LEADERS IN CYBERSECURITY
Christie Lim
General Manager, Cyber and Information Security, Vicinity Centres
Christie Lim has over 20 years of practice in cyber and information security with strategy planning, compliance, operations, risk and project management experience. She has worked across different sectors, including financial services, government, retail, manufacturing, logistics and energy. She has a detailed and practical understanding of security technologies, current and emerging threats, regulatory compliance and industry best practices. Christie has demonstrated expertise and success in strategy development, framework implementation, people leadership, stakeholder engagement and vendor management.
What does a typical day of work look like for you?
Keeping up with what is happening in the business and cyber/digital world, meeting with internal and external stakeholders, solving business problems and providing guidance and instructions to teams to achieve strategic goals.
What aspects of your career journey have taken you by surprise?
I am surprised that I am still in cybersecurity after 20+ years. It is the only thing I know outside of my personal life, as I have never done any other job outside of being a cybersecurity professional.
Tell us about the cyber project you're most proud of working on in your career.
I have no regrets about my career, as I have learned so much in the past 20+ years. The most memorable project was the market selection of MSSP partners and the successful transition of the service into a business. This created a hybrid SecOps team to protect the business 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I have done this type of project at two places (energy and retailer).
How has public perception of cybersecurity changed over the course of your career, and how do you predict in the future?
There is certainly more awareness about cyber threats in today’s society than 20 years ago. The public will demand more transparency and practice their rights to data privacy to manage their data held by companies.
Tell us about your first job (can be anything!) and one lesson you might have learned from it.
My first official job was at Coopers & Lybrand before it merged with Pricewaterhouse and became today’s PwC. One lesson I learned from my first job is to always be professional at the workplace, whether at a client’s office or yours. Your behavior, words and tones of voice represent who you are and directly impact our brand.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self about getting started in cyber?
Don’t be afraid of change, as change happens fast in the cybersecurity world.
Tell us about a role model or mentor who has helped shape your career.
I feel privileged to have worked for many great leaders still practicing cybersecurity and doing amazing things to create a safer digital future. Troy Braban taught me to believe in myself. Berin taught me to stay humble and authentic. Sharon Breeland taught me compassion for others and to be kind. I have many more examples to share!
A meeting gets canceled and you have a surprise 30 minute window of free time — how do you spend it?
Have a cup of coffee or tea, read technology news, and where possible, check in with my kids to see if they are coming home for dinner.
What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?
Stay fit, connect with friends and family and have some me time. Holidays and good food are always on the to-do list.
When you think about your personal legacy as a leader, what do you hope people will remember?
A genuinely good human.
