Last week, three of the team at Quorum Cyber had the privilege of attending the Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security Forum 2025. The experience left us inspired, motivated, and more convinced than ever about the significant impact women can have in our industry. Representing us at the event were Emma Cadzow, Product Marketing Manager; Lindsay Casey, Learning & Development Manager and Thaïs Ramdani, Offensive Security Analyst.  

Building on our recent blog post about International Women’s Day and our commitment to driving change, this forum was a testament to the progress we’re making and the work that still lies ahead. 

A day of inspiration and growth 

The forum, held at Our Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, brought together nearly 500 women in cyber security, creating an electrifying atmosphere of support and empowerment. From the moment we stepped into the venue, we could feel the energy and excitement from attendees, all eager to learn, connect, and grow. 

Stellar speakers and thought-provoking discussions 

One of the highlights of the day was hearing from an impressive line-up of speakers who are true trailblazers in our industry: 

• Christine Maxwell, Group CISO at SSE, shared insights on managing complex cyber challenges and evangelising modern approaches to cyber security. 

• Maggie Titmuss MBE, Chair of the National Cyber Resilience Advisory Board for the Scottish government, offered her unique perspective on blending private sector leadership with her high-level law enforcement experience. 

• Dr. Meera Sarma, CEO of Cystel, inspired us with her quantum expertise and vision for the future of cyber security. 

• Heather Lowrie, recognised as “CISO of the Year 2024” at SC Awards Europe, shared valuable lessons from her experience across government, public, and private sectors. 

These women didn’t just share their technical knowledge but also their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Their stories resonated deeply, reminding us that our experiences are shared, and that together, we can find ways to overcome obstacles. 

Leadership development and practical skills 

The forum wasn’t just about listening; it was about doing. Interactive leadership development workshops provided hands-on experience and practical skills that we could immediately apply to our roles. These sessions addressed some of the most pressing challenges we face as leaders and offered strategies for growth and success. 

Networking and community building 

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the forum was the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. The event fostered a supportive environment where we could share experiences, offer advice, and build lasting relationships. We left with a renewed sense of community and a network of empowered and empowering peers. As Emma Cadzow commented, ” the forum isn’t just about exchanging ideas; it’s about creating a community. We found mentors, shared strategies, and tackled common challenges together, working towards driving meaningful change in cyber security.” 

Looking to the future 

As we reflect on the Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security Forum 2025, we’re filled with optimism for the future of our industry. The event showcased the incredible talent, resilience, and leadership of women in cyber security. It reinforced the importance of initiatives like our Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security programme and our Women in Cyber initiatives. 

At Quorum Cyber, we’re committed to turning inspiration into action. Recognising that women constitute 27.6% of our workforce, we are intensifying our commitment to fostering opportunities and cultivating an inclusive environment. We’ll continue to challenge discrimination, create opportunities, and build an inclusive workplace where every woman can thrive. The forum energised us to double down on our efforts to mentor, sponsor, and elevate women in cyber security. 

As Vanessa Kerwick, Chief Information Security Officer, NHS Shared Business Services puts it, “Having a diverse workforce means having a range of varying perspectives and knowledge that can be drawn from. This in turn can help organisations identify vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked and develop more effective strategies to mitigate risks.” After attending this forum, we’re more convinced than ever that together, we are building that future – a future where women don’t just have a seat at the table, but are leading the conversation and driving innovation in cyber security. 

Let’s carry this momentum forward. Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned professional, remember that your voice matters, your skills are needed, and your leadership is crucial. The Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security Forum 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a call to action. At Quorum Cyber, we are proud to have sponsored this initiative for the past three years, and to support the momentum.