Executive MBA complete

I’m excited to share that I have graduated with Excellence from the Executive MBA program at AGSM UNSW Business School. This transformative 2-year journey has been as challenging as it has been rewarding, redefining my approach to strategy, leadership and execution.

Throughout the program, I had an incredible opportunity to bring theory into practice – collaborating with a diverse cohort of leaders to work on real-world challenges across Australian industries such as technology, manufacturing, financial services and retail. These experiences not only honed my analytical skills but also deepened my appreciation for applying business concepts in evolving fields like cybersecurity and AI.

A pivotal part of my journey was the capstone strategic consulting project with First Nations organisations. This experience reshaped my perspective on culture and inclusivity.

The international exchanges were equally transformative. Spending time in Shanghai at Fudan University and completing a semester at Yale School of Management allowed me to engage with global leaders, enhancing my understanding of cross-cultural leadership. The practical case studies and strategic projects I completed in these environments reinforced the significance of a global mindset in today’s interconnected world.

I also had an opportunity to focus on social impact and the for-purpose sector in collaboration with the Centre for Social Impact and received the Professor Wanbil Lee Prize for Ethical Leadership and the Responsible Management Prize for my work.

With courses ranging from accounting and marketing to negotiations, I am grateful for every lesson learnt, every challenge overcome and every connection made along the way. I look forward to leveraging these insights to drive innovation, inspire ethical leadership and create meaningful impact.

Australian CISO of the Year award finalist

Exciting news! I’m honoured to be named a finalist in the Australian Cyber Awards 2025 for CISO of the Year 🎉

This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of my incredible team, as well as the support from colleagues, partners and the wider community.

Cybersecurity is a collective effort and I’m grateful to contribute to an industry that plays such a vital role in keeping organisations and people safe.

A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey – I couldn’t have done it without you. And congratulations to all the finalists!

Cyber risk quantification

I really enjoyed the cyber risk quantification workshop led by Richard Seiersen, co-author of How to Measure Anything in Cybersecurity Risk.

During the session, Richard broke down risk quantification, focusing on identifying the risks most likely to cause significant business losses where assets, threats and vulnerabilities intersect.

I’m also glad to receive his book for correctly estimating cost in our the discussions. It’s one of the most influential books in security: it challenges subjective risk assessments, offering practical frameworks for using data, probability and economics to drive smarter security decisions.

Adapting to EU regulatory changes: navigating compliance and building resilience

I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion on the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and its impact on businesses worldwide. With cyber threats, operational disruptions, and AI risks on the rise, governments are strengthening regulations to drive security, resilience and accountability across industries.

In Europe, major frameworks like DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act), NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive) and the EU AI Act are reshaping how organisations approach cybersecurity, operational resilience, and responsible AI governance. But this shift isn’t limited to the EU – regulatory scrutiny is increasing globally, from the U.S. to APAC, with frameworks reinforcing risk management, third-party oversight and AI transparency.

A huge thank you to my fellow panelists and engaged audience members for an insightful discussion.

Navigating the endless sea of threats

Cyber security is a relentless race to keep pace with evolving threats, where staying ahead isn’t always possible. Advancing cyber maturity demands more than just reactive measures—it requires proactive strategies, cultural alignment, and a deep understanding of emerging risks.

I had an opportunity to share my thoughts on staying informed about threats, defining cyber maturity, and aligning security metrics with business goals with Corinium’s Maddie Abe ahead of my appearance as a speaker at the upcoming CISO Sydney next month.

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Volunteering as a telephone crisis supporter

The festive period can bring joy, but it can also be a time of loneliness and stress, which is why it’s so important to check in with ourselves and others.

One way I’ve had the chance to contribute is through volunteering as a telephone crisis supporter with Lifeline Australia. I’ve been answering calls from people who may be facing one of the toughest moments of their lives. Every conversation reinforces the power of simply being there for someone when they need it most.

One of the most moving parts of this role is hearing the shift in a caller’s voice – from distress to a sense of calm – because they feel heard, supported and not alone. It’s a small moment that can make a big difference.

As we head into the holidays, remember that you’re not alone either. If you’re struggling, reach out – whether to a friend, family member or a service like Lifeline. And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, I can’t recommend volunteering with Lifeline enough. It’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Take care of yourself and those around you this holiday season. Let’s make kindness, connection and understanding the greatest gifts we give.

Board directorship: mindset shift

I had a great week at the AICD’s Company Directors Course learning about governance, risk, strategy, legal environment, financial literacy, performance and achieving board effectiveness.

I particularly liked the interactive discussions and case studies to practice ethical decision making, applying concepts in practice and adopting the director mindset.

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RSA CISO Bootcamp

I had the privilege to join a brilliant cohort of CISOs at the RSA Conference CISO Bootcamp. It was an energising experience, where seasoned experts and emerging leaders in cybersecurity came together to tackle our industry’s most pressing challenges.

The bootcamp was more than just a learning experience; it was a platform for sharing personal insights, gaining fresh perspectives and engaging in a thought-provoking debate.

From discussing emerging threats to exchanging strategies for resilience, it was a reminder of the power of community in cybersecurity. A huge thanks to all organisers and speakers for creating a space where we can grow together and tackle our industry’s biggest challenges.

Volunteering with ISACA

It’s been fantastic to have an opportunity to give back to the community and volunteer with ISACA this year.

The Sydney Chapter hosted a number of professional development events for cyber, risk, governance and IT professionals with a common objective of building digital trust and securing our interconnected world. I had a chance to support these initiatives, ranging from fundraising for a mental health charity to helping organise conferences.

I found this experience incredibly rewarding and made some good friends along the way.