Lisa Ventura

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2023.

Lisa is a cyber security specialist with a career spanning more than 20 years - more than half in the cyber space, which she entered in 2009. Since then she has worked in cybersecurity consultancy with many other organisations including BT, Pinsent Masons, BlueVoyant, CyBourn, Proficio and the UK Cyber Security Council.

Lisa's specific interests include supporting women and neurodivergent people into cybersecurity, as well as dealing with bullying, abuse and mental health issues in the sector.

How did you get into IT?

I joined Titania Ltd in 2009, a cyber security software development company based in the Midlands, to help grow the business from a tiny start up to a thriving SME with over 50 members of staff.

How do you ensure diversity is taken into account in your IT recruitment?

As someone who is neurodivergent I am always looking at ensuring inclusive language is used and that recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to those who are neurodiverse, ethnic minorities and to women.

Which technology are you currently most excited by?

AI tools such as ChatGPT. While there are some security ramifications around it, I am interested to see how it transforms the way we do things.

What would an outsider find the most surprising part of your job?

The admin side of what I do and all the writing that goes with creating cybersecurity awareness training plans.

What's your secret talent?

I can code on my Texas Instruments TI/499 home computer that I have in my retro room at home, it was the very first machine I had and the machine I learnt to code with.

What makes you laugh?

Episodes of the BBC comedy Only Fools and Horses. I am in stitches watching it no matter how many times I've seen it!