Her Story
About Mercy
Mercy Dadson is a Security Risk and Compliance Analyst with more than five years of experience in IT governance, risk, and compliance. Her career has been shaped by adaptability, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for solving complex problems and protecting what matters. She has developed expertise across security risk, enterprise risk management, third-party risk management, regulatory compliance, customer assurance, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC). Her ability to embrace new challenges and learn quickly has enabled her to build a versatile career in the cybersecurity and risk management field.
During her tenure at Rackspace Technology, Mercy transitioned into third-party risk management and played an important role in strengthening and enhancing the program. She improved vendor scoping and documentation, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and helped develop more effective processes for managing third-party risk. She also trained and supported a new team, reflecting her commitment to mentorship, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Mercy holds a bachelor's degree from China and an MSc in Development Management from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom, as well as professional certifications including Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Third Party Risk Professional (CTPRP).
Beyond her professional career, Mercy is a licensed financial health educator and entrepreneur who owns Cakes and Occasions by M and CAIC Communications by Em in Austin, Texas. She attributes her success to an upbringing that taught her to approach challenges without excuses and to find a way to succeed. She takes pride in bringing ideas and visions to life, solving problems, and giving back through mentorship. Outside of work, Mercy enjoys traveling, spending quality time with family, exploring great food as a foodie, hiking, and dancing. Her professional ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, love of learning, and appreciation for family and life experiences reflect a well-rounded approach to both career and personal fulfillment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Mercy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the values instilled in me through my upbringing, particularly the belief that there are no excuses and that there is always a way forward. I am motivated by the satisfaction of turning ideas and visions into reality, solving challenges, and creating meaningful results. I also believe strongly in giving back and sharing what I have learned, especially because mentors have played an important role in my own development. Their guidance has inspired me to support and mentor others, helping them recognize their potential and achieve their goals.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never be afraid to take on new responsibilities or step outside of my comfort zone. Sometimes, you simply have to raise your hand, say yes, and be willing to learn along the way. Taking on new challenges creates opportunities to grow, build confidence, and gain valuable experience while increasing your visibility. I believe that showing up, being willing to try, and embracing opportunities with a positive attitude can open doors and accelerate both personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the security, risk, and compliance industry is to be confident, raise your hand, and never be afraid to take on a new role or responsibility. There are always people willing to support, mentor, and help you along the way, so embrace opportunities to learn and grow. This is an incredibly rewarding field with endless opportunities to develop your skills, make an impact, and build a meaningful career. Most importantly, believe in yourself and recognize that the sky is not even the limit.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is the ability to use AI as an enabler to enhance the work we do, improve efficiency, and help us achieve better outcomes rather than viewing it as something that will replace us. At the same time, rapid changes in technology and evolving expectations can make career transitions challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Burnout is another important concern, which is why I believe it is essential to find ways to make the work enjoyable, stay engaged, and maintain a healthy perspective. Above all, professionals should recognize their value, embrace change, and have confidence in the unique skills and experience they bring to their organizations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, transparency, and open communication. I believe in being straightforward, treating people with respect, and fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and having meaningful conversations. I also value continuous learning, particularly in security, risk, and compliance, where the landscape evolves rapidly and staying informed is essential. Finally, I believe in having fun and keeping work engaging, approachable, and collaborative, because people are more successful when they enjoy what they do and can navigate complex challenges with a positive mindset.
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