MAGDA CHELLYRESPONSIBLE CYBER FOUNDER

I always say an idea is nothing without an action. I believe in small tests to make sure that your idea is well perceived by the public. In fact, we all have many ideas that we believe are fantastic. However, a business requires revenue. If your idea doesn’t materialize into a product that is bought by your audience, you do not have a business.

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I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVINGMARCH 14TH, TUESDAY | 7 - 9 PM

A SNEAK PEEK

WOMAN-IN-CYBER CYBERFEMINIST

What inspired you?

I have started this journey in Singapore, around one year ago with Responsible Cyber Pte. Ltd. Since a young age, I wanted to change the world- and i knew that the only way to do that would be through a successful business. I wanted to provide opportunities, ideas and inspiration for others. In reality, it was much harder. In fact, I endured long studies, traveled across continents and faced various rejections, no real success reaching my goals. But I always kept my dreams at the back of my mind. My motivation and inspiration were very much self-driven. When I felt I was losing my drive, I would stay for hours watching inspiring entrepreneurial stories (on youtube!) and learn from them. Today, I am very proud of being able to change lives and to create a better safer world for ourselves and our children.

What challenges have you faced in your industry as a woman?

As a cyber security female professional, I work in a male-dominated industry. In the cyber security professional world, only 11% are women. I am amused when most of potential clients are surprised at my technical expertise, which is as good (or more) than a guy. Unconscious biases are part of any society - we need just to recognize what they are and take steps to correct it. One thing I’d say to the young ladies out there, you know your value and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. When you are in a meeting room and you are the only woman, do not hesitate to speak out loud for yourself. It will be very much appreciated and you will be respected for your knowledge and confidence.

What are some practical steps on transforming your ideas into a sustiainable busines?

Some steps I would recommend:• Ask a circle of close friends and mentors and get objective feedback on your idea

• Test your product/idea – eg. Launching a Facebook page before investing in an expen-sive e-commerce website.

• Be flexible – a business plan is only a pro-jection and forecast. You need to have it and build your vision but you need to be ready to adjust and to listen to the outside world and your public’ needs.

• Network and create long lasting relation-ships, built with real values and your own vi-sion- be different!

My advice for young entrepreneurs would be to go for it. You have an idea, then do it! Make a change. Work with passion and everything else will follow. It won’t be easy - there will be plenty of roller-coasters but it’s definitely worth it.”

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FOR MORE DETAILS GO TO: bit.ly/unicorn14mar