🗓️ Episode Overview:

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Cyber Mindsz, Jacqui Loustau, Executive Director of AWSN, shares her journey through the cybersecurity landscape—from help desk support in Europe to speaking on global stages and founding the Australian Women in Security Network.

With passion and purpose, Jacqui discusses AWSN’s role in building an inclusive security workforce, empowering future leaders, and the dream of a world where AWSN is no longer needed. Alongside stories of challenges, laughter, and transformation, this episode explores leadership, representation, capability development, and the human side of cybersecurity.

👩‍💼 Guest Biography – Jacqui Loustau

Jacqui Loustau is the Executive Director of the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) which aims to connect, support and inspire a diverse security workforce.

She brings over 2 decades of international experience in IT, Cyber Security and cybercrime.

Jacqui is passionate about increasing the number of women in security in Australia, building inclusive teams and educating everyone on security.

She is on several advisory committees, including the recently formed Home Affairs Executive Cyber Security Council (Workforce and small business working groups), ISC2 Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council and the Technical Advisory committee for the Future Skills Organisation.

🔗 Links Mentioned Throughout the Podcast

• 🌐 Quigly Website - https://www.quigly.com.au/
• 🌐 AWSN - Australian Women in Security Network - https://www.awsn.org.au/
• 🌐 ISC² Global Diversity & Inclusion Council – https://www.isc2.org
• 🤝 Home Affairs Cyber Security Council – (Referenced as part of advisory involvement)
• 🤝 Future Skills Organisation - https://www.futureskillsorganisation.com.au/
• 👤 Mark Williams – Host LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwilliamsmelbourne/
• 👤 Jacqui Loustau – Guest LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquiloustau/
• 📝 RMIT Partnership (AWSN Research) – https://www.rmit.edu.au

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

• 00:08 – Welcome Message
• 01:50 – Introduction to AWSN
• 05:38 – How would you describe what you do to a 90-year old person who really doesn't understand the computing at all?
• 07:00 – How would you describe to a 9-year old who is digital native?
• 08:45 – What is your cybersecurity origin story?
• 11:19 – Has the world of security evolved in a way that you might have thought back then in 2007?
• 17:00 – What's the most bizarre or hilarious misconception about cybersecurity that you've come across?
• 18:20 - What motivated you to establish AWSN?
• 22:08 – Will you be a happy retiree knowing your legacy?
• 25:07 – Is there one story that illustrates the success of or the important role that AWSN plays?
• 28:36 – How do you think industry itself could do more to support the development of capability within cybersecurity?
• 33:10 – If you give one piece of advice to someone aspiring to become a cybersecurity leader, what would it be?
• 35:27 - Closing