A career transformation at Leonardo
Kay began her career with a BA in Graphic Design, working as a freelance artist while taking on various roles in retail and voluntary work. For the past nine years, she dedicated herself to raising her two children and supporting her husband’s military career, which involved frequent relocations. During this time, Kay maintained her creativity through art commissions but sought a more stable career path.
Eager for a new challenge, Kay discovered WithYouWithMe (WYWM) through an online search for cyber training programs. Intrigued by the opportunity to transition into the tech industry, she embarked on a journey to explore her potential in cyber security.
Psychometric testing: Unlocking hidden strengths
As part of her re-skilling journey with WYWM, Kay underwent psychometric and aptitude testing on the platform Greenbeam, which revealed her as an excellent candidate for a cyber security consultant role. Her results highlighted several key traits:
- 96% Agreeableness and 92% Conscientiousness: Kay is highly cooperative, disciplined, and detail-oriented—qualities critical for managing sensitive security systems and fostering trust with clients and teams.
- 90% Openness: Her ability to think creatively and solve problems positions her to tackle complex cyber security threats with innovative solutions.
- Abstract Reasoning and Digit Symbol Coding Excellence: Kay’s strong cognitive abilities enable her to quickly learn new patterns and logic, essential for identifying vulnerabilities and implementing effective encryption protocols.
- CS Personality Type: With a methodical, calm approach to challenges, Kay excels in analysing risks and creating structured security frameworks.
These insights helped Kay recognise her natural aptitude for the field and gave her the confidence to pursue a career in cyber security.
Breaking into Cyber Security
After completing her training, Kay secured a role within Leonardo’s Cyber & Security Solutions Business, as a Cyber Security Analyst. In this position, she applies her skills to protect critical systems, analyse risks, and develop effective security strategies. This role has allowed her to leverage her natural strengths while exploring new challenges in the tech industry.
Leonardo recognises the importance in having a diverse team and while traditional diversity often focuses on visible attributes like gender, ethnicity, or background, cognitive diversity brings fresh perspectives and problem-solving approaches to teams.
"Diversity isn't just about who you are or where you come from; it’s about how you think and approach problems," Kay says. "I’ve found that my different experiences and perspectives are a strength, allowing me to contribute in ways that complement my team’s expertise."
Her strong interpersonal skills and disciplined approach, as revealed through her aptitude and psychometric testing results, have been integral to her success in this role, allowing her to build trust with her team and adapt quickly to new responsibilities.
