{"id":3308,"date":"2024-12-17T09:17:10","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T09:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/?page_id=3308"},"modified":"2025-03-07T20:25:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T20:25:27","slug":"ann-juul","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/articles\/ann-juul\/","title":{"rendered":"Ann Juul"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Role Models<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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True Mettle and Authenticity: Ann Juul’s Journey in Cybersecurity<\/strong><\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ann Juul is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of industry experience. As Chief Marketing Officer and Partner at Risk Measure, she leads the newly founded company\u2019s marketing and communication strategies, specialising in simplifying complex cybersecurity concepts for diverse audiences. Known as a “trusted advisor,” Ann is praised for her strategic, creative, and results-driven approach. Her strong relationship-building skills and clear communication style make her a key figure in the cybersecurity space.<\/p>

Let\u2019s take a closer look at her journey.<\/p>

Ann Juul\u2019s Career Journey<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

With a bachelor\u2019s degree in international business communication from Copenhagen Business School and a master\u2019s in IT and communication from the IT University, Ann has built a solid foundation in language, cross-cultural communication, and business communication, combined with fundamental IT knowledge.<\/p>

Ann\u2019s career in cybersecurity began somewhat by chance when she applied for a student job as a sales and marketing assistant at one of Denmark\u2019s first cybersecurity companies back in 2009. It was then that she discovered her passion for the field. Over the years, she has held various roles and remained in the industry due to its dynamic, ever-evolving nature, which provides endless learning opportunities. Her fluency in cyber lingo enables her to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.<\/p>

Her journey has also been shaped by the people she has worked with. In cybersecurity, working with a variety of people is inevitable, and Ann attributes much of her career growth to the colleagues she has encountered. As she explains:<\/p>

-I believe that people follow people, and being able to work with such great and dedicated individuals has made me stay in cyber. But also, because there are so many possibilities. Over the years, I\u2019ve worked in different divisions – from indirect and direct sales, product and service development, learning and development, sales operations, strategy, management, leadership, and now marketing.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

-I\u2019ve been privileged to grow and try out a lot of things, always with the support of my colleagues around me. It\u2019s very much been a Pippi Longstocking approach \u2013\u2018 I have never tried that before, so I think I should definitely be able to do that.\u2019 And I have always received support and guidance from the people around me.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Ann\u2019s career took a major leap when she transitioned into sales enablement and joined a new organization. At NCC Group, a global leader in cybersecurity, she built a comprehensive sales support team, managing multiple teams across countries. Through strong leadership, she successfully navigated the challenges of remote collaboration. However, years of extensive travel and remote work eventually led her to seek new opportunities.<\/p>

Today, she is a partner at Risk Measure, where she drives marketing and communication. Ann continues to inspire and lead in the cybersecurity space while promoting inclusivity and diverse opportunities within the industry.<\/p>

-I don\u2019t have a formal background in marketing, and that\u2019s part of what makes my journey interesting. What I do have is a deep understanding of cybersecurity, developed over many years in the field. My transition into marketing came from my willingness to adapt, learn, and apply common sense to new challenges. First and foremost, I\u2019m a communicator – and that ability can be applied to many different roles.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Ann emphasizes that cybersecurity isn\u2019t just about understanding technology. Having a “Swiss Army knife” of skills is incredibly helpful, particularly in the startup environment she\u2019s now part of. This means being comfortable with ambiguity and confident in her ability to figure things out as she goes:<\/p>

-It\u2019s not always easy, and I\u2019m still learning to accept that you can\u2019t always do things perfectly. But it\u2019s incredibly rewarding to know that your ability to adapt and learn makes you a valued part of the team.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Embracing Diversity in Leadership<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Diversity has always come naturally to Ann. Growing up as the only girl among four brothers, she was raised in an environment where her parents treated all their children equally, fostering respect for diversity from an early age. This upbringing shaped her leadership style and dedication to inclusivity in cybersecurity.<\/p>

When asked about her leadership philosophy, Ann shared that trust and open communication are fundamental – both as a leader and team member. Whether managing teams across countries or collaborating with departments, she prioritizes transparency and constructive feedback while expecting the same from others. She values diversity, respects cultural perspectives, and fosters an environment where everyone\u2019s strengths are recognised.<\/p>

-Authenticity is a cornerstone of my approach. During COVID, for example, I didn\u2019t hide the chaos of working from home with my kids around me. I\u2019d join video calls with LEGO scattered across the living room, desperately trying to get to the coffee machine without tripping over toys. Once, I even showed up to a management meeting with face paint on from playing with my kids. These moments, far from being weaknesses, are expressions of being fully human.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

This approach resonated deeply with Ann\u2019s colleagues. One shared:<\/p>

“Ann played a pivotal role in the creation of Sales Enablement. She brought people together with her nurturing and empowering approach, creating a safe and inclusive work environment, even during the pandemic. She was always there to support the team, both professionally and personally. Her determination is unmatched. Once she takes on a project, she works tirelessly to see it through to the finish line, always with a positive attitude. No task is too large for Ann. She has this incredible ability to manage multiple critical projects simultaneously while still being there for her team. It\u2019s truly inspiring.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Navigating the Work-Life Balance<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Ann notes that she\u2019s always been surrounded by colleagues who respect her family commitments. Flexibility, however, goes both ways, and she doesn\u2019t believe in a strict separation between work and life: “We are who we are, and life happens.”<\/em><\/span><\/p>

