INTRODUCTION
Getting to a leadership role in cybersecurity wasn’t a clear-cut path for me, but looking back, I can see how everything fell into place over time. I’ve always been deeply interested in cybersecurity, so I focused on honing my skills—anything from compliance, security protocols, to threat management. Early on, it was all about diving deep into the technical side of things and making sure I had the skills to tackle whatever came my way.
THE ROLE SHIFT
As I worked through these challenges, I also began to recognise the importance of communication. It’s not just about solving problems on your own; it’s about explaining those solutions to teams and executives who might not understand the intricacies of cybersecurity. This is when I started to see my role shift. It wasn’t enough to just have the technical knowledge. I had to manage, guide, and lead others in the field. That’s when the leadership side of things clicked.
CONCLUSION
Over time, I took on roles that pushed me to take a broader look at security. It wasn’t just about protecting systems; it was about understanding the bigger picture—balancing risk, aligning with business goals, and ensuring compliance in industries like banking. Through all of this, I learned that being in a leadership role isn’t about being the person with the loudest voice or the most technical expertise. It’s about being someone who can support and inspire others, making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. That’s how I transitioned from being a tech expert to someone who oversees teams and strategies, focusing on the bigger security picture.
Robert Gonda
Created by Robert Gonda as part of the Mentoring Programme
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