When I moved from Cameroon to Canada, it was a big change. I had to learn how to adapt quickly to new ways of living and working. Everything felt unfamiliar, but that experience taught me how to adjust fast and connect with people from different backgrounds. Those lessons became the foundation of my approach to leadership and innovation.

Adapting to a new culture taught me to value different perspectives. I learned that building trust within my team starts with respecting and understanding their experiences. I also learnt that people always come first. Technology matters, but without people who feel supported and understood, no amount of innovation will succeed. As a result, I make it a priority to learn about each team member’s strengths and ambitions. I want everyone to feel they are growing and valued. This has helped me make better decisions, especially in challenging situations, because I take the time to listen and understand before acting.

Those early lessons about valuing people carried forward into my career choices and continue to shape wherever I decide to work and whatever experiences I seek out.

Learning from Experience

My career path took me through companies like KPMG, EY, and PwC. I intentionally chose roles that exposed me to both business and technology risk. Understanding both sides helped me see clearly how business decisions impact technology and how technology shapes business success. Watching different approaches helped me learn what works and what doesn’t. Those experiences shaped my leadership style and how I now handle my operations.

Navigating Digital Risks

Today, digital transformation is everywhere. Businesses face significant risks like cybersecurity threats, operational breakdowns, and regulatory challenges. Cyber threats increase as we rely more on cloud technology and automation. I’ve seen companies rush into new technology without fully preparing, resulting in costly disruptions and mistakes.

As a result, regulatory compliance also matters more than ever because technology changes quickly, and regulations struggle to keep up. Companies must anticipate and address compliance early. Equally important is making sure employees understand and feel comfortable with new technologies. Without proper training and communication, people naturally resist or struggle, which slows down progress.

Securing from the Start

One key lesson I’ve learned is that security needs to be considered from the very beginning of any innovation. Waiting until later leads to problems. The best approach is to include security discussions in the earliest planning phases. Everyone involved should feel responsible for security, not just a specialized team. Regular training helps build this mindset. Companies that take security seriously from day one have fewer surprises and smoother implementations.

Navigating Regulations

Regulations like SOX and PCAOB impact technology risk. Originally meant to protect financial reporting, these rules now heavily influence how companies manage their technology. Effective access management and clear documentation have become critical. Balancing the requirements of these regulations with the company’s innovation goals is challenging but necessary.

Looking ahead, I see new risks emerging quickly. AI technology, for instance, can unintentionally reinforce biases and raise ethical issues. Automation is helpful, but relying too much on it can cause operational failures. Fintech innovations make financial services more accessible but also attract advanced cyber-attacks. Companies must continuously update their security strategies, clearly define who is responsible for decision-making, and ensure employees have the training they need.

My Vision for the Future

My goal is clear; I want to become the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. To lead effectively in today’s digital world, I need to understand how business strategy and technology risk fit together. That’s why I’ve carefully built my career, gaining experience in both business and technology and preparing myself fully to lead a successful, thoughtful organisation. I believe true leadership happens when you understand people and technology deeply, seeing how they connect and drive each other forward.

When I receive awards and recognition, it means a lot to me. Not because they show I’m successful, but because they remind me of my responsibility to help others. Every recognition is a message urging me to keep going, to keep creating pathways and opening doors for future leaders. They’re a constant motivation to maintain excellence, ensuring that whatever I achieve today helps others tomorrow.

In the end, my ambition isn’t only about personal achievement. I want to create real opportunities for the next generation, empowering them to succeed in a world filled with both digital promise and risk. My journey taught me how to adapt quickly, how to show empathy, and how to remain resilient even through challenges. Now it’s my turn to pass these lessons forward, helping others navigate their journeys with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Advice for Future Leaders

To young professionals, especially women and immigrants who dream of technology leadership, my advice is simple: be clear about what you want, speak up about your work, and keep learning. Your unique background is your strength. Plan your career carefully and make sure your contributions are noticed. Build strong relationships and seek mentorship because these connections can open doors that hard work alone might not.