Name: Lucille Britz
Designation: Head of security
Company: MTN
1. What do you do every day?
I am responsible for maintaining and improving the security for SEA and MENA OPCO’s. This means leading, directing and co-ordinating various tasks across functional and regional sectors.
The most important part of my job is the line management as part of the vertical structure that was implemented around tw years ago.
2. How did you get into the tech space?
It just happened, much like the way my career took off. My career kicked off with Telkom where I coached trainers in the technology and data areas.
After five years, my career took a turn towards project and change management on network projects still within the technology domain.
After ten years of exposure in the telecoms space I decided to explore the financial industry and worked for three major banks for about 15 years, looking after security and technology operations.
A wonderful challenging opportunity was presented by MTN in group information security and I enjoyed the MENA Regional work for about three years.
In my current position I am head of security for SEA and MENA. I still have a lot to learn but I am always ready for the next challenge.
3. What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Take it minute by minute!
4.What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into tech?
Nothing is personal and your best is good enough. Just do it and make understanding technology your everyday business.
Look at available positions in the technology and security sectors.
Concentrate on skills development and education, work with a plan to get yourself ready.
5. What motivates you to get out of bed every day?
My love for life and exploring new places.
My job happens to be one of my passions.
6.What do you want to be when you grow up one day?
A Tech Savvy COO or VP. But before I reach this goal, I need to understand how to excel in delivery on a regional CTIO level and give myself another 1-2 years to master execution in close collaboration with technology leaders.
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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