Women in tech Lizzie Clitheroe
Lizzie Clitheroe, vice president product marketing, Arkose Labs and a volunteer at The Cyber Helpline
What is your professional background and how has this contributed to your current working position? I sort of stumbled into cybersecurity early in my career as a marketer and since that time have really enjoyed being part of this space. I’ve never once considered switching industries. I’ve worked for companies that were in network security and appsec, as well as fraud and identity vendors, such as my current company Arkose Labs. One thing I love about the cybersecurity industry is its mission. You are working for companies that have a positive impact on the lives of everyday people by protecting them and their digital identities from attackers and fraudsters that would try and steal their personal data, money and more. Cybersecurity really is a very tight-knit community, and I’ve been
very lucky to create and maintain working relationships that have lasted through multiple jobs and different companies. That’s what has led me to my current position and working with a lot of great people I already knew.
What are your experiences of being a female tech leader? I’ve had a varied career across many different marketing roles, which has prepared me for what I’m currently doing as a director of product marketing. I have found that if you are knowledgeable and skilled in this industry, your expertise will be valued. I’ve gained that from working at a number of vendors that are leaders in their space in cybersecurity. I’m also fortunate to have been able to travel quite a bit and live
abroad in many different countries and continents. I’ve led varied teams consisting of people with different backgrounds, from different geographies and of various experience levels. I believe this has helped positively shape me as a tech leader.
What challenges have you encountered if any being a female in the tech sector? There are always challenges being a female in the tech sector. While the industry has moved forward now as compared to even ten years ago, there is still work to do. Fortunately, marketing tends to be a
much more balanced area than many other departments internally at tech companies. At Arkose Labs, I am proud to say we are well represented across the board with female leadership and input.
What are your interests and passions in regards to working in the tech channel? The great thing about working in the cybersecurity and anti-fraud space is being a part of mission-driven businesses that are helping secure our online worlds. As the attacks launched by the bad guys are always evolving, that in turn pushes security vendors to be constantly innovating. I have worked for companies, which are leaders in their space, and at Arkose Labs we’re helping the biggest companies in the world protect themselves and their customers from fraud attacks on digital accounts. These attacks can have a devastating impact on people – involving everything from romance scams, to spam to draining people’s bank accounts of hard-earned funds.
How can the channel drive greater diversity in the sector? Mentorship is extremely important in driving greater diversity in the technology sector. And educating girls to the benefits and excitement around working in tech and especially cybersecurity when they are still in school is of great importance. We just recently published a children’s book called ABCs of Fraud. A goal of that book is to start talking to children early on about the difference technology can make and to seed interest about working in cybersecurity. Education from an early age is vital.
How can the channel look to attract more females into leadership positions within the channel? It’s all about opportunity – giving women the chance to prove themselves and bring their collective talents and education to bear. There are many talented and dedicated women out there who are still looking for that first opportunity. Once they get it, they have a path forward to advance their career and become senior leaders. And in turn, help other women just starting out in their careers.
www.pcr-online.biz
May 2022 | 41
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
