Keep Your Tech Flame Alive: Trailblazer Samantha Lee

I have worked as an Enterprise Account Manager at Trend Micro for more than three years now. However, my more than 20-year career in the tech industry started long before that. My friend recommended a company, Trustmarque Solutions, as a good fit for me. The culture was great and the company was very family oriented. For me, a young mum at the time, that was especially important.

The tech industry was undergoing significant transformation. It was a male-dominated space, but I embraced the challenges, seizing every opportunity to learn on the job. Those early experiences laid the foundation for my understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. Then, I worked in various roles in cybersecurity, and now I find myself on the Trend Micro team.

I think what’s kept me working in the industry for all this time are the possibilities. I’m not only talking about the salary that comes with a tech job, which for a young mother starting in the industry was obviously important. It’s also the constant development that you can experience in the tech industry. Your hard work is rewarded with opportunities to learn and grow professionally and personally.

One of those big opportunities for me was being a panelist at a recent Trend Micro Sales Kick-Off event earlier this year. I sat on the stage with global colleagues as we discussed topics such as “unconscious bias” and “inspiring the future generations” — two topics that really resonate with me.

I would never think I’d be doing something like this, but I was offered the opportunity and I took it as a chance to grow and push myself outside of my comfort zone. The love and support I felt from my colleagues and friends in the audience helped me feel at ease, and if I were ever to get the opportunity again I would 100% say yes.

A particular part of my job that I have always enjoyed is meeting new people. I’m always intrigued and amazed to hear about the journeys they have been on throughout their careers, some of which I have been able to learn from and use as motivation throughout my own career.

To put it in one sentence: Find your niche and work hard. 

If you’re lucky enough to find something you’re passionate about, you have to strive to achieve great things and grow. A big motivator for me was not only my own success, but also my two daughters’ future successes. I wanted to show them that dedication and hard work can open up so many ways in which they can achieve success in life, especially when working in such a male-dominated industry. And I’m so proud that my eldest daughter, now in her early 20s, is undertaking a career similar to mine. 

A mantra that my family uses is “Have courage and be kind.” I follow these words in both my personal and professional life. You have to be bold enough to find your passion and follow through to build your career. But you also have to remember that being a kind person will always be appreciated and it will help you make meaningful connections.

You cannot underestimate the power of a smile. A good smile will show interest, confidence, and approachability. Smiling can improve interpersonal relationships and increase performance and productivity at work. It's a mechanism that allows individuals to share their humanity, whether in social settings or the workplace.

I’m in a position now where I can (and want to!) share my experiences and knowledge with others. A smile is the easiest way to show people that they can approach me, and that I’m here to help them and interact with them.

Cybersecurity Sam Says is a brand that I created with the team at Trend Micro to appeal to our iGaming and betting customers; essentially I was made into an avatar. This creative branding strategy — combining my persona with the world of cybersecurity — set me apart from the competition.

I’m regularly recognized by customers and colleagues at shows and events. Personal branding has proven to be a powerful tool for initiating conversations and building connections in ways that traditional approaches couldn't. It attracts people’s attention because it is different.

Although the tech industry has evolved, unfortunately it's still not a level playing field for women. Initiatives like FLAME bring women together, fostering networking opportunities and knowledge sharing. By telling our stories and sharing experiences, we empower future generations and contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.