What was your last career change?
My last career change was switching from health science to computer science after my first year in university. I realized I was more passionate about building and understanding technology than memorizing veins and arteries.
What made it successful?
I stayed curious and passionate about what I was learning. I wasn’t afraid to try, make mistakes, and figure things out through experience. That mindset helped me grow quickly and stay motivated.
What was the biggest challenge in adapting to your new role?
The biggest challenge was adjusting to a completely different way of thinking, shifting from memorization and theory in health science to problem-solving and logic in computer science. It took time to build confidence and get comfortable learning through trial and error.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?
Don’t let the fear of starting over hold you back. Explore the new field, stay curious, and be patient with yourself. Progress comes faster than you think once you enjoy what you’re doing.
If you were a chocolate bar, which one would you be?
I would be a Toblerone. A little complex, full of peaks and edges, but worth it once you get to know me.
What’s the single most important thing someone can do to stay secure online?
Enable multi-factor authentication everywhere possible.
How often should staff update passwords or use multi-factor authentication (MFA)?
Passwords should be updated regularly, ideally every 6 months. But MFA should always be used.
How does AI or new technology affect our cybersecurity risks?
AI makes phishing and deepfake scams harder to spot, but it also helps defenders detect anomalies faster than any human could. It’s a double-edged sword.