Cybersecurity Pathways: Transforming Crisis into Expertise

Guest:Cecile MengueCybersecurity Professional & Hacker at IBM X-Force RedLinkedInHost:Melissa AarskaugExecutive Connect | WebsiteYouTube: @ExecutiveConnectEpisode Overview:In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cecile Mengue, a cybersecurity professional and hacker at IBM X-Force Red. Cecile shares her powerful personal story of being targeted by a cyber-attack—and how that experience launched her into a career on the front lines of digital defense. What started as a crisis turned into a mission. Cecile discusses the road from criminal justice to cybersecurity, the struggle with imposter syndrome, and the determination it took to become an ethical hacker. The episode is packed with practical insights on entering the cybersecurity field, protecting personal data, and why it's time we all start taking digital security seriously.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome and introduction02:10 – Cecile’s turning point: From victim to hacker05:45 – Transitioning from criminal justice to cybersecurity09:30 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding mentorship13:00 – Tips for switching careers into cybersecurity17:40 – Understanding the real value of personal data21:00 – Final thoughts and actionable takeawaysConnect With Us:Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnectSocial:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaugX: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug