In a recent interview with IT Security Guru, Ilona Simpson, CIO, EMEA, at Netskope, discussed the importance of work/life balance, blame culture, and good leadership in the cybersecurity industry. With over 20 years of experience, Simpson has navigated all phases of a business, from small organizations to global corporations. In recognition of her expertise, Simpson was named a member of the Business Transformation 150 by Constellation Research, an elite list that honors executives leading business transformation efforts.
Simpson believes in transforming the workplace into a more balanced and inclusive environment for all employees. She emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to mental health that values people and promotes a positive culture. Simpson highlights the significance of genuine engagement with awareness months, rather than using them as an opportunity for organizations to demonstrate their efforts superficially. Many people have found the courage to start conversations about mental health at work because of these awareness campaigns.
Netskope, the organization Simpson works for, prioritizes workplace wellbeing from top to bottom. CEO Sanjay Beri and the board have ingrained the importance of wellbeing into the company’s core values. Simpson fondly remembers Beri’s statement during the company’s annual kickoff event: “Our legacy is not just about how well we are protecting the world, but our impact on the computing community in a wider sense.”
Netskope offers several proactive initiatives to support employee wellbeing. These include wellness days off work, a commitment from leadership to refrain from sending emails on weekends, and a day off for employees’ birthdays. The company also provides mentorship programs and partners with Lyra to offer employees eight free hours of therapy or coaching. Simpson emphasizes that even small gestures can have a significant impact on mental health and that Netskope’s commitment to mental health is commendable.
Burnout is a common issue in the cybersecurity industry, and Simpson believes it is essential to address it. One of the leading causes of burnout is the fear of being fired, coupled with the unpredictability of cyberattacks. Simpson notes that the lack of control and the constant fear of repercussions contribute to burnout. To tackle this issue, she suggests embracing failure as an organization and fostering a blame-free culture. Transparency and accountability are crucial in eradicating blame culture. Simpson asserts that what gets measured gets done, so organizations should measure and track their progress in creating a blame-free environment.
Simpson also provides three pieces of advice for organizations interested in fostering comprehensive wellbeing packages for their employees. First, she recommends institutionalizing wellbeing by appointing someone within the organization to champion it. This individual should make it a part of their annual target and bring it up during board meetings. Secondly, Simpson advises organizations to crowdsource ideas for change rather than relying solely on one individual’s perspective. Finally, organizations should allocate a budget for employee wellbeing. Research has shown that investing in employee wellbeing leads to increased productivity and other benefits.
Simpson concludes by emphasizing the importance of both enablement and empowerment in any transformation. While empowerment involves talking about change, enablement requires providing employees with the necessary resources and support to champion wellbeing initiatives.
In conclusion, Ilona Simpson’s insights shed light on the significance of work/life balance, blame culture, and good leadership in the cybersecurity industry. Her experience at Netskope showcases the organization’s commitment to employee wellbeing and sets an example for other companies to follow. By prioritizing mental health and creating a positive workplace culture, organizations can foster a healthier, more mindful cybersecurity industry.