Tell us a little bit about what you do in the world of identity
My current role is Director, IAM Business Systems Analysis at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). In this role I oversee a team of Business Analysts who are assigned to work on the various solutions we implement to help centralize the bank’s internal enterprise Identity and Access Management
Another service I oversee is the enhancement process, basically managing requests to enhance and innovate the solutions that support our various objectives. We also manage the Intake process for new capability requests across the many IAM services to ensure they align to our roadmaps and strategic direction.
More recently we have started to focus on Customer IAM (CIAM) and my team will support these initiatives that look to centralize not only our enterprise IAM but also CIAM within the bank. It’s a really exciting development for us as it aligns to such a core focus for our industry.
I can certainly say no two days are the same!! There are so many moving parts. Recently, I have been handling the organizational change management responsibilities for the IAM services we work on, which has added an exciting new layer not only for me but for the wider team.
What I really love most about my role is the combination of self-growth opportunities, the people I work with, the organization as a whole, the great leadership I have experienced, Leading a team of amazing and resilient individuals, I am so proud to be able to support their career growth and development.
Diversity helps establish a better sense of community, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
How did you get to where you are today?
Firstly I had to remove any self-doubt and trust that I was capable.
Although I have been in the IAM space for 10+ years, I came in with no experience or formal training and that was scary. Much of what I know I learned on the job but I was also fortunate to have had a number of great leaders and mentors. Here I want to call out Melissa Carvalho, Her knowledge and expertise really motivated me. Thanks to her and my other mentors I became a sponge just absorbing everything they taught me. I am convinced that has contributed to getting me to this point, encouraging me to continue to grow and learn.
What is the most important lesson you have learned along the way?
To ask questions and encourage questions, feedback, recommendations and input.
We may have always done things a certain way but it does not always mean this is the only way. Being curious allows us to find efficiencies and improvements. It helps build a culture of creativity and thought leadership, driving and seeking change.
What’s your pitch to CEOs in the identity space? What do you suggest they START / STOP / CONTINUE doing and why?
As we focus on identity trends from advancing MFA with adaptive authentication, AI, biometrics or even self-sovereign identity, challenge the status quo. Do not rush into digital identity solutions without the backing of a diverse team who can help address the wide range of issues faced by our users.
Continue to focus on diversity within this space, to make room for different opinions and drive new discussions.
Stop looking for specific, pre-defined skillsets and start and/or continue to provide opportunities for candidates from outside our sector and ‘different’ backgrounds. Different people bring different perspectives which is exactly what we need if the identity sector is to thrive.
In one sentence, why does diversity matter to you?
Because it broadens our perspective and allows for a variety of viewpoints that inspire me. I see real creativity and innovation come through from our teams but, more importantly, diversity helps establish a better sense of community, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table.
What book/film/piece of art would you recommend to your fellow members? Why?
This documentary is so powerful and moving and gives a real insight into the life and personality of this amazing woman who drove so much change around women’s rights.
What advice would you give to the teenage ‘you’?
When a plan does not work out the way you envision, don’t let it stop you!
Adapt to change; failure is not a bad thing.
Look at the lessons it taught you, rather than the setbacks or discomfort you felt.
And, finally, fall forward and use it to build your resiliency tool kit!
Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn.