A Chat with Pauline Omollo, Head of Sales & Business Development (Africa)
In our ongoing series “CYBER RANGES: Knowing Our Team,” we meet Pauline Omollo, Head of Sales & Business Development (Africa). With a deep passion for cybersecurity and an inspiring career journey, Pauline shares her insights and experiences in the ever-evolving world of cyber defense.
Can you describe your role at CYBER RANGES?
“I am actually with CYBER RANGES Master Distributor SILENSEC Africa and, as their Head of Sales, I focus on the strategic expansion of CYBER RANGES in Africa. In the nearly two years that I have been with the company, I have witnessed CYBER RANGES grow and build a reputable client base in the region. This growth has been supported by various partnerships with global organizations, including ITU, AfricaCERT, and various National CSIRTs.”
What do you like about CYBER RANGES?
“CYBER RANGES is not just a training platform; it’s a leader in workforce development for both organizations and individuals. As cybersecurity evolves with technology, continuous skill enhancement is crucial, and CYBER RANGES provides the perfect platform for this growth. The reason why SILENSEC works with CYBER RANGES, is about the chance to easily integrate multiple vendor technologies in the CYBER RANGES training environments: this makes the resulting professional abilities so gained highly valuable as immediately employable in the workplace.”
What do you enjoy most about being part of The CYBER RANGES Community
“The hybrid working environment is a big plus for me, as it promotes work-life balance. CYBER RANGES is an incredibly diverse bunch of people and working with different cultures across several timezones is incredibly enriching.”
What advice would you offer to someone aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field?
“You don’t necessarily need a background in IT to pursue a career in cybersecurity. There are many pathways into this diverse and growing field. Curiosity and the willingness to learn and be challenged are fundamental attitudes.”
How does working in cybersecurity affect your work-life balance?
“The hybrid work environment at CYBER RANGES allows me to balance family and work effectively. It’s great to be around my children during their holidays, and they learn about work ethics by observing how I manage my professional responsibilities. This career offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, at any time.”
What are the greatest challenges of working in a field where only 25% of workers (and just 11% in leadership positions) are represented by females? And how do you manage them?
“Navigating a workplace with limited female representation presents challenges such as gender bias, a lack of diverse perspectives, and potential isolation. To manage these, fostering mentorship, advocating for inclusivity, and promoting diversity initiatives are crucial to contributing to a more equitable and supportive work environment.”
What can we do to close the gap of women in tech?
“Closing the gender gap in tech requires concerted efforts. We should continuously encourage STEM education for girls, promote inclusive hiring practices, provide mentorship and networking opportunities, and foster supportive workplace cultures. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of diversity and challenging gender stereotypes can contribute to a more inclusive tech industry.”
What excites you about the future of cybersecurity?
“The continuous evolution of cybersecurity in tandem with the IT industry is thrilling. Knowing that your expertise will never become obsolete in this field is very motivating. The rapidly changing threat landscape necessitates ongoing learning and adaptation, which keeps the career both challenging and exciting.”
Stay connected with us for more insights from our exceptional team members as CYBER RANGES continues to foster growth and innovation in the cybersecurity profession through The CYBER RANGES Community
