Leadership in Cyber: Exploring Uncharted Waters with CISO Bianca Wirth

On Thursday, November 23rd, Hack Sydney Career Village provided a stage for a compelling session led by Talenza Cyber consultants Riki Blok and Brittany Buswell. 

We were invited by the Hack Sydney team to host the Career Village, conceived as a dynamic platform, to provide a stage to share inspiring career stories, foster Q&A sessions, and promote connections within the cybersecurity profession. To kick off the sessions, Riki Blok interviewed Bianca Wirth to speak about her career and what it took for her to step up into her leadership. 

Bianca Wirth: A Journey of Non-Linear Growth

Bianca Wirth is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Director of Emerging Technology at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. With a career spanning 15+ years, we were lucky to hear about her experiences, challenges, and invaluable insights gained from a non-linear career path. 

The Evolution of Success: From IT to Cybersecurity Leadership 

Bianca recounted her journey from IT to web development, emphasizing the non-linear nature of her career. Notably, she highlighted her role as CEO of a non-profit organisation and her career in consulting as a pivotal experiences that honed essential skills in communication, influencing, and stakeholder management. 

Pivotal Moments: Learning from Setbacks 

Acknowledging setbacks as crucial learning moments, Bianca shared a pivotal experience where a presentation at her then employer Microsoft did not go as planned. This setback led to transformative investments in her professional development, including a course at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and engagement with a coach. 

How many CISO’s do you know with NIDA training?! Bianca's unconventional approach served her well and proves to be one of her leadership hallmarks. 

Mentorship Matters: The Impact of Community 

Bianca emphasised the role of mentorship, acknowledging Jeff Jacobs from IAG as an informal yet invaluable mentor. Lunch meetings and seeking advice from Jeff became integral to her leadership evolution. 

Succession Planning: A Strategic Move 

Bianca advocated for succession planning, underscoring its role in her career progression. The strategic move of initially serving as Deputy CISO facilitated a smooth transition to the CISO role and instilled a proactive approach to team growth and development. 

Career Advice: Taking the Next Step 

For those aspiring to climb the career ladder, Bianca offered straightforward advice: "Let managers know that you want to take a step up and ask to be invited to meetings." 

Into the Future: Bianca's Secondment and AI Exploration 

Looking ahead, Bianca shared her recent secondment, driven by her exploration of the risks and opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence. Her proactive approach, including the development of an AI playbook and hosting webinars, led to her current role heading up an innovative AI project. 

Supporting Successors: A Commitment to Growth 

Bianca's commitment to supporting her successor showcased a unique approach. Backfilled by an aspiring CISO, Bianca remains a valuable resource for guidance, ensuring a seamless transition. 

Embracing Challenges: The Rewards of Cybersecurity Leadership 

Despite the challenges in the cybersecurity landscape, Bianca expressed gratitude for leading when emotionally ready, considering her role as CISO her most challenging yet rewarding to date.

Bianca's journey serves as an inspiration for professionals navigating the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing resilience, continuous learning, and strategic career planning. 

To read about more Bianca, connect with her on LinkedIn.