31 Years of Cybersecurity PR: What I’ve Learned

And just like that, it’s another work anniversary!

Thirty-one years ago today, at exactly the time I’m writing this blog, I started Eskenzi PR. I had a phone, my first computer and a great black book of contacts from my time at News International. No internet. No email address. If I wanted to approach someone, I wrote a letter on headed notepaper and walked down to the post office to send it.

I remember looking out of the window and saying to myself: “OK Yvonne, you’re either going to sink or swim because the buck stops here.” And so I got to work.

Three months later, I had exhausted my contacts and was close to admitting defeat when I received the phone call that changed everything. A friend was launching Infosecurity Europe and that was how I found myself working in cybersecurity PR. Isn’t that how many of us ended up in this industry, almost by fluke?

31 Years in Cybersecurity PR

I could never have imagined where that call would lead. Today, Eskenzi PR is a specialist cybersecurity PR agency with a team across the UK, France, Germany and the US, working tirelessly for more than 20 clients.

Over those 31 years, we have grown alongside the cybersecurity industry. We’ve built relationships with journalists, analysts, security leaders and businesses around the world. That longevity is what matters most in cybersecurity PR when relying on credibility and trust- neither of which can be created overnight.

There have been other milestones I could never have predicted: working alongside my husband for 30 years, winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2018, mentoring young cybersecurity start-ups and investing in phenomenal companies. Most importantly, I’ve made lifelong friends through this industry.

Success Is About More Than Work

It hasn’t all been sunshine and roses, although perhaps I’ve become very good at forgetting the difficult bits!

One thing I have always stood firm on is work-life balance. I wanted time for my children, family, friends and interests outside work, whether developing property, making jewellery or creating my pottery studio. Those things fill your cup and make you a more rounded person.

So, after 31 years running a cybersecurity PR agency, what have I learned?

Don’t take it all too seriously. Never lose your sense of humour. Work hard, but make time for life outside it. Above all, nurture the people around you, both at work and at home.

Businesses change and careers eventually end, but the people and experiences stay with you. After 31 years, I think that might be the most important measure of success of all.