Cathie Jayakumar – Awareness Training and Policy Manager
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey into tech?
I entered cybersecurity two years ago after my career in academia, where I studied and taught English literature. The Head of Information Security at Queen Mary, a very forward thinking man, believed that I would be a great fit in becoming the cybersecurity awareness training and policy manager. He relentlessly pushed me to achieve my full potential and gave me the freedom to design the cybersecurity awareness programme for Queen Mary. He then left Queen Mary to work in a larger tech company. Although I was saddened by his departure, I decided to keep going with turning my ideas into actions that will empower students and staff. I was initially assigned a set of responsibilities within my job which gradually evolved into a defined professional mission: to educate students and staff on effective online safety practices. Through this work, I developed a clear commitment to safeguarding students, staff, and individuals who may be vulnerable in digital environments. This commitment led me to pursue further study in digital forensics, cyber risk management, incident response, and data encryption, alongside cultivating a particular interest in AI governance within the broader field of cybersecurity. It became a passion for me. At that time, I did not have an extended network of people to support me, or someone to turn to if I needed help and support, if I had a question to ask about a cybersecurity topic. Being the only woman in my team, with a new team and new lead team, I soon felt the challenges that a woman in tech can face working in this field. I decided to lead the ITS women in tech network in my organisation, which enabled me to network extensively. I met incredible people by running our lunch and learn sessions. But I realised I needed extra help. I approached Danny Attias who was featured in one of my podcasts. He advised me to get in touch with Cajigo and apply for the programme. I got in to be part of the 4th cohort, and this was a pivotal moment in my life.
2. What made you apply to join the Cajigo 100 Women in Tech Accelerator and what skills did the programme help you develop?
Cajigo helped me extend my network and develop my self-confidence, which was eroded at the time I applied. I began attending the weekly Tuesday drop-in sessions consistently. I was inspired and elevated by Danny Attias, Rob McCargow, Carlotta Zorzi-Chapman, Miriam Tocino, Inte Ali, Jeniffer Ramnath. I thoughtfully translated the insights gained by them into practical application. I also decided that, in order to develop my growth mindset, my leadership and manifest my vision, I needed to put myself forward for a pitch with the ‘Cajigo dragons’, have a sponsor and a coach. I approached Dom Vogel whose first message was extremely friendly and full of positive energy. We would leave voice notes to each other and I would have a live session with him every other week on self confidence and navigating challenges at work. I also approached Vince Pizzoni who was instrumental in extending my networking and helping me land in my next role. I also turned to Rav for advice and she also became another mentor but also a person I can rely upon. Rav and the Cajigo community are godsent to me. They have been key in becoming the person I am today.
3. How important is community to you and how do you support other women?
Community is central to me because you can feel quickly isolated in tech and navigating these challenges on your own could be very difficult and draining. The Cajigo community was central in helping me grow as a person and also grow my network. Few months after my enrolment in the programme, I decided to help other women to enter cybersecurity by studying the security + exam with them. I also thought that I could support them through Linkedin. My goal was to show up for them all the time, and I started thinking how I can show up to them. I decided to double up after the graduation ceremony: I became an ambassador, organised a meeting with the Cajigo ladies, and pursuing my weekly 1:1 session on Security+ exam revision with one of them.
4. What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in cybersecurity?
If you are a problem-solver, and passionate about protecting women, children, the elderly and anyone else online, this is the career for you, no matter what your background is. Cybersecurity needs more women, since women are much better at protecting people and systems, they are better organised in their lives, navigating motherhood, work, other caring responsibilities. We are all leaders within ourselves and it is about time to step forward and stand up. The second advice I would give is to surround yourself with a supportive network (Women in Cybersecurity, Cajigo, ElevateHer…) since working in cybersecurity could be challenging sometimes, and you need to protect and nurture your mental wellbeing.
5. What excites you most about the future of your career in tech?
What excites me the most is to land in my next role, and to become a leader in cybersecurity. I am also very keen on meeting more women leaders in the field to understand how we can better protect people and empower them in cybersecurity.
Bonus Question:
You won this years Cajigo Mentee of the Year. What did that recognition mean to you?
I am still over the moon after winning the award. This award and recognition of my work is a springboard for me to help other women fulfilling their dreams.
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