How did you start your moderation journey?
How did you start your moderation journey?Like many things in cybersecurity, it started with being “voluntold.” I was asked to moderate a panel, and before I knew it, I was hooked. The challenge of balancing different perspectives, keeping discussions engaging, and making sure the conversation flows naturally felt a lot like what I do every day – bridging security and business needs. It was an unexpected turn, but I quickly realised how much I enjoyed facilitating meaningful exchanges.
What do you find most exciting about moderating?
The unpredictability. No two discussions are ever the same. You might start with a structured agenda, but then someone drops a thought-provoking comment, and suddenly, you’re guiding a debate that wasn’t planned but is exactly what the audience needed. It keeps you sharp, forces you to listen actively, and sometimes, you even get to sneak in a joke to lighten the mood, which is always a bonus. The dynamic nature of these conversations, the way different viewpoints collide and sometimes coalesce, is genuinely fascinating. It’s like being a conductor of a very lively orchestra.
How do you typically prepare to moderate an Ortus event?
First: Know the topic inside out; dive deep into the relevant nuances and potential angles.
Second: Research the panellists—what are their strengths, opinions, and possible wild-card takes, anticipating their perspectives.
Third: Plan engaging questions but stay flexible, ready to pivot based on the flow of dialogue.
Fourth: Have a backup plan in case the discussion stalls, though Ortus events are usually very dynamic.
And finally, step five: Take a deep breath, have a good coffee (or beer), and a reminder that it’s about making the conversation valuable for the audience, ensuring they gain insights.
What tips and tricks would you recommend for those aspiring to become moderators?
As a moderator, I’ve learned that listening more than you speak is paramount; your main role is to facilitate and amplify the voices of the panelists, ensuring everyone can share their expertise. A crucial skill I’m developing is the art of redirection, gently steering conversations back on track without disrupting the flow or making anyone feel overlooked, which is key to maintaining focus. I’m also working on reading the room, paying close attention to the audience’s engagement to adjust my approach and keep the discussion relevant and captivating for them. Embracing silence is another area I’m exploring, recognising that allowing moments for reflection can lead to more thoughtful and insightful contributions as participants have time to formulate their responses.
However, that does not mean I have mastered all these things!
In what ways has moderating contributed to your growth as a leader in your field?
In what ways has moderating contributed to your growth as a leader in your field?Moderating forces you to understand different perspectives deeply, which is crucial as a cybersecurity leader navigating diverse teams and stakeholders. This practice has significantly improved my ability to communicate complex technical ideas simply and effectively to various audiences, both technical and non-technical.
Being a moderator has also honed my skills in navigating difficult conversations with diplomacy and ensuring that all voices are heard and valued, whether in a dynamic panel discussion or a high-stakes boardroom meeting, ultimately fostering more inclusive and productive environments.
How has moderating contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Personally, moderating has made me more confident and comfortable engaging with individuals in any setting, from high-level executives to deeply technical teams and even complete strangers at industry events. Professionally, it has significantly strengthened my ability to facilitate productive discussions, skillfully negotiate challenging situations, and influence outcomes even without direct authority, which are all critical skills in the collaborative landscape of cybersecurity, where aligning diverse stakeholders is paramount.
Plus, let’s be honest, it’s genuinely fun to orchestrate engaging conversations! When done right, moderating crafts a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved that leaves a lasting positive impression.
