This article was originally published here: Sir Angel Redoble – Group Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT Group & Smart Communications
Sir Angel Redoble’s determination to make cyberspace a safer place is what has driven him to create an organisation dedicated to that goal.
What’s your story?
Today, I am the Group Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT Group & Smart Communications. However, it did not begin this way. Initially believing that achieving an Electrical Engineering degree was the best way to climb out of poverty. I realised too late that the career progression in my chosen field did not allow me to rise the ranks fast enough and earn enough as the sole breadwinner of my family. In 1996, when I caught wind of a new industry that was rapidly taking hold of the Philippines that was high-risk and high-returns industry, I dove in head first.
What excites you most about your industry?
My work in the cybersecurity industry does not impact me alone, it impacts the community, the society, the business sector and national security. The importance of my role gives me a purpose for doing my job. Today, it is no longer just about the money, but the wider community that will benefit from the work that our industry can do, and this keeps me going.
What drives you in business to push beyond what other people consider normal?
Each step I’ve taken has been led with the thought of “How can I help people?”. This thinking has helped shape my career and personal development — ensuring that my passion for cybersecurity remained strong through the years.
It has also underscored my goal to protect vulnerable individuals against cybersecurity threats and end the scourge of online sexual abuse and exploitation that is prevalent in my home country. Therefore, I am always open to picking up new skills and knowledge to push myself to constantly innovate and improve the cybersecurity industry.
What have been the most useful skills you have learnt and applied in your journey?
In this fast-paced environment, things are always changing, and I have learnt the value of being innovative – starting from myself. Which is why I am always looking to expand my boundaries and knowledge. I also understood that technical skills can be taught and learned but it is important to be a person who can think critically. Most importantly, I learned to have empathy and love for the community that I work with/for. There are stakes larger than myself and I am always part of something bigger.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always stay on course. Despite the industry changing faster than ever, it is important to keep pushing yourself. Again, the most important thing would be to consider others while doing so. Only then, will you be able to push out of your comfort zone. Considering the impact that my work will have on the people around me also helps increase the desire to expand my horizons and skills and better improve the impact of my work.
Who inspires you?
My family inspired me to get started in the cybersecurity industry. After starting in the industry, the importance of my work to the community inspires me. I also wanted to give back to the community that helped me grow.
What have you learnt recently that blew you away?
Recently, I learnt that being strict with your objectives and accomplishments is not necessarily a good thing. We have to be willing to collaborate with one another and adapt to different situations. Opening up my perspective and working to understand that of others has helped me gain a lot of insight.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
There is nothing that I would change about my journey and would still go through it from start to finish without any regrets.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy unwinding by doing volunteer work for the community. I also like to cook for my family and friends during my free time.
What is a major mindset change, belief shift or ‘ah ha’ moment that you’ve experienced in relation to your business?
The realisation that to survive and go far in the cybersecurity industry, you have to be people-focused rather than self-focused. And leading every piece of work that you do with the thought of helping others always helps make the work better and more impactful.
Everyone in business should read this book:
I recommend any non-fictional book that will help you develop your critical thinking. It would also be a great way to gain insight into the reality of life which will help you to navigate it. Another genre of books that people should read would be those focusing on learning how to sell. Learning how to sell will be incredibly beneficial as you will only be able to be good at cybersecurity if you know how to sell your ideas.
Shameless plug for your business:
The world’s first cybersecurity technology targeting protection at the Domain Name System (DNS) layer, the Global Chain of trust (GCOT) will be the first line of defence. Created by Sir Angel Redoble,Group Chief Information Security Officer at ePLDT, Chairman and Founding President of the Philippine Institute of Cyber Security Professionals, it was born out of the issues the Internet sphere is currently facing with cyberattacks worldwide, hacking, and the uncontrollable spread of child pornography. The GCOT will work in tandem with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to secure the Internet for a reliable and safe use.
How can people connect with you?
Do follow me on LinkedIn (https://ph.linkedin.com/in/angelredoble)
Social Media Links? Nil
This interview is part of the CallumConnects series.
Sir Angel Redoble – Group Chief Information Security Officer at PLDT Group & Smart Communications
The EnterpriseZone Writing Team
