As a specialist in hybrid cloud and digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a critical issue in my role, especially when securing the data and systems.
I realised I needed to expand my knowledge of cybersecurity risks and strategies to better support our clients in making informed security decisions. This programme felt like the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between technical complexities and the strategic choices our clients face daily.
Why I chose this course
Cybersecurity had always been an area I knew was important but wasn’t entirely comfortable navigating. Like many business leaders, I had a foundational understanding but felt somewhat disconnected from the intricacies of safeguarding an organisation against cyber threats. A key moment came when one of my clients faced a significant cybersecurity threat and sought my advice on the best practices to protect their data. It became clear that I needed a deeper understanding of the subject to provide the strategic guidance my clients expected.
I chose this programme because it offered a non-technical, strategic perspective tailored specifically to business leaders. My main goal was to become better equipped to make well-informed decisions about cybersecurity, understand different methods and practices to protect organisational data, and engage in meaningful conversations with both technical teams and clients on topics like business continuity planning and cybersecurity frameworks.
A transformative learning experience
The programme far exceeded my expectations in both content and delivery. We had access to a rich blend of pre-recorded lectures, live sessions with faculty, and challenging assignments. One of the standout aspects was the diversity of participants, which allowed me to connect with leaders from various industries, each tackling their own unique cybersecurity challenges.
The most impactful part of the programme for me was the assignments, particularly one where we had to analyse a specific cyber attack. We were tasked with identifying the risks involved, the affected stakeholders, and what went wrong, and then providing a roadmap of methods, tools, and frameworks that could mitigate future threats. This exercise was eye-opening as it emphasized that cybersecurity is not just a set of technical solutions, but an ongoing, organisation-wide responsibility. This realisation has stayed with me - cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, not just the IT department’s.
Networking was another unexpected but invaluable benefit. During live sessions and breakout discussions, I had the chance to exchange insights with leaders from healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. These conversations often revealed unique approaches to shared cybersecurity challenges, and I’ve since added a few of these peers to my professional network.
The potential for future collaborations and continued learning has been one of the biggest advantages of the programme.
A blend of expertise and practical insights
The faculty were not only highly accomplished academics but also brought practical, hands-on experience from the field. Their ability to simplify complex topics and illustrate them with real-world examples was instrumental in deepening my understanding.
Applying the knowledge
With the programme now complete, I can clearly see how it has reshaped my approach to cybersecurity. I have a much clearer grasp of the risks the organisation faces, and I can now have more strategic discussions with IT and security teams. For example, instead of merely asking the organisations whether the firewalls, infrastructure are up to date, I’m asking questions about risk assessments and incident response plans. Additionally, I’m working to develop a comprehensive set of cybersecurity offerings at Hewlett Packard, helping our clients become more aware of the threats they face and how they can mitigate them.
One of the biggest takeaways for me is that cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue - it’s a core business issue.
Advice for future participants
For anyone considering one of Oxford Saïd’s programmes, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The combination of world-class faculty, insightful peer interactions, and real-world applicability is a game-changer. If you’re a business leader looking to understand not just the technical aspects of cybersecurity, but its broader implications for your organisation, this is the right programme for you. It’s not just about learning buzzwords - it’s about understanding the real risks and being able to act on that knowledge.
The Oxford Business Alumni network has also proven to be an incredible post-programme resource. I’ve stayed in touch with several of my peers, and the ongoing webinars and discussions keep me up to date with the latest developments in the field. Being part of this community has helped reinforce the lessons I’ve learned and continues to drive my professional growth.
In a word: empowering
If I had to sum up my experience with the Cybersecurity for Business Leaders Programme in one word, it would be empowering. I started the course feeling unsure about how to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. I left with the confidence to guide the organisation and customer through this ever-evolving landscape, equipped with both the knowledge and the network to address future challenges head-on.
