From One Journey to the Next

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 Broeders , Bart Asnot , and Arnaud Girard . 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 earlier, so I could have the battlefield experience i was missing today.

And yet, from day one, I found myself in the best possible environment. Surrounded by mentors, supportive peers, and a manager( Myriam Broeders ) 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 to anyone reading this, especially if you’re in the early stages of a career transition, know this: you don’t have to be an expert at everything. In fact, you can’t be. What you can do is choose an area that excites you, one that aligns with your strengths and curiosity. Dive deep, invest in your growth, and trust that, over time, you’ll find your place too.

Growth Through Challenges

Over the past three years, I’ve faced challenges that, at first, felt almost impossible to tackle. Running proof-of-concepts, solving tough technical roadblocks, and helping clients navigate their evolving cybersecurity needs were all part of the job. But it wasn’t just about the technical work—it was about showing up, learning on the fly, and finding creative ways to solve problems.

Some days, it was about technical deep dive to figure out the root of an issue; other days, it was about standing in front of executives, presenting strategies, and hoping I was answering the right questions. Each of these moments stretched me in ways I never expected and showed me that I’m capable of so much more than I used to believe.

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 and question yourself if you are ready for this.

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 and worked with 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:

Bart, I still remember that interview like it was yesterday. After you called me out, I knew one thing for sure—if I got hired, I wanted to be mentored by you. You’re as much of a brute forcer as I am, and I knew your approach would push me to be better.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me—from ramping me up in those early days to mentoring me throughout the years. You’ve been a constant source of guidance and support, always willing to guide me, even if it was during one of those “just a minute” conversations that were never actually just a minute. Those quick chats? They meant the world to me.

Antoine Borremans, — where do I even begin? Over the past 3+ years, you’ve been so much more than a colleague. You’ve been a constant source of support, laughter, and wisdom.

You stood up for me when I needed it most, shared jokes that brightened even the hardest days, and offered advice that made me grow. Thank you for being in my corner, for making work something to look forward to, and for always having my back.

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 into the Microsoft world and even when I “betrayed” you to join the security team, those first six months as teammates remain some of my most cherished memories.

To Jonathan Lefebvre , Khadija Assbai , Tim Hermie Nicolas Stefanski Bart Bruninx , Rutger Truyers Amine Azizi, Vincent Armirotto Shamma R. , Dorien Aerts , Ishanna Boekhoudt , Marijke Schroos , Patrick Faut Christiaan Brinkhoff Ana Carolina Telles , Caroline Phillips , Andy Elder Clara Maldonado , Isaline De Muylder Leila Sellami , Jonathan D'haene Jonathan Jacqmin , Manoj Nair , Tim Thaens , Tom Camps , Loutfi Belghmidi Thomas DALBERTO , Ilse Van Criekinge , Sébastien Place , Sebastiano Federighi Kris Vande Moortel Antoine Engelen Fabian Dupuis Shailav G. Peter van Leeuwen Lien Deleenheer Thierry Bataille Amir Ozdoev Laurent Goormans Azala?s Davin Ana Carolina Telles Elisabeth Teugels Virginie Corens and so many more — Every single one of you has played a part in making my experience at Microsoft Belux truly unforgettable. It’s impossible to capture in words just how much your insights, kindness, and collaboration have meant to me over these past years. so thank you.

Nico Sienaert, thanks for your unwavering support, amazing events over the years and letting me shine along side you or on stage.

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 finishing my handover and 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