What happened next for Lisa Ventura?
In this ongoing series, we speak to our winners about life after winning a TechWomen100 Award.
Now in their fifth year, the TechWomen100 Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in tech – the emerging tech talent and role models for the future.
We spoke with Lisa Ventura, who won a TechWomen100 Award in 2019.
Lisa Ventura is an award-winning Cyber Security awareness consultant and is the CEO and Founder of the UK Cyber Security Association (UKCSA), a membership association that is dedicated to individuals and companies who actively work in cyber security in the UK.
She has over 10 years’ experience in the cyber security industry and is passionate about raising awareness of being more cyber aware in business to help prevent cyber-attacks and cyber fraud. She is a thought leader, author and keynote speaker and has been published in various publications globally. Lisa is also an advocate for women in cyber security, the cyber skills gap and neurodiversity.
How did you feel when it was announced that you’d won a TechWomen100 award?
I was in total shock when it was announced that I had won a TechWomen100 award, I couldn’t believe it! I was so honoured to win this award and to be alongside so many other amazing women in the technology industry. It was a dream come true! I was so very sorry not to be able to make the ceremony and meet everyone, my father was in ill health at the time and I couldn’t leave him – I so wish I could have been there to meet all the other amazing and inspiring women who won a TechWomen100 award.
Please tell us what has happened in your career since winning the TechWomen100 award?
Since winning my award I have been included in SC Magazine’s 50 most influential women in cyber security list, as well as shortlisted for the Inspiration Award for the Network Computing Magazine awards. Unfortunately, these awards have been postponed to October due to COVID-19. I was also due to take part as a speaker at various conferences and events including the Cloud and Cyber Expo, the Identity and Think Management Summit and Think Partners Cyber Security for Government event, but all these were postponed due to COVID-19. I have however moved to doing more webinars and speaking online, although it is not the same as the energy you get from being in a room full of inspiring and engaging people. The UK Cyber Security Association is going from strength to strength, and my first book “The Rise of the Cyber Women” is due to be published this year.
What advice would you give to someone else going through the award’s process?
Enjoy the process and if you do win, enjoy that too! I was so humbled proud and honoured to win my award, it now has pride of place on my mantlepiece.
What tips would you give to our other members to enhance their careers?
Fortune favours the bold is one of my favourite sayings – never be afraid to ask for what you want, whether it is a promotion, pay rise or more flexible working hours. What is the worst that can happen, your employer says no, and if you don’t ask you don’t get. Be bold, be brave and be the very best version of yourself.
