I got into cyber – After I graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Business Administration, I started my career at Google where I learned the value of innovation and scale. I applied those lessons throughout my 16-year career there, working towards cybersecurity. I can’t think of a more exciting and critical industry to be in. Few things in life are as universally applicable as cybersecurity. Digital integration into human life is growing exponentially. And as technology serves as the lifeblood that enhances the human experience, cybersecurity is the immune system that protects it.

For me, a positive cyber mindset is – honor the mission of protecting the integrity of the internet — HUMAN Security’s founding principle. The industry is as vast as it is evolving, and the cyber threat landscape is the same. To keep the experience enriching, safe, and human for all users, we need to educate, secure, and deter fraud and abuse.

The skill that set me up for success – Embracing the growth mindset has helped me achieve things I didn’t think I was capable of, and this is critical to being successful in an industry as dynamic as cyber. To anyone out there looking to shortcut their learning curve in cyber, I’ll let you in on a secret that took me a while to learn: Don’t conflate growth with success. Failures carry great value. Unlock that value every time, and success will follow.

My top tip to those interested in transitioning to a career in cybersecurity is – No matter your experience or background, cybersecurity needs you. Don’t be afraid to go for it. I don’t believe cyber will ever be a ‘mature’ market given how regularly new technology and innovation are introduced into the market, making it a great industry to add value from a policy, technology, and operational perspective. There truly is something for everybody in this industry, and the need for talent is high. Be ready to do great things, things you’ve never done before, with great people, every day.

The quote I live by is – “Mimicking the herd invites regression to the mean.” – Charlie Munger, Berkshire Hathaway

What I thought I wanted to be when I grew up – Growing up, I wanted to be a marine biologist because I found all forms of ocean life fascinating. Over the years, I discovered that the underlying driver for this interest was my desire to help the marine ecosystem by keeping it healthy and safe. Cyber ended up being a much better fit for this personal mission because it too is a new territory that holds boundless potential, and it helps to keep all things connected to this digital ecosystem healthy and safe.

Something few people know about me is – I play dungeons and dragons on the weekends!