In the Spotlight this week is Doctor Clare Ryan, chief executive and co-founder of ITUS Secure Technologies.She is currently launching a cyber security SaaS product, ITUS Protect.
What was your first job?
I started off selling potatoes on a market stall at the side of the road just on the border between Donegal and Derry. Most people assumed I was the farmer’s daughter - but in reality we lived in social housing nearby and we simply trying to make some quick cash.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a degree in biomedical sciences, a PhD in science and a MA in governance for financial services as well as a postgrad cert in data protection.
What do you attribute your success to?
My mum! There is a saying that the aspirations of the parent are fulfilled in the success of the child - my mum was fixated on us doing well at school and was always pushing us to ‘do your best’- something I still aspire to today.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I share a number of characteristics with Edna Mode from The Incredibles - we’re both small in height, dark haired, risk adverse and apply a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to various elements of our jobs.
Who do you look up to in business?
I get inspired by different people but there is a common theme of people who ‘do things for good’ like Anne Boden, who founded Starling Bank - she challenged the status quo in finance, much like I aim to do in cyber security.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
People work with me, not for me! I’m passionate that a team functions better when we all work together- with everyone having the right to voice their opinions. There are many things in business that I have little knowledge or experience of, so it’s important that everyone in the team feels comfortable to speak up and help navigate the ship. I believe that fostering this culture creates a more engaging workplace for everyone.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I’d ask people to think bigger. I find Northern Irish people to be too humble, we don’t always see our potential and often undervalue or products and services (as well as ourselves). It’s important to remember that we’re playing on a global stage - so stand tall!
What website or app could you not do without?
Revolut- it’s simple and effective. I love the ease of swapping currencies (being so close to the border) but most importantly I love seeing what my kids are spending their money on!
What was the last book you read?
The Elephant’s Dilemma: Break Free and Reimagine Your Future at Work by Jon Bostock – it’s about getting comfortable with risk-taking, and is a great read.
What car do you drive?
I drive a Volvo S60- plenty of power, but safe and reliable.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I once set fire to my face - I kid you not! I was hosting a science outreach event at a local school and managed to be a little too generous with some flammable material for one of the experiments. The result was a massive fireball leading to the loss of my eyebrows, eyelashes and fringe (not to be tried at home!)
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Baking - I love going back to basics and creating something delicious from a few ingredients. I really enjoy making cakes in particular and have been known to whip up the odd homemade wedding cake in the past.
