Simona Dimovski: Leadership Tips for Information Security and Technology
Simona Dimovski is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience across the Information Security and Technology sectors, working in both the private and public sectors. Her career spans executive leadership roles, independent consulting, and board advisory positions, allowing her to bring a well-rounded perspective to every organisation she serves. Simona has worked with top-tier organisations in industries ranging from finance and aviation to government and energy, contributing to transforming IT and cybersecurity landscapes. She is also actively involved with industry bodies such as AISA (Australian Information Security Association) and serves as a NSW Investments Cyber Ambassador, amplifying her influence and thought leadership within the cybersecurity community.
With a deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and strategic technology leadership, Simona is highly regarded for her ability to align technology initiatives with broader business goals. Her work bridges the gap between governance, risk, and compliance while driving innovation and operational resilience. As the founder of Skygrid Industries, Simona delivers cutting-edge, accessible cybersecurity and technology solutions to empower organisations of all sizes.
Her involvement in both corporate and government spheres equips her with a unique ability to address complex challenges and deliver impactful, scalable results, making her a trusted advisor and a leader at the forefront of the cybersecurity and technology industries.
Simona Dimovski is focused on adding real, measurable value to organisations of all sizes. She believes that every business—whether it’s a local firm or a global brand—deserves to be secure, resilient, and empowered to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Leading the Cyber Frontier with Expertise in Cybersecurity and Technology.
Simona has cultivated a rich and diverse portfolio career that positions her as a leading expert in the cybersecurity and technology sectors. Her experience spans executive roles, board leadership, and independent consulting, all of which synergise to create a well-rounded and deeply knowledgeable industry professional.
Each role in Simona’s portfolio complements the others, creating a cohesive narrative of industry expertise. Her comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, from strategic management to hands-on implementation, makes her a trusted advisor and leader in the field. This unique blend of experiences ensures that Simona remains at the cutting edge of cybersecurity and technology, driving innovation and safeguarding the future of the organisations she serves.
Simona’s independent work through Skygrid Industries ties all these experiences together. As the founder, she offers bespoke cybersecurity and technology solutions to businesses of all sizes. Simona’s work is rooted in a fundamental belief: security shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for large enterprises with limitless budgets. Every organisation, regardless of size, has the right to be safeguarded from emerging risks and positioned for long-term success. Skygrid Industries was born with this purpose: to offer accessible, cutting-edge security services that deliver protection and peace of mind to organisations across industries.
Through her leadership at Skygrid Industries, Simona adds tremendous value to businesses by strengthening their security posture, ensuring compliance, and aligning technology strategies with broader business goals. Whether working with executive teams or boards, she provides critical insights and helps build governance frameworks that improve decision-making and enhance risk management.
Simona believes that every enterprise, regardless of size, deserves to be secure.
Do you have a strategy for success in technology and cyberspace that you could share with young professionals?
I’ve always seen technology as more than just a tool—it’s a powerful driver of growth and enhanced customer experiences. I don’t view it as something separate from business strategies but rather as something that needs to be integrated seamlessly to deliver real, tangible results. By aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, I’ve been able to consistently bridge the gap between the two, creating value at every step.
My career has spanned both the private and public sectors, and that broad exposure has given me a well-rounded perspective. It’s helped me approach complex challenges with a holistic mindset. Drawing insights from various industries has allowed me to develop a versatile toolkit, which helps me adapt quickly and effectively to new environments. This ensures that the solutions I provide are both innovative and practical.
Throughout my career, I have always prioritised the user experience. I believe technology should be an enabler, not a barrier, so I’ve always prioritised placing the user at the centre of the design process. By doing this, I’ve been able to create solutions that are not only highly effective but also intuitive and enjoyable to use. This focus drives both adoption and satisfaction across the board.
Leadership and people development have been critical pillars of my success. I’m a strong advocate for collaboration and empowerment, and I work hard to foster a culture of innovation and growth within my teams. Mentoring and nurturing talent is key to building high-performing organisations, and I believe that’s been a big part of why the teams I’ve led have consistently achieved outstanding results.
Continuous learning and adaptability have been cornerstones of my journey. In the rapidly evolving tech and cyber landscape, it’s crucial to stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies. Having a growth mindset has allowed me to do that and maintain a competitive edge. It’s also helped me establish myself as a thought leader in the field.
Through Skygrid Industries, I’ve built a successful suite of plug-and-play services that empower organisations to thrive in an increasingly digital world. We focus on providing innovative, accessible solutions that help businesses stay secure and agile. My goal has always been to help organisations harness technology to not only meet their current needs but also to position them for long-term success.
