Sue Lam
“Be curious. Make it a passion, not just a job, and you can excel.”
Sue Lam, Manager is an identity professional of 19 years who is passionate about uplifting the skills and culture of the Identity and Access Management community.
What is one skill, interest or talent of yours that makes you great at your job?
My superpower is being able to tell when people in a conversation are not on the same page and are misunderstanding each other.
What is the best piece of unconventional career advice you’ve gotten?
From a previous manager: Having strong opinions and being vocal with them is why I promoted you.
What is your proudest moment working in the cybersecurity industry?
My proudest moments are when younger professionals come up to me after I’ve spoken at a conference and say, “You were so brave up there, you inspired me.” There’s nothing more meaningful than knowing your voice gave someone else the courage to use theirs.
When did you become interested in pursuing a career in cyber and what prompted it?
I fell into it. I was always passionate about IT; that it gives people the power to create something useful. I was working an IT job when an opportunity came up to join a project building an identity governance and administration system. It wasn’t considered cybersecurity back then, though!
What are the top 3 things you would tell people hoping to enter the cybersecurity industry?
- You don’t have to be technical. Cybersecurity needs more diversity of thought.
- Be curious. Make it a passion, not just a job, and you can excel.
- When you start working in cybersecurity, don’t just think about the tech, but also the why of what you are working on.
What are some misconceptions people might have about the cybersecurity industry and what can we do to change these misconceptions?
That it’s all about the tools and technology. We need to continue to share use cases of projects, and promote profiles of cybersecurity leaders that show the breadth of skills and thinking required to successfully deliver in cybersecurity.
Do you feel like you’re contributing to helping keep our world secure and can you share why that matters to you?
I do. My job is about looking at what is insecure and working out ways to secure it. The ramifications of a security gap and subsequent breach are scary; the people who can suffer are everyday people.
What positive change do you think will take place as we bring the next generation into the cybersecurity industry?
More diversity and innovation. The younger generation often thinks differently, has different priorities, and has different fears. I’m keen to see younger people in leadership, changing the face of our organizations.
Who is your role model in the cybersecurity industry and why?
Natalie Reed, Director Technology & Transformation, Deloitte Australia. Her knowledge of the consumer identity space blows me away, and her passion for improving experience and security is inspiring. She is a key part of the identity community in Australia, and I feel very lucky she’s taken me under her wing!
