my story
I’ve specialised in marketing, PR and comms in a company of 25 people, chalked up five years in corporate finance, struggled to get my voice heard in a Catalan start-up, and grappled with the autonomous system in Spain ever since, just so I could live and raise a family under blue skies most days of the year. Now, as mother returning to work, I am determined to inspire and impact big change so more women can thrive, not merely survive.
Back when I graduated with a degree in English and America Literature, of course I thought I’d become Andi Andersen and go into journalism. Instead, I landed a role in communications in a desperate graduate employment economy, in a tiny (very gorgeous) rural village in Cambridgeshire, and became ensconced in the world of information security. I downplayed it to my friends and family, but soon found a real sense of purpose dreaming up original and unexpected ways to turn people on with why they really should be protecting their info online. Oh, and yes, I did stand out as a very young blonde woman attending majority old white male industry events. I loved that stunned look whenever I had the chance to show I knew my stuff – they didn’t expect it back in 2011 from the 22 year old wearing kitten heels.
As another generation steps into those shoes, the world is almost unrecognisable. That’s why the time to ignite a brighter future for our kids using the tech, for women who could be more fulfilled in tech, and for us all who simply can’t resist our tech, starts right now.
2006
Trusting my gut and boldly switching university courses to pursue something I really loved and would succeed at
2017
Stepping into motherhood from the sidelines, watching my stepdaughter interact with tech from a young age, and feeling compelled to keep kids safer online
2018
Losing my father, losing my last office job, and taking the leap to establish my own business before turning 30 – all within the space of one month
2024
Being granted the opportunity to lead a non-profit organisation and drive my own movement to pave stronger future pathways in cyber security
MY WHY
to make it easier for female talent to find their fire in cyber security.
My story is just one story. May it inspire your story, too.
So many opportunities exist in STEM for girls and women. I am proof that a non-linear, non-technical, creative path in cyber security is a successful one. My life and work experiences culminate in fiery determination to make it easier for women and mothers to step into their potential and their power by pursuing opportunities in cyber security. Girls and women deserve self-confidence, self-belief, and success, without burning out on the way.
Together on this mission, we will actively reduce the global cyber skills shortage of nearly 4 million cyber professionals.
Why work with me?
experienced
I’ve worked with global brands spanning all kinds of sectors, as well as some really fantastic small businesses. I’ve learned and honed my skills through real-life experience, squeezing everything I could out of each role and saying yes to getting out there and meeting people. My broad skillset gets big ideas off the ground.
super connected
My specialisms combine seemingly disconnected fields in a very original way, and represents a field that is still emerging in today's hyper-connected world. My black book of industry connections is your rich tapestry of opportunity to take advantage of, if you’re ready.
A real Thought leader
We’re all in this together. I have firsthand experience of climbing the ladder in cyber security as a young woman with a non-technical education. Navigating life as a mother with ambition in a society that isn’t set up to support women is a nightmare – but it’s my fuel to drive real change.
entrepreneur
It takes a whole lot of dedication and resilience to build a successful business in a country where you’re the minority. After 7+ years reporting year-on-year growth, I’m my own accountability partner. This kind of commitment is what it takes to inspire new talent that they, too, can do hard things.
