Leanne Conroy
“By being authentic, I hope to empower everybody else to be authentic.”
When Leanne joined the Australian Army’s signals intelligence team, she didn’t know what she was getting into, but she was excited. There, she discovered her technical talent and continued immersing herself in various technical roles until she set foot into the invigorating and ever-challenging world of cyber.
She believes that being a woman and having different ways of thinking allowed her to thrive in these male-dominated industries. She encourages more women to join these industries and leverage their unique perspectives for innovation.
What do you do for fun?
I exercise, ski, kayak, garden and love supporting my Australian Football League team, Collingwood. I have a very close support network, my “tribe,” including a great family I like to spend time with.
What aspects of your career journey have taken you by surprise?
I’m surprised I even have a career because I wasn’t the best student. School wasn’t very stimulating, but working in the signal intelligence field stimulated my thirst for knowledge and curiosity. Seizing that opportunity and taking a calculated risk gave me the best career I could have asked for.
What advice would you give a woman who wants to pursue a cyber career but doesn’t think they are qualified?
I recommend looking at the complementary skills that can be transferred and applied to cyber and being confident in your skills.
What makes you proud to be a part of the cybersecurity industry?
Your digital identity and footprint are crucial because they define you. I’m committed to defending people’s digital identities and ensuring their safety because breaches can inflict serious harm.
