Let’s Talk Cyber – Episode 44
Women in Cybersecurity, Leadership & AI Governance with Heide Young

In this insightful episode of Let’s Talk Cyber, Tommy McCarthy sits down with Heide Young, Co-Founder of Women in Cybersecurity Middle East (WiCSME), to explore her journey from Australia to the UAE, the founding story and growth of WiCSME, and the realities of being a woman and working mother in the cybersecurity industry. Heide shares honest perspectives on unconscious bias, invisible workplace pressures, and the importance of confidence, cognitive diversity, and speaking up in male-dominated environments — while highlighting how cybersecurity must be positioned as a true business enabler.

The discussion also explores how the Cyber She initiative is helping bridge the cybersecurity skills gap by combining technical expertise with essential workplace skills — preparing the next generation of women to immediately contribute to the workforce.

As the episode progresses, Tommy and Heide examine the rapid evolution of AI, shadow AI risks, governance gaps, and the ethical responsibilities organisations must embrace to ensure secure and accountable AI adoption.

👉 Key Points:
👉 The founding story and growth of Women in Cybersecurity Middle East (WiCSME)
👉 The realities of being a working mother in cybersecurity
👉 Invisible pressures and unconscious bias in the workplace
👉 Why cognitive diversity strengthens cyber resilience
👉 The Cyber She program and closing the cybersecurity skills gap
👉 The rise of AI, shadow AI, and new cybersecurity risks
👉 Ethical AI governance and organisational accountability
👉 Positioning cybersecurity as a true business enabler