I’m currently working as Service Security and Optimisation Manager. In other words, I’m a Cyber Security Service Manager. There’s never a boring day: you can go from a busy morning creating workflows or measuring your KPIs, to dealing with a major Incident that takes you to an all-day war room working toward the incident resolution. I spend the vast majority of my time in meetings, working on reports for the customers I manage… there is no time to rest during business hours. My days pass by like a high-speed train when I realize it’s time to shut down the laptop, the sun is almost setting.
We sat down with Rodney to find out what being a Protector in Cyber Security means to him, how he shifted from field engineering to a career in Cyber Security, and how BT is a market leader in the Technology space.
What is your role and what does your day-to-day workday look like?
You started your career in Field engineering and now work in Cyber Security. How did you get into Cyber Security?
In a nutshell, hard work and commitment – an attitude which I’ve had with me since I entered the professional world. It’s been an interesting journey, I´ve always been curious about everything and especially interested in technology and how it works. That curiosity keeps me alert and looking for opportunities to learn and grow. Slowly but surely, I’ve been investing many hours into studying different areas and topics which interests me: not just technology, but also business and people management. The amalgamation of all this knowledge has enabled me to grow my career.
BT helps defends its customers and itself from over 6,000 cyber-attacks a day. What is your role in helping our customers stay safe?
This is a huge challenge nowadays and it continues to grow as an increasing number of devices are connected to the internet, including the Internet of Things (IoT). Essentially, I’m a customer representative within our organization. I have to find the balance between BT values and customer needs. My goal is exactly that, to keep the customer safe and away from any security risk. The only way to do that its by walking in their shoes, and by thinking and acting in the same way as my customers.
What is your favourite thing about being one of our Protectors and working for BT?
It’s hard to choose just one thing, but if I must, I would say the satisfaction of getting the job done: anticipating future needs and using technology to protect businesses and people in the cyberspace. I’m proud to be part of the BT family, especially in my area. I always say that I like to work in the shadows and see the results and impact from a distance.
How have customer needs changed since the pandemic started?
Our customer needs have done a hundred and eighty degree turn. Their needs are changing on a daily basis and the pandemic was an accelerator of that change: it reduced our customers’ roadmap of digital transformation from twenty years to five years. Customers are now more concerned about the digitalisation of their business and how they can take advantage of technology to meet their needs. Of course, that is also a challenge for BT: to adapt to a new, rapidly changing environment.
How is BT on the front foot of innovation in the Security and Technology space?
BT is the first worldwide multi-cloud provider, with its own green network in line with the objective of becoming a net zero emissions company, as detailed in our Manifesto. We also have alliances with key partners who provide us with the latest technology which in turn, gives our organization a huge advantage over our competitors.
How has BT enabled you to maintain a good work/life balance?
BT is absolutely one of the best places to work in my opinion. We have a wellbeing programme which was developed to take care of people’s health. The way BT cares for its employees is one of the reasons I applied to my first role within the company. I’m thrilled to be part of the BT family.
