WiCyS UK&I Wisdom: A Conversation with Julie Osborne
In a new WiCyS UK&I series, entitled 'WiCyS UK&I Wisdom', we'll be talking to inspirational, senior women in cyber about their careers to date and get their advice on what it takes to be successful in this industry.
This month, WiCyS UK&I Marketing Lead, Laura Reilly sat down with Julie Osborne, Director of Global Security Control Frameworks at Barclays and WiCyS UK&I Vice President, to understand more about her journey in cyber.
Who Are You and What Do You Do?
I am a mother to two adult children and a wife with a wonderfully supportive Husband, who enables me to pursue my personal mission in helping to bring women and youth into cyber. My day job is the Director of Security Control Frameworks and Oversight with global responsibility for Barclays Group Cyber Security Standards and external security certifications. I also hold the voluntary role of Vice President for the Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) UKI affiliate.
What’s Something People Might Not Know About You?
I used to be an avid salsa dancer! It was my main hobby a few years ago, and I absolutely love the energy and rhythm of it. I’m also a big fan of long-distance walking. I've completed six 50-kilometre walks, which are both a mental and physical challenge that I strangely enjoy.
If You Could Host a Dinner Party With Any Three People (Real or Fictional, Dead or Alive), Who Would They Be and Why?
Cleopatra, Prince (the musician), and my Nan. Cleopatra fascinates me because she was a female leader in a completely different era, and I’d love to hear her perspective on leadership. Prince would be my second guest because of his incredible musical talent and eccentric personality; I imagine he’d bring a lot of interesting conversation to the table! Finally, I'd love to hear my Nan’s views on how I have lived my life, as she was such a supportive person for me when I was younger.
Talk Me Through Your Career to Date.
My career started off in the public sector, holding various audit and assurance roles, covering financial and regulatory compliance. This gave me a strong foundation in understanding risk management and regulatory requirements. I discovered information security by accident, helping a colleague to apply for a role. I recognised that my audit and assurance skills were a match for this subject as GRC spans so many topics. I specialised in information security risk assurance and immediately knew that I had found my home in cyber security. I moved on to join a security consulting firm, where I deepened my expertise and moved into management roles. I took my customer security experience with me into Vodafone and moved quickly into a leadership position, running the delivery of security services for their enterprise products and solutions across their Public Sector, Utilities and Financial Sector customers.
I next moved across into a technology role in which I took the lead in managing security risk for those enterprise products and solutions. My move into Barclays aligns with my skills and brings me the opportunity to influence how we measure and manage security risk.
How Have You Seen the Industry Evolve? What Trends Do You Think Will Shape Its Future?
When I started in Information Security in 2010, the focus was primarily on the information itself and how to protect it within controlled systems. That focus has shifted as our use of data has grown and the need to safeguard it within our organisations in a rapidly expanding digital world. Our methods of communication continue to radically transform. The first ever iPhone was released 17 years ago, and yet we’ve seen several lifetimes of technological advancements since then.
For cyber, there’s a continuing need to adapt. With the introduction of AI and the always-on digital presence, we’re changing the way we communicate, altering our language as we know it. Attackers focus on leveraging new technologies to stay one step ahead, which means that as defenders, we’ll notably shift towards greater investment in research and development. Enabling automation of our controls has already begun, but we need to anticipate the attacker next move and innovate faster than ever before.
What Has Been the Most Rewarding Moment of Your Career So Far and Why?
At Vodafone, I had been waiting some months on leaders, who had committed to support me in gaining a position in the leadership team. I had become frustrated at the lack of progress and then had an epiphany that I needed to take control of my career if I wanted to progress. I reached out to HR and to a role model I highly respected to seek guidance, which opened up a role opportunity elsewhere that I hadn’t expected. I approached our Senior Leader and told him the role that I wanted and what I felt I could deliver. Within weeks, the role was mine and I also stepped up to become the Senior Leader’s deputy within weeks of joining his leadership team.
What Skills Do You Believe Are Essential For Success in Cyber Security Today?
I’d say soft skills are key - being able to influence, negotiate and make decisions. You still need to hold your security knowledge too, so maintaining an openness to continuous learning is vital. Being able to adapt to different technical roles and staying informed as the industry evolves will place you in the best position for success.
What’s The Best Piece of Advice You’ve Ever Received?
I used to have ‘writers block’ when it came to presentations and PowerPoints. One of my former bosses said to me, ‘I do not want you to create more than one page – you have to fit everything that you need share onto it’. I still stand by this - shaping what the audience need to see, as opposed to putting down everything that’s in your head.
Did You Have Any Role Models Who Influenced Your Career?
Yes, I have two. Emma Smith, the Global CISO at Vodafone and Becky Pinkard, Managing Director of Global Cyber Operations at Barclays.
I met Emma through supporting the “Code Like a Girl” initiative at Vodafone, and was brave enough to ask for some of her time. Even in such a senior position, she was generous with her time and helped me see things from a different perspective. She’s genuinely passionate about empowering women and she drives her own career with such confidence and vision.
I met Becky in a challenging cyber incident and have been able to benefit from her guidance since. She’s a brilliant leader, using empathy to empower and develop her team. She is also amazingly technically skilled and yet, manages to make you and your own skills still feel valued. She fully embraces DEI and I believe that if more leaders were like her, the workplace would be a much better environment.
Are There Any Younger Individuals Who Particularly Inspire You?
Yes, Zoe Mackenzie, our WiCyS UKI President. She really stands out to me with her drive and ambition to succeed - not just for herself, but for others through WiCyS, is remarkable. She has amazing leadership qualities and a can-do attitude that brings everyone along on the journey with her. I cannot wait to see her career progress at pace - her skills will take her far.
Looking Back, What Would You Tell Your Younger Self at the Beginning of Your Career?
“You can do this; you are intelligent enough to have your own career.”
I’d also suggest that it is okay to put my own needs first more often. It’s only as I got older that I realised how much time I spent putting others first, and that it’s important to balance that with your own aspirations.
Do You Have a Favourite Quote or Motto That You Live By?
"Always admit your mistakes, learn from them, and promise yourself never to repeat them." I’ve been living by this since I was 21, and it’s helped me grow by being honest with myself and learning from my experiences. Another quote I love is, "mistakes have the power to turn you into something better than before." This reflects where I am now in my life—I give myself more grace when I make mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Interested in joining the WiCyS UK&I community?
Join us for free, today!
