Fortinet's initiatives to close the cybersecurity skills gap include bringing more diverse talent into the field to help fill critical roles, including supporting the advancement of women in technology and their professions. As part of this commitment and in celebration of International Women's Day this year, Fortinet hosted our inaugural Women in Technology conference centered around recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in cybersecurity, all while creating a community of engagement, encouragement, and support.

The experience offered customers, partners, and employees the opportunity to build strategies to elevate their personal brands and connect with accomplished female leaders across the industry. We were able to learn more about two conference attendees, Jessica Nemmers (Field CISO at Flair Data Systems) and Elizabeth Hudak (Director of Data Center, Network and Telecom at Element Fleet Management), about their career trajectories and experiences in cybersecurity, as well as advice to other women in tech.

How has your work experience shaped you as a leader in cybersecurity?

Jessica Nemmers (JN): I am known as the "Ballerina Turned CISO" because I was a professional ballerina before I entered IT. Years ago, when we began seeing successful phishing attacks, I was drawn to cybersecurity as a career. My exposure to security started decades ago in the data center, but I had been watching cybersecurity move from primarily a technology challenge to a people challenges with social engineering attacks happening every day. This made me want to take on the challenge of securing organizations and creating a culture of security that focuses on people combined with technology. 

As I became a leader, I began to understand that in a technical field, you don't have to know each discipline as a leader, but rather you need to know how to maximize your team members' strengths and create open lines of communication.

Elizabeth Hudak (EH): Each position I've held, from a PC technician in 1988 to a network engineer, to a manager, to a director, has shaped me into the leader I am today. Each position has played a unique role in my character development and gives me an edge in handling demanding tasks.

Can you share the best advice you've received and/or key learning lessons?

JN: I often speak of the Happenstance Theory, a career theory developed by Professor John Krumboltz of Stanford University. It asks you to focus less on having specific plans for your future and more on finding opportunities in unplanned events. With that, I have accepted the non-traditional nature of my career path and focused on listening to the subtle signs that may act as "green lights" to consider a career change. Some of the greatest growth moments came to me unexpectedly, and I've learned to be ready for change by listening to those subtle cues, indicating that it is time to move on to a new opportunity.

EH: Surround yourself with other like-minded, strong, intelligent women and support one another. It's no secret that cybersecurity is a predominately male-dominated industry, so don't be afraid to help other females along their technology journey. Companies across various industries are looking to increase the representation of women who work in technical roles, and learning how to support women can help your company strengthen their workforces and boost performance. Remember, supporting others in no way diminishes your own accomplishments, so don't be afraid to reach out a lending hand.

What advice can you offer to those interested in aspiring to leadership roles in technology?

JN: Not all technologists are good leaders, and like me, not all leaders are strong technologists. For those who love the challenge of working in technology, I encourage them to become experts and trusted advisors in their area. If you love the people side of technology and enjoy coaching others, then start learning from a leader you admire.

EH: Don't let others define you. Speak up, share your ideas, and continue to learn and move forward. There's no use in looking back or comparing yourself to others-it will only set you back in your career journey.

As a woman in tech, what do you wish you would have known early on?

JN: I'll keep it short and to the point: listen more, talk less, and take notes!

EH: Do not let others tell you what you should or should not do with your career. Listen to your gut and follow your passions.

Who or what inspires you? Why?

JN: I have worked for two Texas legends in my career: Mary Kay Ash, an American businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Ross Perot, an American businessman, politician, philanthropist, and founder and CEO of Electronic Data Systems and Perot Systems. Each started from humble beginnings and built global empires. They didn't shy away from their goals, and in the face of rejection, kept moving forward. Their stories have inspired me to take chances in my career and chase my dream of becoming a CISO.

EH: My children inspire me every day. I see how much they look up to me, and it inspires me to continue learning and sharing my knowledge and experiences with them. I also admire my sister-in-law, who is one of the most intelligent people I've had the pleasure of getting to know. For as long as I've known her, she's always encouraged me to persevere no matter what obstacles may stand in my way.

Anything else you would like to add as part of your story?

JN: More often times than not, I continue to be the only woman at the table. But there are many men in my career who have encouraged and advocated for me. I am so appreciative and excited for our next generation of women in tech who have role models who understand the unique challenges of being a woman in our industry.

EH: I never got a four-year degree but worked hard to get to where I am today. I pushed forward, self-promoted, and have been in a leadership role for 20+ years of my career. You are capable of whatever you set your mind to, no matter your education level.

Find out more about how Fortinet's Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) and Training Institute programs-including the NSE Certification program, Academic Partner program, and Education Outreach program-are helping to solve the cyber skills gap and prepare the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow.