This led me to computer engineering, where I started with hardware design. But then I realised that software development was actually far more exciting, as it bridged between an intellectual pursuit and the applied science. Fast forward and another avenue opened up: people management, with an emphasis on technology and process development. I seized that opportunity with both hands and found it extremely rewarding. Fast forward again and a desire to better understand the underlying cogs and wheels of what makes business tick led me to taking an executive MBA. Technology, planning and engineering remained my passion, but now with a solid background in business management, it became clear that there is one area of explosive growth: Information Security. The threats became ubiquitous, yet they are always changing; the threats are persistent, as they are sophisticated; the pace of ’harmful’ innovation is increasing at dramatic speed, yet there is a need to address them in a thoughtful and pragmatic way. Perfection is unachievable, yet there is an absolute requirement to protect the information. The answer is to focus on prevention and detection, which requires a programmatic, risk-assessment based approach. In other words, what a better way to bridge between pure technology capabilities and a solid business sense, focused on outcomes and demonstrating the value to the business? As I travelled forward through the executive ranks, I started to wonder were all my female colleagues were. After some reflection, I decided that I have to do something about it, so I became involved in the “Women in Business” programs at my business Alma Mater and then at grass-root level activities in schools through professional engineers’ associations. The key is to build confidence by showing girls that math is beautiful; that there is art and creativity in numbers and that by mastering these skills, it can open up so many doors and possibilities in careers associated with science, technology and engineering. In a way, I am trying to emulate what my father instilled in me, so what goes around, comes around across generations. From very different cultural, academic and work-related backgrounds, both Samantha and Adina’s stories mention characteristics of seizing opportunities, focusing on the business outcomes and having the confidence to articulate technology value in business terms. It is noteworthy that their perceptions of what IT is and does were very different at the outset of their careers than those they share now. While they both have a background in information technology, science or engineering, they did not set out focused on an IT career. Yet through both of their journeys they have recognized the appeal of IT and as a result, have supplemented foundational skills with the multi-disciplinary attributes and perspectives necessary to make the impactful risk management and business decisions that can unleash the true potential of IT as an exciting business enabler. The teams that report to these IT leaders have been shown to benefit from exposure to some of the characteristics common in both career journeys. Skillset diversification and understanding the value of complementary capabilities is fundamental to success and
26 | Australian Cyber Security Magazine
can help sustain organisations during times of change. Women in senior and executive positions in IT can act as agents of change — as they often do, by virtue of their own personal journeys — as long as they maintain the mindset, skill and conviction that is essential to lead transformation. Progressive companies and governments are beginning to recognise the value that women bring to the IT workforce and it can be a true differentiator in terms of business and organisational success. In many organisations, we are also seeing the businesses take active steps to recruit and retain female talent. More needs to be done in recruitment efforts aimed at young women, in university and college but also in high school and elementary school to show girls what’s possible if they embrace IT as a career path. More can and should be done by IT professionals themselves, especially women in IT. Disavowing negative perceptions early is fundamental in ensuring that young women see the diversity and challenges associated with IT careers. Talking to young women about the nature of IT as a business enabler and agent of change, in commerce, in society and in every industry sector broadens its appeal. Having young women see other successful females who share this passion for IT is also a key point of influence. Breaking down the masculine stereotypes in technology will be a lengthy process, but the payoff for encouraging a greater gender diversity in IT executive leadership will be well worth the sustained effort.