At ctrl:cyber, the Chief of Staff plays a pivotal role in connecting strategy, leadership, and culture. Courtney’s position is about shaping direction, building momentum, and ensuring Ctrl’s values are lived across every team.

 

Having been part of Ctrl for over four years, she has seen the company grow, adapt, and advance, and has played a decisive role in guiding that evolution. Her career journey has taken her from fashion to cyber, a path that gives her a unique edge in her leadership style. Read her Q&A below.

 

Q. You’ve recently stepped into the Chief of Staff role at Ctrl – congratulations! To start us off, what does being Chief of Staff mean here, and how do you see your new role shaping the company’s direction?

A. Thank you! Stepping into the Chief of Staff role at Ctrl is a really exciting opportunity. It’s about connecting ideas with action and keeping everyone focused on what makes the biggest difference. I’m working closely with the rest of our leadership team to drive key projects, build stronger teamwork, and make sure the business runs smoothly as we continue to grow.

 

Q. You joined Ctrl through a different door, initially getting the call for a Business Development Manager role, then stepping in as Executive Assistant. Coming from a completely different industry, including your time in fashion, how did that unexpected path shape the way you now approach being Chief of Staff?

A. Coming from the very fast-paced fashion industry taught me to think on my feet. Things changed by the hour, so I learned to make quick calls, stay focused, and not get caught up in the noise. When I moved to ctrl:cyber, first as an EA and now Chief of Staff, that same mindset carried through keeping the pace, staying proactive, and knowing when to slow down or push ahead.

 

Q. Now having been with Ctrl for four years – which is quite a ride in a fast-moving business – looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?

A. Almost five years now! Honestly, the most rewarding part has been seeing the team grow, from a much smaller Ctrl in our South Melbourne office to the much larger Ctrl of today. Seeing how the team and impact has grown over the years has been incredibly exciting and being part of that journey every step of the way makes all the challenges worthwhile.

 

Q. Balancing acts are at the heart of the Chief of Staff role. How do you juggle supporting leadership with pushing forward your own initiatives?

A. It’s definitely a balancing act, and it comes down to staying organised and knowing what truly matters. Supporting leadership means understanding their goals and clearing the way so they can focus on what counts, while my own initiatives are about identifying where I can make the biggest difference. I try to stay flexible and keep everything moving in the right direction.

 

Q. You have a unique view across every team. What is something about how Ctrl operates day to day that would genuinely surprise people?

A. I think people would be surprised by how much of what we do is built on open discussion. From leadership down, there’s a real emphasis on making sure the right voices are heard at the right time, questions are asked, and perspectives considered.

 

Q. What’s one thing you always look for in a Ctrl meeting or conversation that tells you “this is working”?

A. For me, a good meeting ends with direction. When everyone leaves knowing their next step and who owns them, that’s success. It’s not about how long or intense the discussion was, but whether it’s moved us forward and created alignment across the team. That shared understanding is what really tells me we’re on track.

 

Q. Ctrl often talks about ‘Cyber Together.’ From your seat, what does that actually look like in action?

A. From my perspective, ‘Cyber Together’ really comes to life in how teams collaborate and support each other across the business. It’s about sharing knowledge, leaning on each other’s expertise, and tackling challenges as one team rather than in silos. Day to day, that might look like cross team problem solving, proactively offering help where it’s needed, or making sure every voice is heard when decisions are made. All of which keeps us moving forward as a trusted partner for our clients.

 

Q. You work with such a diverse group of specialists, technical, advisory, and operational. What excites you most about being at the centre of all those perspectives?

A. What excites me most is how much I get to learn every day. Being at the centre of so many perspectives, it gives me insight into how all the pieces of the business fit together, and there’s always something new to absorb. It’s energising to see how different expertise comes together to solve complex problems, and it keeps me curious and constantly learning.

 

Q. Growth can test culture. How do you make sure ctrl:cyber’s values stay strong as the company scales?

A. I’ve seen this at Ctrl from day one, but we’ll continue creating space for open dialogue, recognising behaviours that reflect our core, and encouraging leaders and teams to lead by example. When values are lived consistently, they naturally scale with the business.

 

Q. As Ctrl continues to scale, how do you see the Chief of Staff role evolving to meet that growth?

A. I see the Chief of Staff role evolving to focus even more on strategic alignment and enabling leaders to operate at their best. That includes ensuring all team members across Australia feel connected and supported, and that communication flows seamlessly across all locations. It’s about anticipating needs, identifying opportunities for efficiency, and helping everyone stay aligned.

 

Q. You are at a very exciting time in your life outside of work. How do you find balance while planning for such a big chapter?

A. I’m planning my wedding at the moment, so life is full of deadlines, decisions, and the occasional curveball! I try to approach it the same way I do work which is tackling one thing at a time and enjoying the journey. It’s hectic, but it’s also a really exciting chapter I wouldn’t trade for anything.

 

Q. Finally, in your view, what is the most underrated skill in leadership, the one more people should be talking about?

A. Probably mental clarity under pressure whilst also backing yourself with the decision you’ve made. Being able to separate emotion from fact and maintain perspective doesn’t always get talked about, but it’s what allows leaders to guide their teams through the toughest challenges in my opinion.

 

Q. What can we catch you doing outside of work?

A. Outside of work I’m likely at the local farmers market buying beautiful produce for a weekend dinner, or parked on a towel down at the beach during the warmer months. Lately you’ll find me researching locations for our honeymoon… recommendations welcome!

 

Courtney’s story reflects the strength of purpose behind ctrl:cyber’s growth. Her ability to connect people, ideas, and outcomes has continuously helped shape the company’s rhythm and reinforce its direction. Through her focus, initiative, and love of the team, she continues to play an integral role in how Ctrl moves forward – grounded, united, and always building towards the next chapter.

 

Read more Ctrl In Focus Q&A’s here ↗ https://ctrl.co/news/