In honour of International Women’s Month in March, we’re focusing on women in the industry. Here’s a ‘Meet the Team’ spotlight on Jane Lacey, Business Manager at C2 Risk.

Tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join C2 Risk, especially as a woman in the tech and risk management field:

I’ve spent over 20 years working for technology companies, primarily in the HR and payroll sectors. I’ve always been interested in tech, particularly gadgets that make life easier. The HR/payroll sector also has a strong representation of women, which has always been appealing to me.

However, it’s disappointing to note that women make up only 24% of the tech sector (according to techUK). There are so many smart women in tech, and it feels like a waste not to have more of us in the industry. When the opportunity arose to join C2 Risk as a Business Manager, I jumped at it. The chance to work in the cyber security space, which is so relevant and impactful today, with such an inspiring mission, was an exciting opportunity.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the risk management field?

The people at C2 Risk were the biggest inspiration for me. With my skill set and experience, I could work in various sectors, but finding a team that shares the same values and priorities is key. You spend so much time at work, so it’s important to be around people you connect with. And, they must have a great sense of humour – something I’ve found at C2!

What aspects of working in the risk management or tech industry do you enjoy most, and how has your experience shaped your career journey?

My journey in risk management and tech has been fascinating. I started learning about the field from scratch, and it’s eye-opening to realise how much risk exists in the world, especially in terms of data security. The old adage “Data is the new gold” is very true – data is highly vulnerable, and hackers are becoming more sophisticated every day. The variety in the work is exciting and keeps me on my toes. I enjoy educating others about data risks, and it’s always rewarding when it opens their eyes to the threats they face.

How has C2 Risk contributed to your professional growth?

Working at C2 Risk has really sharpened my focus on the fundamentals. In the corporate world, things are still important but often a bit more distant, but in a scale-up like C2, I’m much more involved in the day-to-day operations. I’ve had to get back into the granular details, and understanding where my time is best invested. It’s forced me to grow both professionally and personally.

How has C2 Risk supported your professional growth, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

C2 Risk has fostered an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. I’ve had the opportunity to grow in a culture that values diversity and encourages personal and professional development. The company’s approach to hiring and promotion based on merit, not gender, has allowed me to thrive.

In your opinion, what unique strengths or perspectives do women bring to the risk management or tech industry, and how does C2 Risk reflect that in its workplace culture?

Women bring diverse life experiences and perspectives that are essential for balanced decision-making. Having a variety of viewpoints leads to more comprehensive risk analyses and innovative solutions, which is vital in this space. While women may possess certain skills, such as collaborative leadership, excellent communication, and emotional intelligence, I’ve worked with men who also embody these traits. Ultimately, “Variety is the spice of life.” Companies that embrace diverse perspectives are more likely to succeed. C2 Risk reflects this by placing equality, inclusion, and diversity at its core, ensuring everyone is respected, and every opinion matters.

As a woman in the industry, do you have any challenges you’ve overcome that you’d like to share with others looking to pursue a similar career?

I’d say that my main challenge has been stepping into a new industry (cyber security) with a steep learning curve. But embracing the challenge has been incredibly rewarding, and I encourage others to take the leap and not be afraid to push outside their comfort zone.

Do you have any fun, surprising facts you can share about yourself, or any accomplishments?

My family tree traces back to King Clovis the Great, King of the Franks from 481-511, which is a fun conversation starter! Aside from my royal roots, I’m also part of a soul choir in Kent and regularly perform Motown and contemporary soul songs. My all-time favourite artist is Luther Vandross.

What’s your favourite part about working with the team at C2 Risk?

I love that the team has become like a group of close friends in such a short time. Under Will’s leadership, I’ve seen both male and female colleagues grow and achieve things they never thought possible just a year ago. It’s inspiring and rewarding to be part of a team that fosters such personal and professional development.

What’s the best way to start your day – coffee, tea, or something else?

Definitely coffee, and lots of it! Plus, a cuddle with my dog to start the day..

What’s something you’ve learned recently at work?

I recently learned from a conversation with one of the leading analyst organisations that over 80% of security breaches occur in the supply chain. That’s a staggering statistic and it emphasises why companies like C2 Risk exist. It’s a reminder of the importance of being proactive about risk management, especially when it comes to third-party vendors, (and beyond!).

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a long day at work?

I don’t get much time to unwind with my busy home life, but when I do, I enjoy getting lost in a good book or binge-watching something on Sky, usually a true crime or serial killer show. I’m also excited about starting a choir for disabled youngsters with a friend, something we did before the pandemic.

What’s something you’ve learned recently at work that you didn’t know before, and how does this contribute to your growth as a woman in the industry?

I’ve learned so much about data security, especially the ever-evolving threats hackers pose to sensitive information. This knowledge has deepened  my understanding of risk management and enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully to the team’s work in a high-stakes environment.

How has C2 Risk supported your professional growth, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?

I started out of college with just a secretarial  qualification and a simple goal: to get a job, move to London, and earn some money. I wasn’t aiming for the top of the sales ladder, just working in the back office. Over time, I gained experience across several industries, including education, PR, insurance, and manufacturing. I even completed a post graduate CIPD, which came in handy. Then I pivoted into software, where I found myself in sales and consultancy. Along the way, I served on the board of a local CIC that helped find jobs for disabled young people. Eventually, I made my way into cyber software, landing an amazing role in events, which I loved. My journey has been diverse, and I feel like each step has contributed to where I am today.

As a woman in the industry, have you faced any challenges you’ve had to overcome, and what advice would you give to others pursuing a similar career?

There have been challenges. Once, I was hired because someone commented on “my great pair of legs,” and another time, I told at the interview that I would probably have children soon as I was getting married so it wasn’t worth hiring me!

Thankfully, the industry has evolved. Today, my daughter’s generation expects to be treated fairly, whereas in my day, we knew we had to fight to be heard and seen. You had to be assertive and find ways to navigate those barriers. While there’s still work to be done, I see positive changes. Women still face vulnerabilities, but things are moving in the right direction.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role at C2 Risk?

The most rewarding part is seeing the team grow and succeed, knowing I’ve contributed to that. Being part of a company making a positive impact in such a crucial industry is deeply satisfying. For me, it’s always about the people. C2 Risk has created a supportive and collaborative environment that truly makes the experience special and fulfilling. 

Stay tuned for more ‘Meet the Team’ blogs, where will be introducing you to the team behind C2 Risk.