In life, there are moments that define us, push us, and shape us into the people we are meant to become. For me, one of those moments was being hired as a Cloud endpoint Technical Specialist then later moving into the of Cybersecurity Technical Specialist at Microsoft Belux more than three years ago.
At the time, I didn’t feel ready. Honestly, who would have thought that someone learning from YouTube tutorials, fresh into motherhood after having just welcomed my daughter, could step into a role at a company like Microsoft? Imposter syndrome was relentless, whispering doubts and questioning if I was truly prepared—or if I was setting myself up for failure.
But then, there was Myriam, Bart, and Arnaud. During that interview, they saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. They saw potential where I saw uncertainty, passion where I felt inexperience, and a spark of capability that I was too hesitant to claim.
Looking back, their faith and decision to hire me was the spark that ignited a journey of growth, self-discovery, and transformation—one that has shaped not only my career but the person I am today.
Reflecting On The Early Days
Stepping into Microsoft was as exhilarating as it was daunting. Cybersecurity isn’t a small field—it demands a combination of technical expertise and like many i found myself wishing to be born 15 years ago earlier, so I could have battlefield experience.
And yet, from day one, I found myself in the best possible environment. Surrounded by mentors, supportive peers, and a manager who constantly encouraged me to take risks, ask questions, and embrace the learning process, I felt both challenged and empowered.
But let’s be honest—not everything along the way was sunshine. Some of the comments I received online over the years were far from encouraging. Anyone making a transition into a new field knows that doubt—both from yourself and others—will always be a part of the journey.
With every passing year, though, I learned to trust my knowledge and my place in this field. That confidence didn’t happen overnight; it came from discovering an area of cybersecurity that truly aligned with me and ignited my passion: Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Identity Governance and Administration (IGA).
Finding that niche gave me purpose and spent the pas 2 years learning and building my tool box to finally becoming an identity champ and the to go person for all things identity, So for anyone reading this and finding themselves early in their career transition, remember you can’t be an expert at everything and you need to chose
Growth Through Challenges
Over the past three years, I’ve tackled challenges that seemed insurmountable at first glance. Whether it was designing solutions to protect clients against evolving cyber threats or presenting strategies to executives under tight deadlines, each task pushed me further than I thought I could go.
Through it all, I discovered that growth often comes from the toughest moments—the ones where you’re stretched, challenged, and even a little scared. I learned to trust my instincts, lean on my team, and celebrate small wins along the way.
What I loved most about my role was the impact we made. Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s about protecting people, businesses, and communities. Knowing that my work contributed in anyway to helping our customer protect their digital world is a privilege I never took for granted.
Personal Evolution
When I reflect on the person I was when I started this journey, I barely recognize them. In so many ways, I’ve evolved—not just as a professional, but as a human being, as a woman and as a mom.
I’ve gained confidence in my voice, clarity in my purpose, and a deep appreciation for the value of persistence. I’ve learned that feeling “not ready” isn’t a sign to turn back; it’s a signal to step up.
Gratitude and Reflection
None of this would have been possible without the people who supported me along the way.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and collaborating with talented peers that made work a fun place to be
The list of colleagues I’ll miss is extensive, but I want to mention a few:
Antoine Borremans, Amine Azizi, —saying I had fun working with you would be the understatement of the year. You brought so much laughter, insight, and camaraderie into every moment standing up for me. Thank you for the jokes that brightened tough days, the coaching that made me better, and the guidance that always kept me on track.
Michiel Van Der Eecken and Jens Du Four—we started this journey together as Cloud Endpoint TS, a team of three, sharing the excitement and challenges of our first steps. Even when I “betrayed” you to join security, those first six months as teammates remain some of my most cherished memories.
To Jonathan Lefebvre, Khadija Assbai, Tim Hermie, Nicolas Bart Bruninx, Rutger Truyers, Shamma Raghib, Dorien Aerts, Tine Dubois, Andy Elder Clara Maldonado Tim Thaens, Tom Camps, Loufti, Thomas Dalberto, Ilse Van Criekinge, Sébastien Place, Kris Vande Moortel Antoine Engelen Fabian Dupuis Shailav Gupta, CCSP Peter van Leeuwen Lien Deleenheer — everyone of you made my experience truly unforgettable. From the shared laughs and morning chats to the invaluable lessons, you’ve each left a mark on my journey that I’ll carry forward.
Nico Sienaert, thanks for your unwavering support, amazing events over the years and letting me shine along side you or on stage.
And to myself—I’m proud of the risks I took, the challenges I embraced, and the person I’ve become.
What’s Next
As I close this chapter at Microsoft BeLux i feel a mix of gratitude and excitement. While it’s bittersweet to move on from a place that’s been so pivotal in my growth and been home for what feels like forever, I know this isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning.
In the coming weeks, I’ll be stepping into my new role that builds on everything I’ve learned so far.
To anyone who feels like they’re not ready to take a leap: trust in the process. Growth happens in the spaces where you feel uncertain. Surround yourself with people who see your potential, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.
Here’s to the journey ahead
