Venisha Nayagar, Sun International
Name: Venisha Nayagar
Designation: Group Head: Technology Governance, Risk and Security
Company: Sun International
What do you do every day? I assist in the implementation of technology best practices, provide advisory on compliance controls and implement secure channels of working and detecting risk. I started and manage the privacy function for group globally, advising on technologies and processes to enable efficiencies. I work with multiple diverse teams and help ensure operations are risk controlled and secure. It’s a fun sexy industry I work in, so every day is a new adventure!
How did you get into the tech space? I studied Information Systems at university and loved the aspects of technology and cyber security so pursued a postgrad and certifications and started my career in IT Audit. I have loved sniffing risks and providing solutions to situations and have just grown from there… No looking back and I also love being seen as competent player in somewhat male game.
What was the best advice anyone ever gave you? People are everything! Treat everyone you meet with utter respect and professionalism as you never know who you may end up working with or needing throughout your career – words that have been so true in my profession as the market is so small and relationships are key.
What advice would you given someone wanting to get into the tech sector? Go for it hard, have a goal and don’t let anything deter you. It’s a fast-paced environment with the most change that can make or break an operation, but it’s a world that forces you to learn, adapt and explore. Keep your femininity and remember that being successful in this industry is about knowing your content and being confident in your ability to multi-task, think outside the box, be creative and having the perfect balance of assertiveness and adaptability.
What motivates you to get out of bed everyday? My life and all that I still want to do…and knowing the value I bring and fires I put out…its highly motivating!
Who do you want to be when you grow up? Grow up? Sigh why? I love the youth and energy I’m currently exuding and the fun memories that its created, growing up can wait a while more. 🙂
Find me on:
LinkedIn: za.linkedin.com/pub/venisha-nayagar/39/142/893
About The Author: Samantha
Samantha Perry is the owner and founder of SJ Perry PR, a small, independent agency that specialises in providing public relations and media relations services to small to medium-sized businesses. She recently served as the JHB Agency Lead for Irvine Partners, an integrated public relations and marketing agency. She has over 20 years' of experience writing for a range of media - print and online - mainly in the ICT sector including Computing SA (editor), ComputerWeek, and Brainstorm magazine (editor). In her capacity as a PR professional and consultant, she has and does work with a variety of companies including Google (South Africa & Nigeria), Salesforce, CLEVVA, Euphoria Telecom, Paymenow and Tiger Content (UK). She also has a Masters degree in ICT Policy & Regulation. She served on the IAB SA Marketing Council as the PR rep, has worked as an independent telecoms researcher for some of the analyst houses in that field and was regularly called upon to comment on telecoms issues in the press. Nowadays she can be found commenting on women in tech issues in the press and speaking at conferences on the subject and the issues women in the sector face.
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