Sarah Box

Cyber Security Project Facilitator and Advisor at The Business Centre, Newcastle

Sarah Box got her first job at age 16, in a Baker’s Delight store because “I wanted to leave school but could not afford to. So I had to prove I was financially secure, buy a car and not sit around bludging.”

This came after a brief flirtation with hairdressing and a passing inclination to be a photographer. “I had no idea what I aspired to become,” Box says. “There was a fleeting moment of being a hairdresser. I was offered an apprenticeship at 14 years of age, but I didn’t want to sweep the hair. I enjoyed photography and gave that a go for a while as a teen.”

She left home and had a child at 18, life-changing events that, she says, shaped her every decision. “My child came first and I had to ensure we were both housed and fed. I never wanted to rely on any handouts, or people. So I have worked hard to be where I am today, with zero regrets.”

Today she works for The Business Centre, a not-for-profit that provides business advice and skills training for small businesses across NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business Connect program.

CYBERSECURITY FOR SMES

Box facilitates a cybersecurity program for small to medium businesses in regional NSW, upskilling SMEs in the cyber gaps that may exist in their businesses. “It starts with a meeting to find potential gaps, then suggesting actions to improve their cybersecurity to protect their reputation and brand,” she says.

Cybersecurity aside, Box is well-qualified for such an educational role. She holds a double bachelor’s degree in Teaching and Design and Technology and before getting into cybersecurity spent almost seven years as a schoolteacher in Lake Macquarie, NSW.

“I was asked to join a role within the cyber industry whilst teaching and I declined on several occasions,” she says. Then, “I was worn down and I thought, ok, I have nothing to lose so I will give it 12 months. Fast forward to almost four years later and I am still in the industry.”

However, she adds: “I loved teaching and miss the students immensely. … I would eventually like to run my own cyber consultancy firm, but overall, so long as I am happy, engaged and enjoying what is thrown my way, I am winning.”

Prior to become a teacher Box had a variety of jobs in retail. She worked at Muffin Break, for Kodak as a photographic printer and at JB HiFi for several years. “I then became bored and needed more. So I enrolled in a bridging course to gain entry into university. I failed my first attempt, so I tried again and passed, which allowed me to enrol.”

COLLEAGUE POWER

Box attributes some of her significant career transitions—from retail to study and from teaching to cybersecurity—to colleagues.

“Sharon (Shazza) from my days at JB HiFi was super supportive. She knew I was bored and needed to study to become a teacher. Almost 20 years later we still catch up.

“Janine, my head teacher for almost eight years was my mentor who influenced and supported me in my personal and career life. She knew I was lacking challenge in my career and supported my career change into cyber. In fact she pushed me, which I am forever grateful for. I can still turn to her for support and non-judgemental advice.”

Todd, Box’s first cyber boss, helped her make the transition from teaching into the corporate world. “He taught me how to actively listen, because teaching is so fast paced and the communication method is very different. I learnt how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable surroundings of board meetings, conferences and events, and hosting round tables for various industry and government bodies. … He also regularly sent me new courses to engage with.”

A VERY SPECIAL MENTOR

And Mina Zaki, Associate Director - Cyber Security Alliances at KPMG Australia, Box’s “number one advocate in this industry” is the unofficial mentor Box says she can always lean on for advice.

“She always pushes my boundaries and sets challenges supporting my growth both professionally and personally. She is such an inspiration, putting herself out there and achieving goals. This beautiful person I have watched have time and genuine support for others around her. The time she has to uplift others is truly inspiring. Her dedication to her career and family truly blows my mind. I really do not know when she sleeps.”

In addition to the support and guidance from these people, Box says she was fortunate to have grown up with very strong independent women. “Their work ethic has been embedded into my upbringing. As a child I always had chores because my parents were always working. I remember helping my mum with her studies when she wanted to become a nurse. I used to help her prepare for her exams, read her the questions and I learnt a great deal from this. I can decipher some medical information to this day.”

Despite all the support she has received, Box says her biggest challenge has been the lack of ‘mateship’ in the cybersecurity industry. “There are pockets of people in our industry, as in others, who are not team players and looking out only for themselves,” she says.

UNCOMFORTABLE READING

“This might be an uncomfortable thing to read for some but it needs to be called out, because in this industry that is still growing at a rapid pace we cannot afford to reward this behaviour. It’s a challenge I’ve faced and have had to deal with firsthand on numerous occasions where my kindness has been taken advantage of and seen as my weakness. Despite this, I see it as what helps me be an effective collaborator.”

However, Box says: “Always treat people how you want to be treated. This is my number one belief. No exceptions. I am no better or worse than the person next to me. I will always say hello to the cleaner or waiter, colleague or the CEO/director of a large company. I will never treat anyone any different – it makes zero sense to me.”

www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-b-25670667