As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re recognizing the significant women who have played a role in shaping the field of cyber security. Learn about one of the amazing and trailblazing individuals who’s making cyber security history.
In this exclusive CyberTalk.org interview, the CEO of Safe ID, Sandra Suarez, shares insights into her career path, her professional accomplishments, current corporate initiatives, and why she’s dedicated her energy to the cyber security industry.
How do you set yourself up for success everyday? What helps you do your best work each day?
I have developed several habits and strategies to help me do my best work. In addition to starting my day with physical exercise, I also make sure to prioritize self care.
I ensure that I’m getting enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. To ensure that I’m focused on the most important tasks, I use time blocking techniques to schedule my day, and set clear goals and priorities.
I also make a point of checking in with my team regularly to ensure that we are all aligned and working towards our common goals. Finally, at the end of each day, I take time to reflect on what I have learned and how I can improve.
I believe that continuous learning is essential for success and I’m always looking for ways to develop new skills and to expand my knowledge.
Please share a bit about your career path:
I started as an electronics engineer, and am proud to have earned my degree both in Colombia and in Italy.
My first job in security was with a big ISP that used the new virtual firewall technology from Check Point and Crossbeam, in 2004.
After that, I traveled to Italy with a scholarship in order to earn a Masters Degree in optical communication. I remained in Italy for four years, working in network and security.
In 2011, I decided to return to Columbia, and created the company that you now know as SAFE ID.
At SAFE ID, what are you most proud of?
We have a diverse group of individuals who are not only skilled engineers, but who are also passionate about their work. Our company culture is focused on continuous learning and personal growth. I believe that our team members have truly thrived in this environment.
Many of our engineers have joined SAFE ID as recent graduates and I am proud to see how they have developed their skill and expertise while working with us.
I am also thrilled to see how they have grown as individuals, gaining confidence in their abilities and taking on more responsibility within the company. Overall, I believe that our team is the foundation of our success.
I am grateful to work alongside such talented and dedicated individuals.
What initiatives are you working on and what are you most enthusiastic about?
At SAFE ID, we strive to approach things differently from the very beginning. For instance, we have embraced online services, like WhatsApp to provide faster response times and better customer service.
Additionally, we have adopted a unique approach to our commercial team by having the same engineers work across different levels of expertise and having them maintain excellent customer relations.
This year, we are excited to have launched an innovation idea with the goal of automating and improving our services. We are exploring the use of API programming and AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to add value to our customer without creating additional expenses.
Additionally, we are continuously expanding our partnerships with other leading cyber security companies to offer more comprehensive solutions to our clients.
What’s most interesting about the cyber security industry?
I find the security field to be fascinating because it is always evolving and presents new challenges everyday. It is a constantly changing landscape that requires us to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies, providing the right solutions to our clients.
Additionally, I appreciate the fact that what we do is critical to keeping businesses and individuals safe from cyber threats. I have chosen to stay in this industry because I believe in the importance of what we do and I find it personally fulfilling to be a part of a team that’s working to make the digital world a safer place.
Further, the security field provides a unique opportunity for growth and learning. Overall, I feel that the security field is where I can make the most significant impact.
Bio: Sandra Suarez is an accomplished electronic engineer with 20 years of experience in the security information industry. She has a proven track record of successful leadership, analysis and problem-solving skills, which she applies to both her personal and professional life. Sandra holds degrees from prestigious institutions such as Universidad Distrital in Colombia, Politecnico di Torino in Italy and an MBA from UNIR.
As the CEO and owner of SAFE ID, she has been awarded best Presales Engineer for Check Point Colombia for three years in a row and was named the NoLA Grow Partner of the Year at CPX360 2023.
Sandra is dedicated and passionate about her work as a security engineer and CEO, always seeking to expand her knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of the industry. Her leadership skills, attention to detail and commitment to delivering outstanding results have earned her a reputation as a trusted professional in the field.
The post How one CEO founded a successful cyber security company appeared first on CyberTalk.
