Hannah Kenney on Cyber Risk Advisory and a People-First Approach

Discovering a Career in Technology

• 💡 Hannah Kenney initially had diverse career aspirations, including doctor, nurse, actress, and artist, but never considered technology.
• 📌 A pivotal moment occurred in a college information systems class where she was unexpectedly engaged by the lecture, unlike her peers.
• ✅ This experience led her to pursue a career in technology, specifically in cyber security and risk advisory.

Understanding Cyber Risk Advisory

• 🎯 Hannah describes cyber risk advisory as assessing an organization's technology and information systems to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• 🧩 The role involves creative problem-solving, often collaborating with team members to analyze unusual situations and potential threats.
• 🧠 It's highlighted as an ideal field for curious individuals who enjoy learning and approaching problems from multiple perspectives.

The Importance of a People-First Approach

• 💖 Drawing from a family background of teachers, Hannah emphasizes a strong desire to help people, which drives her satisfaction in her work.
• 🤝 This people-centric philosophy extends to both helping coworkers gain perspective on issues and assisting clients in finding beneficial solutions.
• 🗣️ She hopes to be remembered as someone who viewed cyber security and risk as fundamentally focused on people, not just technical aspects.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

• 🚀 Kenney encourages young women, in particular, to trust in their capability, even without immediate confidence.
• 🌱 She advises focusing on hard work and curiosity, believing that these traits will lead to desired career destinations.
• 🌟 She stresses the importance of having faith in one's ability to learn and grow, acknowledging the significant impact of mentors in fostering confidence.