Jahna gives people the confidence to face cybersecurity conversations they may have once avoided – and proves why they’re essential. 

From Mercedes-Benz to ctrl:cyber, Jahna’s path into cybersecurity wasn’t traditional – but that’s exactly why her approach is so impactful. She meets complexity with clarity, translating technical noise into conversations that make sense. As a Client Partner, she brings warmth, structure, and confidence to an industry that can sometimes feel out of reach. 

With a sharp commercial lens and a genuine understanding of people, Jahna helps clients see cyber not just as a challenge to manage – but as a space where business decisions take shape. We sat down with her to talk trust, strategy, and what “Cyber Together” means to her. See what she had to say below. 

Q. So, Jahna, what does a day in the life of a Client Partner look like at Ctrl? 

A. No two days in cyber ever look the same and that’s exactly how I like it. One moment I’m mapping out strategy with a CIO, the next I’m breaking down complex solutions in plain terms that click. It’s fast-paced, people-first, and full of problem-solving. Keeps me on my toes – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

 Q. From Mercedes-Benz to cybersecurity – tell us about the journey. What sparked the transition into tech? 

 A. From luxury cars to cutting-edge cyber? Not the most obvious leap, but it makes perfect sense to me. I’ve always chased industries that innovate and evolve. I was at Mercedes during the electric revolution and now I’m in an industry protecting the digital one. The pace, the people, and the purpose in cyber hooked me fast. 

Q. How has your experience across industries influenced your approach at Ctrl? 

A. I’ve gone from big brands to bootstrapped startups across NZ, Australia, and beyond. That range taught me to read the room, solve creatively, and speak tech without the jargon. Cybersecurity touches every industry; so having that global lens helps me meet clients where they’re at and take them where they need to go.  

Q. You work closely with ASX-listed organisations. What’s the most important thing they expect from a cyber partner? 

A. They want more than just buzzwords – they want clarity, accountability, and long-term thinking. It’s not about ticking a compliance box. It’s about building resilience, educating teams, and implementing solutions that will actually scale with them. 

Q. With such a strong technical lens over what we do, how do you translate complexity into clarity for clients? 

A. Tech can be intimidating. My job is to make it human. I invest time in getting to know the people behind the business, then tailor how we solve problems together. No fluff, just real talk and results that land. 

Q. Which areas do you see clients struggling with most – and how are you helping them uplift maturity?

A. Budget barriers, internal politics, the classic “we’ll get to it later” trap. I help them frame cyber like insurance: if you wait until there’s a problem, you’re already too late. My role is to build urgency, not panic, by showing value before disaster strikes.

Q. What’s one misconception about working in cybersecurity that you’re constantly correcting? 

A. That it’s only a concern for big companies. Breaches don’t discriminate; size, sector, headcount, it doesn’t matter. If you’re online, you can be a target. 

Q. You volunteer with the Australian Women in Security Network. What has this experience taught you about working in this industry?

A. That everyone starts somewhere and community matters. The women before us kicked down doors, and it’s on us to keep them open. Every event I help run reminds me how powerful visibility and mentorship really are.

Q. You’ve led both sales and partnerships. What’s the key to building long-term trust with clients and stakeholders?

A. It’s built in the little things: consistency, curiosity, and showing up with intention. I lead with the question, “Why not me?”– because if I’m not the one to solve it, someone else will. I don’t just sell; I listen, understand, and stay a step ahead of what clients actually need. Trust isn’t won in a single meeting, it’s earned in every interaction.

Q. Are there any principles or lessons you’ve carried with you from outside tech that influence how you show up in cyber today?

A. I live by the compound effect. That is; small, consistent actions lead to big outcomes over time. I’m obsessed with growth, both personal and professional. My only competition is who I was yesterday. That mindset keeps me sharp, adaptable, and deeply invested in the success of the people I work with.

Q. How do you define impact in your role and what does success look like for you?

A. Impact is knowing a client walked away more empowered than they were before. It’s the thank-you note, the referral, or the follow-up call because they trust me to handle the next big challenge. Success, to me, is a feeling. It’s quite contagious. When I’m excited about the work, my clients are too and that’s when real momentum happens.

Q. What can we catch you doing when you’re not working?

A. I’m probably chasing sunshine, booking the next flight, or trying to keep up with my whippet Ralph. I thrive on movement– mentally and physically. Life is what you make it, and I’m here to make it as good as it gets. I’ll never live the same day twice, and that’s something I’m deeply grateful for, especially with the incredible friends and loved ones around me. I’m wired for curiosity, connection, and keeping life just as dynamic as my day job

Q. What excites you most about the future of cyber at Ctrl?

A. The momentum. Seeing our brand grow from niche to national–on stadiums, on jerseys–is wild. But it’s the deep partnerships we build that tell the real story. This team is building something special, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Q. What does Cyber Together mean to you?

A. To me, “Cyber Together” is about shared responsibility and mutual ambition. It means we’re not just plugging gaps but building resilient futures, side by side. You bring the challenge, I bring the strategy, and together we co-create solutions that actually stick. It’s not just about security–it’s about partnership, trust, and showing up with purpose. That’s what makes it meaningful.

Jahna’s impact is a reminder that cyber isn’t just a technical space but a people-first one. It’s about trust, translation, and making better decisions possible. Whether it’s navigating complexity or planning what’s next, that’s the kind of partnership businesses deserve.

Looking to bring that same confidence and direction to your organisation?
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