2024-08-31 –, Track 2
The EU referendum on the 23rd of June 2016 marked a seismic moment in my professional and personal life. It had forced me to reevaluate - who I was, my values and what the next chapter holds. Fast forward to 2024. The power of community has allowed me to not only grow but thrive! This is my story.
It was as if time stood still. I had been awake for over 24 hours and was surrounded by boxes as the count was underway. It was long before many had woken up in the early hours of Friday morning, when I knew the direction of the result. The UK had voted to leave the EU.
What happened next? It dawned on me, how deeply it affected me on a personal and professional level. EU affairs - rightly or wrongly - was my entire identity at the time. I had interviewed for a role in Brussels that summer. As a Brit, would I now be out of the running? Spoiler alert: I took up that post and relocated back to Belgium.
However, I wrestled with what lay in my future. Should I acquire Belgian or Irish citizenship to allow me to stay? I took a step back and soul searched. I must return to the UK and write the next chapter. Although tech would feature, I did not anticipate what was to come in the years thereafter. The pandemic struck and it was a blessing in disguise. I could not envisage myself as a software developer after pursuing a full-stack development course, but I knew security captivated me.
How I did get there? The power of community has brought me here and has allowed me to thrive ever since. What has it taught me? My mindset has shifted. I used to see snakes and ladders - navigating the ups and downs - life is a challenge with a finish. What do I see today? My raison d'être has altered entirely.
Professor Hannah Fry touched on this in her Future with Hannah Fry tv series. In the first episode, she visits Japan and explores the concept of Ikigai, which delves into the Japanese philosophy around purpose. Essentially, it is less about overcoming challenges in a distant future but being present in the here and now, taking the time to enjoy the small things. In my case, I have not pursued this consciously but is an outlook which guides me. It has opened me up to precious moments in the security community and outside that continues to touch me profoundly, each and every day.
Therefore, ask not what the community can do for you. Instead, be curious and your authentic self. Keep an open mind and with resilience, you never know where it may take you. Above all, take the time to pause and appreciate the finer moments with your colleagues, peers and friends in security or elsewhere. I can guarantee it will leave an imprint and you will be surprised at what you will learn and how it will shape you.
For my 2016 self, I wish I could tell you there is a community out there waiting to welcome you in... but that's the beauty of it. The chapter had not been written so I did not know. I will carve out my path on my owns terms. Will you?
Currently, work in an Information Security team within the healthcare and life sciences sector. Formerly, worked in Brussels in an EU affairs capacity at the European Parliament and the public-private partnership, Clean Aviation (previously Clean Sky).
Adept communicator and strategic thinker who is politically astute, socially conscious and highly motivated with a collaborative instinct, enquiring mind, global outlook and keen eye for detail.
Thrives in horizontal-oriented roles, diverse teams and international environments which are mission-driven. Above all, a passion that lies at the intersection of geopolitics, security and technology.
Specialities / interests: UK politics, EU affairs, international relations, diplomacy, languages, content management systems and web development, cyber security, internet governance, aerospace and aviation.