Joanne is the Chief Marketing Officer at ACDS. In this spotlight series, we find out about her experiences working at ACDS, her secret superpowers, and her hobbies outside of work.
What is the best thing about working at ACDS?
Work plays such a big part of our lives so it’s great to still wake up and be excited about the company I’m in, and the desire to want to play my part in helping it succeed. ACDS has really great people and cyber security is a fascinating place for a tech marketing leader.
What’s your superpower?
The advantage of being in the tech industry for over 2 decades is the power of being able to look back and recall situations that can provide a window into current, or future scenarios. Growing a business, or new operation, from the start takes time, guts, patience and resilience. When you’ve done it once, or several times, you know to trust your gut and stay steady, because experience tells you that with all the right elements and hard work, you will succeed.
Looking back to the start of your career, what advice would you give yourself?
In the tech industry, and even more so in cyber security, you are in the minority as a woman—use this to your strength. Lean in to your natural traits as a female - empathy, objectivity, collaboration, good communicator. Our differences are our strength and a good manager will recognise this—the industry is waking up to the need to attract more of this balance in the workforce.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I have a large extended family, with 2 of my own children who are both almost young teenagers, and three older stepchildren in their early 30s, with partners and young kids, so life at weekends is extremely busy but I wouldn’t change a thing. I appreciate time to myself for fitness as this keeps me energised and physically and mentally strong. I also love to travel and spend time in Europe (mostly Sardinia) or further flung destinations and experiencing the different cultures. One of my fondest memories was on my honeymoon to Sri Lanka, experiencing such different scenery, foods and culture.
What quote inspires you?
My daughter has this in her bedroom and I love the sentiment ‘Be a Warrior, not a Worrier’. It inspires me to focus on getting the most out of life and reaching for our dreams.