Bio
Chief Information Security Officer / Speaker / Researcher / Co-Founder / Business Owner
Interview on EPIC Talks with Adeptis Group.
About Me
I’m the Director of Neon Circle, a cyber security company focused on supporting clients efficiently reduce their security and information risks using a pragmatic and risk based approach. I’m passionate about reducing the biggest risk to businesses, their people. Using engaging, vibrant and relevant messaging to get staff on board with good cyber hygiene.
I graduated in 2015 with a first class honours degree in Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures. Since then I’ve worked in a variety of exciting security roles in the public and private sector before starting Neon Circle.
I’m passionate about challenging the IT stereotype and have been a STEM ambassador since 2012. I’ve presented at many STEM events about how to attract and retain more women in the cyber security field.
I have been invited to speak at events across the UK about cyber security and as a motivational and inspirational keynote speaker. I’m an active coach and mentor and enjoy working with people on their professional and personal development.
My Achievements
Finalist for "Security Champion of the Year" at Women in Tech Awards 2020.
Finalist for "Newcomer" at Women in Cyber Security Awards 2019.
Code:First Girls "One to Watch" 2017
Finalist for "Outstanding Woman in Cyber" 2016 in Scottish Cyber Awards.
1st Class BSc (Hons) Ethical Hacking and Countermeasures
Named a "Woman of the Future" by Equate Scotland in their "Leading Women of Scotland" publication
UK Computer Science Undergraduate of the Year 2015
Recommendations
Having worked with Chelsea for over six months I was able in that short time to observe her leadership and passion for all things Security. She was able to take an immature Culture & Awareness function for M&G and turn that into an embedded, visible, and highly effective education programme delivered via an engaged and empowered team.
Chelsea’s interpersonal and communication skills have allowed her to develop productive and collaborative working relationships with key stakeholder across M&G. This specifically enabled her and her team to get key messaging, education activities and Security engagement across effectively to every corner of a diverse and complex organisation.
Chelsea works hard, she cares about her work deeply and embraces change in an open and positive way. I trusted that when Chelsea promised to deliver, that’s exactly what would happen. I would not hesitate to work with Chelsea again should the opportunity ever arise.
I had the pleasure of working with Chelsea at the Scottish Government on a change project to update and streamline the traditional ICT recruitment processes. Above all I was impressed with her drive, ambition and determination to effect change.
In her role as Head of Security Operations for Social Security Scotland her cyber security and leadership skills were key to ensuring that good security practices were embedded in the newly created agency from the outset. Chelsea is also a fantastic role model and STEM Ambassador. Add to all this Chelsea’s excellent people skills, and I have no hesitation in recommending her to any organisation looking for support on any aspect of cyber security
From her initial internship through to the time she spent at Prudential, Chelsea demonstrated both tenacity and skill to progress in her Security career. Never one to rest on her laurels, Chelsea is driven to succeed and does so through a combination of skill and sheer hard work. An excellent communicator, she is not afraid to take on difficult tasks and was managing third party contracts with an ability that put many of her colleagues to shame.