In this exclusive Q&A, we catch up with Sam Finn, to discuss the exciting collaboration between Investigo and Cyber House Party. Together, they recently hosted an event focused on 'Mental Health in Cyber Security,' aiming to create a supportive space for professionals in the industry to share their experiences and challenges. In this interview, Sam talks about the importance of addressing mental health in the Cyber Security field, the key takeaways from the event, and their plans for future initiatives designed to offer ongoing support for those navigating the pressures of the industry. Read on for an inside look at how they’re working to foster a community of connection and care.
Can you introduce yourself, what's your role within Investigo?
I'm Sam Finn, a Manager here at Investigo leading on Permanent Cyber Security hiring across the UK & Europe.
Who is Cyber House Party, and what's their relationship with Investigo?
Cyber House Party is a community for Cyber Security professionals built off the back of a love of DJing and House Music. It was initially started during the pandemic as a way of getting people in the industry together on a video call but they have since run numerous events to support NSPCC. Alongside their usual "House Party" events, CHP are looking to use their extensive community to create more events that add value for the industry.
Can you tell us about the event and its purpose?
The event was on the topic of "Mental Health in Cyber Security". As an industry, their is huge amounts of burnout given the stressful nature of the job and this event was a partnership between Cyber House Party and Investigo to create a safe space for individuals to discuss their own challenges with industry peers. The purpose is to allow people to share their experiences, challenges and hopefully find some comfort that they are not alone with these.
Who was the event for?
Anyone within the industry who is looking for a space to share their stories.
Why was this event important?
Mental Health as a topic is hugely important anyway but within the Cyber Security industry, there is not enough being done to help. This event was important as it allowed individuals who understand the challenges each other are facing to communicate openly, support their peers and also feel as though they can share their own experiences in a judgement free environment. It's really just an important event to allow people to get talking and be vulnerable in a safe space.
What were the key takeaways from the event?
The feedback from the event was incredible. Everyone we spoke to came away with something impactful for them and I think there were many takeaways. 2 of the main ones we heard were:
1. It was great to share challenges and experiences people thought were only happening to them and then realise they were not alone and many other attendees were currently or had previously dealt with similar challenges. This helped in some way to put peoples mind at ease as well as get actionable tasks to help.
2. The event a great space for people to be vulnerable with peers who really understood their specific challenges. The more people were willing to be vulnerable and share the more they got out of the event.
What impact do you think the event had or will have in the future?
I'm hoping we can run the events a couple of times per year. Hopefully this means people can walk away from the event feeling more at ease with some of the challenges they are facing as well as having actionable takeaways to continue working towards improving their mental health. If we can support even 1 person in improving their mental health or providing them stepping stone to get any help they need - that's a huge impact.
Will you be running more?
Yes, hopefully 2-3 per year.
Any other comments to leave readers with?
Whilst we are looking to run more of these events, I hope people don't wait for these to start taking the steps they need to improve their mental health. Mental Health challenges and particularly burnout is a huge problem in our industry and I hope people are able to speak to anyone they need to whether that be a Friend or a Professional. If anyone does need any assistance - we are bale to signpost towards some great resources.
