Spotlight on Sarah Lawson

Sarah Lawson has been a Technology and Cyber Security specialist for over 25 years with a focus over the last 11 years on Cyber Security Transformation. She has worked in several different industries including Higher Education, Facilities Management and Publishing and also has enjoyed more than 3 years as a Gartner Executive Partner, supporting and learning from a diverse set of Industry leaders throughout EMEA. A fun fact about Sarah is her love of the ancient Japanese sport of Sumo and her growing collection of memorabilia.

Learn more about the UK & Ireland CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

My childhood ambition was to be a lawyer and my early career took me in that direction, specialising in family and domestic violence. However, the draw of the emerging business world of computing was too strong and much more suitable a career when I was bringing up a young family. My technology career started with early web design, coding (Pascal, anyone?) and desktop publishing, and quickly grew into computer support. I had great fun working as an IT Manager at the University of Oxford and learnt my trade from network to endpoint which led me neatly to my love of Cyber Security.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Bringing energy and opportunity – however hard my feet are paddling under the surface, I have found it important to maintain and transmit calm energy to the business and teams I am working with. This provides a safe and stable base for teams and individuals to do their best work and enables smoother transformation journeys.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

Many of our businesses are facing competing and complicated economic challenges while also being very aware and wanting to be safe from cyber threats. Cyber transformation requires understanding the changing needs of complex business demands and being able to adapt appropriately while at the same time reassuring boards that we are improving our security posture.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

Tenacity, energy, patience and good communication skills. Use the power of listening, and maintain a keen interest in the business you are supporting not just from the perspective of Cyber Security.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

Those little moments when people around me indicate that they value my leadership skills.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

It's a complex, fast moving, ever-changing world, and at the Gartner C-Level Communities events, there is always someone who has a little nugget of knowledge that I haven't had time to find out. I can also top up my energy levels by just relaxing in a room where everyone just "gets" what I am talking about!
 

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.