I had a really time talking with Iretioluwa Akerele, a Cybersecurity Professional with ears of experience in Information Security, Data Privacy, Regulatory Compliance, Implementation of Security Controls and Risk Governance. Ireti is the founder of Cybarik, a cybersecurity consulting firm that improves cybersecurity skills and talents of the employable market through intense and accredited training. Ireti also co-founded Cyblack, an organization that helps African cybersecurity students in Europe to network, learn and build strong foundations in the field
Key Points
As a woman in cyber who wears many hats, Ireti reveals how she handles the pressure and keeps herself from being burned out [02:57]
“We are not there yet”.... Ireti gives us her rating on the landscape of cybersecurity talent space made available in Africa. [07:56]
Ireti gives us a peek through the curtain of how and why she started Cyblack. [09:57]
Ireti shares profound solutions to building and retaining cybersecurity talents to prevent the adverse effects of brain drain in the country. Some of such includes adequate rewards and discarding the habit whereby employers set unrealistic criteria in job listings that scare possible applicants away. [16:46-24:13]
Ireti gives a rather interesting take on the “Certificate versus Experience” debate [25:22]
As always, I asked her to drop encouraging words for newbies and those still thinking about delving into Cybersecurity. [30:21]
A fun bonus question! [38:47]
We close with more encouraging words from Ireti. [40:24]
Press play to listen to the thrilling conversation
Connect with my guest, Iretioluwa Akerele on social media:
Linkedin: @Iretioluwa Akerele | Twitter: @ireteeh
Connect with me on LinkedIn @Fatimah Adelodun