Cyber ​security consultant​​ ​and TechWomen​100​ individual ​award winner​ Esther shares her unconventional route to tech as a business management graduate. Her experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience and persistence, helping her land her dream role working in cyber security.  

What I do  

I conduct risk assessments and help clients to increase their protection against current and potential cyber attacks. My focus is on embedding security into the core of how an organisation operates, from analysing emerging threats to developing comprehensive solutions and ensuring the security of systems and processes. 

Cyber threats are unpredictable and constantly evolving​ This makes for a​ challenging environment for any organisation, especially if you’re seen as a high-value target. Organisations must also ensure that security is embedded from the beginning of any project, rather than being bolted on at the end. ​Security can’t be ​an afterthought ​– it ​​must be a​ core part of the whole system​. ​This approach requires looking beyond technical solutions and thinking about leadership and culture​. Cyber security is just as much about people as it is about technology. ​My top advice for any organisation wanting to become cyber resilient is to focus on people – implement staff awareness training ​and build a security culture by equipping ​employees with the right knowledge and tools to ​identify and ​handle ​potential​ threats. 

In addition to cyber security, I’m passionate about innovation that generates social value​. I am driven by the potential for technology to transform and improve ​public services​—not just for service providers but also for citizens, ​especially the most vulnerable in our society. I enjoy being part of projects that create social impact, working with public sector clients to bolster security for government departments and streamline local councils’ digital strategies. This goes beyond unlocking savings and improving service delivery. 

A day in my working life 

My time is split between working on a client-facing project and completing our tailored graduate training programme. It’s the best of both worlds—learning on the job and putting into practice all that the programme offers, from technical know-how to the much-needed soft skills of a consultant, bolstered by ongoing support and mentoring. This experience has given me a significant confidence boost. 

My colleagues saw my potential and gave me opportunities to grow and excel. For example, I’m currently part of a delivery team working on a large-scale cross-government departmental project to create a one-stop shop that will improve access to government services. I’m supporting across different areas of the project, from security to information architecture. Some of the work I’ve done includes developing a roadmap to improve cyber security culture across the whole system. I recently carried out a gap analysis, speaking to stakeholders to track what worked well and areas for improvement. My proposal has been submitted for review as part of our new ways of working model to improve security awareness and training for the wider programme. 

One of my goals is to hone my stakeholder management, communication and advocacy skills, which are integral learning components of the graduate training programme. In my role, I have been given the opportunity to enhance these skills by working directly on a client project but has also given me space and time to work on my other goal – to become an advocate for women in tech.  

I believe that mentorship can be transformative so it forms a large part of my advocacy work, both within the organisation and in the wider tech community. Currently, I mentor for the Reed Women in Technology Mentoring Programme, am actively involved in the ‘Beyond Our Youth’ network and sit on our Cyber Recruitment Working Group. I’m incredibly grateful to have been recognised for my mentoring and advocacy work by being named a TechWomen100 individual award winner, and I look forward to leveraging this recognition to further my work in this space. 

Outside of work, walking helps me unwind, especially at the end of the day, when I can reflect on my achievements and challenges. I am also a big fan of reading and keeping up to date with my industry. Cooking is another passion of mine—my niece and nephew are nudging me to open my own restaurant one day! 

Career highlights 

I’m proud of where I am in my career – and it’s only just begun! My persistence to move into tech, particularly cyber security and information assurance, has paid off. I’ve found a role and an industry where I can grow and an environment that gives me the freedom and a platform to speak on issues that I care about. Advocacy is front and centre for me. It drives what I’m about and the core of who I am, so putting that into practice over the last few months has been one of my greatest achievements. I regularly speak at various events and conferences to encourage more young women to see tech as a viable career path. For example, I’ve spoken at the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge and the UK Cyber Expo Week conference, discussing my early career experience with university students and young professionals, encouraging more women to see themselves in a career in cyber security.   

I’m also helping to drive change in my business by actively participating in our employee working groups, including the Women in Tech Action Group and the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Network. I organise and facilitate events, including socials and panels, to create a supportive environment that provides women with a safe space to network and collaborate. Earlier this year, I hosted a ‘Vision’ workshop on the importance of goal setting, empowering female colleagues, and strengthening our sense of community.   

Cyber​ ​security is one the best jobs in the world because… 

So much of what we do in cyber security revolves around advising and solving complex problems. You’re always looking for gaps in the system and potential risks and putting safety measures into place. There’s so much to dive into – from producing roadmaps and risk assessments to driving improvements. Every day brings fresh challenges, so keeping on top of industry news and updates is crucial to my role. And it’s never-ending, so it feels like being part of an ever-evolving story.  

What truly makes this job shine is the sense of community. The way my colleagues come together is inspiring—like a giant puzzle where each person contributes their unique piece. We collaborate, share insights and solve problems, within our project teams and across the practice. Recently, I reached out to a colleague about linking intelligence to vulnerability management, and it was incredible to see how our contributions interconnect.  

I’ve come to realise that cyber security isn’t as complex as it seems. There’s a technical side to it, but you’re not expected to know everything. I remember the advice someone gave me: “Everyone’s been in your position before,” which really took the pressure off. So, my mantra? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and embrace the learning process.