‘Given the current geopolitical situation, cybersecurity is more relevant than ever. I hope to contribute more effectively to the security of our society and provide my clients with better advice. I also simply enjoy learning new things.’

Academic research and practical experience

So far, the quality of the Cybersecurity Leadership Academy, its lecturers and their enthusiasm have made a strong impression on him. ‘I am genuinely impressed. The programme combines academic research with practical experience. This works very well for me and results in a pleasantly challenging level.’

Responding to an unpredictable world

An insight from the Strategy & Leadership module has particularly stayed with Janwillem. Cybersecurity is highly complex, in a world that we must accept is fundamentally unpredictable. ‘We are moving from VUCA to BANI. More data and more measurement are not always the answer, because the data simply are not always available. We therefore need options that allow us to respond.’ For him, this insight puts into words something many people already sense. It also provides direction and underlines the importance of a resilience strategy.

New insights from day one

The different modules and the connections between them have provided new insights from the very first day. ‘I use these insights in how I position myself and in conversations with potential new clients. They also help me analyse how an organisation has structured its security organisation, including the advantages and disadvantages of that structure.’

Developing leadership in cybersecurity

The programme has given Janwillem a broad understanding of the different dimensions of cybersecurity, from technology and governance to leadership skills. ‘Cybersecurity is a complex field that continues to grow in importance. We need people who can help provide direction, and this programme directly contributes to that.’ He recommends the Cybersecurity Leadership Academy to people who find the field interesting and want to explore it in both breadth and depth.

‘I would particularly recommend it to anyone who wants to be challenged and is motivated to grow as a leader. Do not expect a deeply technical programme. Technology is, of course, covered, but the programme offers a well-balanced set of interconnected topics.’