This blog is part of our ongoing Women in Technology series.
As the head of IT Operations, Information Security, and Compliance for Consilio, Toni Mohorek is responsible for defining and shaping IT operations and the design and implementation of information security initiatives on a global scale. She defines and ensures the performance of critical information security strategies, and oversees the organization’s global risk management and compliance programs. Toni is a certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and specializes in information security management systems (ISMS) based on the ISO/IEC 27001 standard and ISO/IEC 19011. Prior to joining Consilio, Toni served as the technical support supervisor at Winston & Strawn LLP for more than 12 years. While at Winston & Strawn LLP she was responsible for the development and leadership of the technical support and network operations staff.
How did you get into this industry?
I had the most amazing technology teacher in seventh grade, and he is the one who lit the fire. From there, the interest only grew, and I was determined to get a job working in technology.
Early in my career, my goal was to get my foot in the door at a company that had an in-house IT team. I started doing data entry work and slowly worked my way up to a Technical Support Supervisor. I really loved being in a leadership role and took great pride in seeing my team succeed and grow. I began to focus more on management, and that passion inspired me to continue developing my career in a leadership capacity.
What were some pivotal moments in your career that helped to get you to where you are today?
One pivotal moment in my career is when I left my very comfortable position working for an international law firm to come and work for a small, fast growing eDiscovery company. When I first started in my new role as Director of IT and Information Security, a slight panic set in when I realized the amount of work and responsibility that was ahead of me. I questioned my decision briefly, but realized I needed to focus on the path forward.
I knew I had the opportunity to be involved in something big. Being willing to take that chance allowed me to contribute significantly to that company becoming a market leader in eDiscovery.
Have you ever noticed a time in your career where your gender proved to differentiate you?
Having an interest in IT at an early age, and going into that field knowing it was a predominantly male industry may have been what motivated me to showcase that I could do the job the same (or better) than anyone else. I worked hard to earn trust and respect, and I’m confident it has helped me have many positive experiences throughout my career.
What is your advice for someone working in a predominately male workplace?
You have to work hard to get where you want, be confident, trust your instincts, and always treat others how you want to be treated.
What do you think companies could do to motivate more women to pursue careers in technology?
Positions within technology are still predominantly male, but I definitely see that there are more women coming into these roles. I think treating everyone equally and fairly is the best thing a company can do bring other women into these areas.