A Tale of Two Keyboards: From Pianist to Cybersecurity Leader

By Michala Liavaag

Explore Michala Liavaag's captivating journey in "A Tale of Two Keyboards," as she transitions from a pianist to a cybersecurity leader. Her memoir tackles overcoming cancer, battling burnout, and challenging gender norms in tech. The latter half is a treasure trove of advice for budding cybersecurity professionals, covering essential skills like communication, networking, certification navigation, and effective leadership strategies. Michala also offers emphasises the need for mentorship, importance of discovering what you love within this broad field, and the need to embrace both technical skills and well-rounded life experiences on the road to an impactful career.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cybility Press
• Release date: Dec 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223799597

Michala Liavaag

Michala, the founder of Cybility Consulting, works as a virtual CISO and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) advisor. She spent 20 years in IT and a decade leading information governance and security programmes across local government, healthcare, charity, and the private sector. She is an experienced professional, speaker, mentor, and podcaster.   As a consultant, she demystifies cybersecurity for leaders, enabling them to better protect their organisations. She contributes to work with the UK National Cyber Security Centre, sits on the advisory group of the South-East Cyber Resilience Centre, and formerly sat on the BCS Information Risk Management and Assurance (IRMA) Management Committee.   Michala, a black woman in a white-male-dominated cybersecurity field, is passionate about inspiring and mentoring the next generation. She mentors #CyberFirst, STEM Ambassadors, and WiCys. Her podcast and YouTube channel, Cybility Savvy, offer cybersecurity tips and fascinating interviews with leaders and experts.

Book preview

Preface

When I set out to write this short book, I aimed to chronicle my unorthodox path from a childhood pianist to a cybersecurity leader. This journey has woven together diverse passions, unexpected turns, and vital lessons that equipped me for an impactful career in an industry that didn't even exist when I was a young girl practicing the piano.

My motivation for sharing this story is twofold. First, I want to inspire others with non-traditional backgrounds that cybersecurity offers opportunities to harmonise one's interests, experiences and skills into a meaningful profession. You don't need to fit a cookie-cutter mould to excel in this field. Second, by outlining my successes and mistakes, I hope to both prepare and reassure aspiring cyber professionals. This career requires technical expertise, but also creativity, communication skills, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning.

Within these pages, you'll join me in music studios, game shops, internet cafes and more before we land firmly in the dynamic world of cybersecurity. Each step shaped me, interweaving life lessons and talents. I invite you to reflect on your own story as you read mine. What past passions, projects or jobs equip you for greater impact? My journey proves that varied roads successfully lead to cybersecurity if we have the courage to follow them.

I welcome you to learn from my unorthodox path as we explore this ever-evolving field together. Let's harmonise our diverse experiences to secure, enhance and innovate our digital landscape. These are just some of the keys I've discovered - I can't wait for you to play your part and uncover new ones!

Acknowledgements

Iextend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been a part of my career journey – from the early days of learning basic to the gaming retail world; from re-imagining litter picking to the challenging yet rewarding realm of cybersecurity.

To my family and friends, for being there through the tough times.

To all the healthcare professionals who were there for me during my cancer diagnosis and treatment, and throughout the dark days of depression; your care and expertise not only helped me heal but helped me with the difficult decision to make necessary changes to safeguard my mental and physical health. If reading this, you’ll be glad to know that I have a renewed appreciation for life.

To the mentors, and colleagues who have guided and inspired me over the years. Your insight and support have been instrumental in shaping my career path.

A special thanks to my coaches. To Jane Frankland for being a significant role model of what it is to be a successful cybersecurity entrepreneur (who just so happens to be a woman), for getting me started with Cybility, and for