How does your people-first leadership philosophy influence your approach as a technology leader, particularly in cybersecurity?
My leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that people are at the core of every successful endeavour. For me, being deeply engaged in my work and understanding my team, stakeholders, and partners is essential to achieving success. This people-first approach has helped me build strong relationships and create a collaborative work environment. As I advanced in my career, especially in roles like CIO, I quickly realised that leadership is more about people than anything else. Initially, I thought the role would be evenly split between technology and people, but I soon discovered that people are involved in every decision—from technical choices to strategic planning.
This understanding has shaped my leadership style significantly. I focus on managing expectations, building trust, and fostering collaboration. In cybersecurity, people are often the weakest link, so it’s crucial to invest in your team, build their capabilities, and nurture a strong security culture. My advice to aspiring leaders is to never underestimate the power of people skills. While technical expertise is important, the ability to connect with people, build relationships, and inspire others is what truly sets leaders apart.
What practical advice do you offer to women navigating the challenges of advancing in the tech industry?
The technology industry is rapidly evolving, but it continues to present unique challenges for women seeking to advance their careers. From my experience, continuous learning is essential. The industry is in constant flux, so to stay relevant, women need to embrace ongoing education. I always recommend staying informed by leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and attending webinars. It’s about expanding your skill set and understanding how technology connects with business objectives—this is how you position yourself as an invaluable asset.
Another important factor is stepping outside of your comfort zone. Growth often comes from taking on new challenges and exploring different roles. Pushing your boundaries will not only expand your skill set but also open doors to new opportunities. Alongside this, networking is essential. Building strong professional relationships with people who share your interests can offer support, insights, and even career opportunities.
Confidence and self-advocacy are also crucial. You need to back yourself and advocate for your ideas. Imposter syndrome can hold women back, but believing in your abilities and communicating your accomplishments with confidence is important. Persistence is key—it might take several attempts to get the recognition you deserve.
Lastly, there’s the balance between career and personal life. The tech industry can be demanding, but setting boundaries and prioritising self-care is important to avoid burnout. By fostering a supportive work environment and following these strategies, women in tech can overcome obstacles and achieve their career aspirations.
How did you deal with the challenges of leading an organisational transformation during the COVID-19 crisis?
Leading during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most intense challenges I’ve faced. I had just stepped into a new role and was tasked with leading a large-scale transformation when the global health crisis hit. My original 90-day plan didn’t account for a pandemic, and suddenly, we had to condense what was supposed to be a two-year transformation into six weeks, all while securing the organisation and enabling remote work.
The pressure was immense. We had to deal with rapidly changing government regulations, unprecedented security risks, and the massive task of shifting an entire workforce to remote operations. It truly felt like climbing a mountain in the dark. But through all the challenges, my team and I emerged successful. It was a powerful reminder of the strength of teamwork and resilience. We had a clear vision, and everyone was aligned with the goal of protecting the organisation and its people.
This experience taught me so much about adapting and innovating under pressure. It showed me how vital it is for leaders to stay flexible and inspire their teams, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
What advice would you give to women starting their career in tech, based on your own experiences?
Looking back, there are a few things I would have done differently if I had started my career today. First and foremost, I wish I had been more intentional and strategic in my career planning. While fortunate to have some great opportunities, I didn’t always have a clear roadmap. It’s important to set specific career goals, even if they evolve. Understanding where you want to be in two or five years and taking steps today to move toward that vision is crucial.
Mentorship is another area I would focus on earlier. Having mentors who can provide both guidance and support is invaluable. It’s not just about career advice but also personal growth, so I encourage aspiring professionals to actively seek out mentors, formally or informally.
Lastly, personal branding is key. It’s about defining your passions and understanding how to add value to others. Authenticity is important—focus on building a strong personal brand that reflects your values and expertise. By setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, and developing a personal brand, women can better navigate the competitive tech industry and position themselves for long-term success.
With such an expert rapporteur, Simona stands ready to help businesses of all sizes stay secure, resilient, and positioned for growth in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape. Whether you need expert cybersecurity oversight, strategic IT leadership, or advanced solutions to close resource gaps, Skygrid offers services designed to seamlessly integrate with your operations and deliver measurable value. If you're ready to future-proof your organisation, reach out to Simona Dimovski today to explore how Skygrid can support your security and technology needs. Contact Simona to learn more.
