Role Models
Empowering Paths: The Journey and Wisdom of Caroline Viola Lester
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, women are carving out their place as leaders, innovators, and trailblazers. One such inspiring individual is Caroline Viola Lester, a Security Advisor at Novo Nordisk. Her journey exemplifies the power of passion, determination, and continuous learning in the field of cybersecurity. Through her experiences, she not only embraced the challenges of transitioning into this dynamic industry but also became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring professionals.
Finding Her Path
From her early days in the bustling world of the restaurant industry, Caroline Viola Lester honed her leadership skills as she swiftly ascended from a waiter to managing two restaurants, overseeing a large team of employees. Eager to expand her horizons, she pursued higher education in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, seeking new avenues to make an impact. It was during an internship at Goodtalks, that Caroline’s interest in cybersecurity first sparked. Tasked with streamlining the company’s email flow, her latent technical prowess surfaced, prompting her to take on the responsibility of safeguarding the company’s digital assets. Invested in the company both professionally and personally, she embarked on a journey of self-education, enrolling in specialized courses at the IT University of Copenhagen, focusing on information security and GDPR compliance. Expanding her horizons beyond Goodtalks, Caroline delved deeper into cybersecurity after her role in improving security measures and GDPR compliance at the start-up company.
Driven by her newfound passion, she decided to enhance her knowledge further by pursuing a Master’s program in Information Technology, Digital Innovation, and Management at the IT University Copenhagen. Simultaneously, Caroline embarked on a student assistant journey at Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical leader, to gain practical experience in cybersecurity. Balancing her academic pursuits with hands-on learning, she honed her skills and understanding of cybersecurity intricacies. This dual commitment ultimately led to a seamless transition into a full-time cybersecurity role at Novo Nordisk. Leveraging her diverse skill-set and experiences, Caroline continues to thrive in her cybersecurity career, playing a pivotal role in advancing Novo Nordisk’s security initiatives and earning recognition as a respected professional in the field.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Throughout her journey, Caroline stayed dedicated to supporting diversity and inclusion. It all started when she worked at Goodtalks, a startup focused on personal and professional growth while also promoting diverse and inclusive workplaces. She now also actively participates in initiatives such as Women4Cyber, advocating for greater representation of women in cybersecurity roles and challenging stereotypes. Her dedication to fostering a more inclusive environment serves as a testament to her belief in the power of diversity to drive innovation and progress.
Balancing Wellness and Professional Growth in Cybersecurity
Caroline’s holistic approach to balancing work and life sets a remarkable example.
Besides meditation, I’ve incorporated a few other practices into my routine. On my private phone, I’ve created a background that serves as a vision board, adorned with positive notes and affirmations, reinforcing my aspirations. Additionally, I prioritize physical activity, often cycling between work and home, which not only keeps me fit but also clears my mind. I’ve trained myself to compartmentalize my thoughts, ensuring that when I’m at work, my focus remains solely on the tasks at hand, and during meditation sessions, work-related concerns are set aside, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the practice.
Caroline’s proactive approach serves as a reminder of the importance of lifelong learning, and active engagement in professional communities for success in any career path.
I like to keep myself up-to-date on what’s happening in cybersecurity. I listen to these podcasts that give me weekly updates, and they’re really insightful. Also, I’ve subscribed to a bunch of newsletters, you know, to stay in the loop. LinkedIn is pretty useful too. And then, I’m always working on improving my skills by looking out for relevant cybersecurity courses to take. Also, I’m really into attending those industry events as there’s always something interesting going on, and I believe there’s always room to learn something new.
Caroline’s Advice on Exploring Cybersecurity and Overcoming Uncertainty
Caroline suggests getting a sense of the different career paths within cybersecurity, as it’s not just about technical hands-on stuff like coding or penetration testing. It’s also about bridging the gap between cybersecurity and business and about understanding the business goals and needs. So, take a look at all the different areas to see what interests you. Listen to podcasts or read up on it to find out more about what you like.
Give cybersecurity a chance. It’s a vast field with numerous opportunities for growth. While it may seem challenging or overly technical at first, it’s both fun and interesting. In today’s ever-evolving IT landscape, security is essential for every business.
When applying for jobs, I believe honesty is key, as I think many employers value transparency. It’s about being open and honest about your knowledge and skills, but also about emphasizing your career aspirations and ambitions and that you are eager to learn and grow. By remaining open and accepting, you can continue to learn and stay updated.
Caroline shares a personal motto that guides her through moments of uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of considering both the potential risks and rewards.
I’ve got this motto that I’ve used throughout my whole career. It’s like a little reminder for me whenever I’m feeling nervous about trying something new, whether it’s asking someone for help or taking on a new project at work. I will ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen versus the best thing that could happen?” It’s like a way to calm myself and realize that sometimes there’s “nothing to lose but everything to gain.”