Her Story
About Anushka
With over 25 years of extensive experience, I possess a robust background spanning IT, management, governance, and security and risk management. My career in technology was catalyzed during the pivotal Y2K era, where an internal aptitude test and subsequent specialized training at a financial institution provided my entry into coding, addressing the critical need for legacy software updates. This foundational experience ignited a lasting passion for technology, which has driven my professional journey ever since.
Demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth, I earned my degree with a dual specialization in IT Management and Business Management, all while maintaining a demanding full-time career. Early on, I rapidly developed expertise as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in point-of-sale (POS) management systems, establishing a strong foundation in critical system oversight.
My 25-year career trajectory reflects a dynamic evolution, progressing through diverse and impactful roles from foundational coding to Information System Manager, and subsequently to Project and Program Manager. This breadth of experience naturally extended into business continuity, where I again distinguished myself as an SME, ultimately leading to a specialization in cybersecurity management.
Currently, my role centers on leading my technical team in comprehensive vulnerability and compliance management. I provide strategic oversight and high-level guidance, focusing on the broader implications of risk management within the organization. I collaborate strategically with management teams across various workstream silos, partnering to secure and coordinate the resources necessary to execute initiatives within the compliance and risk management portfolio. While I am responsible for the governance, strategic implementation, and overall management of these initiatives, I often operate without direct ownership of the underlying resources or systems requiring compliance. This necessitates a delicate strategic balance across diverse portfolios and a strong emphasis on relationship building to achieve compliance objectives effectively
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Anushka
01What do you attribute your success to?
My journey to success is deeply rooted in a commitment to holistic development, recognizing that a well-rounded individual excels in both professional and personal spheres. A decade of remote work illuminated a crucial need for greater in-person engagement, prompting me to proactively cultivate connections – both by initiating a social group and by deliberately seeking out opportunities within professional circles.
I consciously pushed myself to engage in high-level professional forums, including CIO events and technology roundtables with industry leaders, despite an initial sense of discomfort. These settings frequently presented me as the sole woman, a challenging dynamic that I initially considered avoiding. However, I chose to persist, and this sustained effort not only fostered a profound comfort in navigating environments where I am a minority but also revealed the invaluable contribution these diverse interactions make to my holistic growth.
This integrated approach enriches every facet of my life, both professional and personal, allowing me to bring a comprehensive perspective to all my engagements. Ultimately, I take immense pride in the sustained credibility I have meticulously built over time, earning trust and respect from both customers and within contractual relationships.
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