When I first stumbled into cryptography, I couldn’t have predicted how deeply it would shape my view of security. I still remember racing through Cryptography for Dummies the night before an interview, trying to absorb decades of research in one sitting. It wasn’t the most academic start, but it was enough to show me just how powerful and far-reaching this space really is.

Many women are conditioned to seek approval from an early age. We are often praised for being agreeable, helpful, and pleasant. While kindness and collaboration are important, the unspoken expectation to remain “nice” at all costs can undermine professional growth.

I’m excited to share that I have joined Optalysys as CRO in Residence, an opportunity that allows me to continue pursuing a mission I’ve been dedicated to for the last decade: helping organizations expand and globalize their commercial strategies, advancing secure computing, accelerating the adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies, and ensuring organizations can unlock the value of their data without compromising trust.

There’s a moment in every career when something changes. You’ve put in the work, hit your goals, and earned the title: Manager. It feels validating, it feels exciting, and it comes with a sense of accomplishment. But here’s what most people don’t tell you: what got you here won’t get you there. Managing people and leading people are not the same skill set, and most companies do very little to prepare you for that difference.

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village.” In your career, that village isn’t just about friendships or casual networking. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, inspire you, and open doors you didn’t even know existed. That’s the idea behind a Personal Board of Advisors: a curated group of trusted voices who help you make smarter decisions, navigate uncertainty, and accelerate your growth.

Leadership isn’t static, and neither are the people we lead. What worked even five years ago doesn’t necessarily work today, because workplaces, expectations, and priorities have shifted dramatically. The leaders who thrive in 2025 are the ones who recognize that their title isn’t enough. Influence has to be earned, and that requires adapting your style to the needs of your team, your organization, and the world we live in now.

Walk into almost any leadership event today and you will see the same pattern. A panel of accomplished women sitting on stage. A DEI statement printed in the program. A polished photo shared later with the hashtag #RepresentationMatters. And yes, representation does matter. It shows what is possible. It expands imagination. It helps people see themselves in places where they have been excluded for far too long.