She recalls a valuable lesson from a former CEO:<\/p>

\u00a0–<\/em>He once told me, \u2018If you wake up and it\u2019s snowing outside, take time to go snow riding with your kids. You can catch up later – and if you can\u2019t, you will catch up some other time when it\u2019s needed.\u2019 That approach to life and work has always resonated with me. It\u2019s crucial to make space for those moments without guilt while being mindful of your commitments.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

This is the approach that provides dedicated employees, and many of the people part of that company and culture are also the people that founded Risk Measure 12 years later.<\/em><\/p>

Balancing work, family, and personal passions requires flexibility, transparency, and support – which Ann credits to her husband and a collaborative work environment.<\/p>

-Work doesn\u2019t always need to fit into traditional office hours. It\u2019s okay to catch up on emails during personal time as long as it doesn\u2019t consume you. Being open about my commitments helps create a supportive environment, which is crucial for success in both my professional and personal life.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

-I\u2019m still practising finding the perfect balance.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Turning Cybersecurity into a Passion<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

While many assume that cybersecurity requires a 24\/7 mindset, Ann debunks this myth:<\/p>

-If you\u2019re working 24\/7 in cybersecurity, your hobby becomes your work, and your work becomes your hobby. That\u2019s a dangerous combination.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Her creative outlet is ceramics. During the pandemic, Ann built a small ceramics studio, providing an escape from the demands of cybersecurity:<\/p>

-When you work with your hands on something creative, it forces your mind to focus, helping you disconnect from the digital world.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

Finding Inspiration in the Everyday<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Ann\u2019s guiding principle is simple: “Authenticity is your superpower.”<\/em><\/span> Her approach is rooted in being genuine, transparent, and bringing her whole self to work.<\/p>

-The best way to succeed in cybersecurity – or any field – is to embrace who you are, including your strengths, vulnerabilities, and unique perspective. Don\u2019t be afraid to break stereotypes, share doubts, and seek help. Nobody\u2019s perfect, and we can\u2019t be expected to know everything from the start.<\/em><\/span><\/p>

For Ann, a fulfilling career in cybersecurity is about continuous learning, authenticity, and fostering diverse perspectives. Cybersecurity is vast, offering opportunities for everyone – regardless of background – as long as there\u2019s curiosity and a willingness to learn.<\/p>

-I\u2019ve found it both challenging and incredibly fun to dive into new areas of security, like cyber risk quantification, which is a cornerstone at Risk Measure. A new subject matter field demands a different perspective and blend of skills compared to what I came from before joining Risk Measure – both from technical knowledge to communication expertise.<\/span>
Exploring these areas has shown me how valuable diversity is, not just in terms of gender or background, but also in mindset. Diverse teams are better equipped to solve complex challenges because they approach problems from multiple angles. And once you get the hang of that approach, and know each other\u2019s way of working, you\u2019ll get the best output.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

For Ann, it’s about showing commitment and focus, even when faced with challenges. Her career in cybersecurity highlights that embracing authenticity, continuous learning, and the support of others is essential for achieving success and fulfilment.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Charting a Fulfilling Path in Cybersecurity<\/em><\/strong><\/p>

Cybersecurity is a dynamic and evolving field, offering endless opportunities for growth and exploration. Whether you’re starting in marketing or sales or transitioning into a technical role, there’s always room to learn and adapt. Ann emphasizes the importance of starting small, developing your skills, and staying flexible. Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or have years of experience, a fulfilling career comes from being authentic, maintaining balance, and fostering a healthy work environment. She also stresses the importance of being curious and not afraid of taking on new roles and responsibilities, even if you aren\u2019t formally trained for them. While cybersecurity can be complex, with the right approach, it’s possible to excel both professionally and personally.<\/p>

Don\u2019t be afraid to bring your whole self into the field – cybersecurity needs unique perspectives and strengths. It\u2019s okay if your path isn\u2019t traditional; what matters is curiosity and a willingness to learn. Surround yourself with mentors and role models, and don\u2019t hesitate to ask for help or guidance. Remember, you don\u2019t need to know everything right away – start where you are, and trust that your skills and confidence will grow over time. Take the time to explore different aspects of the field; you might discover a niche where your talents truly shine. Cybersecurity is vast, and there\u2019s a place for everyone. If you have the interest and willingness to learn, you can build a successful career in this field on top of any foundation you already have.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Role Models True Mettle and Authenticity: Ann Juul’s Journey in Cybersecurity Ann Juul is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of industry experience. As Chief Marketing Officer and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":215,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"enabled","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3308","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":false,"total_views":0,"today_views":0},"featured_image_src":null,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3308","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3308"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3308\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3359,"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3308\/revisions\/3359"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/215"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/women4cyber.dk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}