t know.
I used to be a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I’ve jumped out of planes, roped down buildings and bungee jumped! All of these experiences probably taught me something about taking calculated risks.
