Meet Lisa Guit, our Business Development Manager at Condatis, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping companies in the oil, gas, and utility industries tackle their identity and access management (IAM) challenges. In this Q&A, we ask about Lisa’s journey, her insights into the industry’s biggest challenges, and Condatis’ unique position as a leader in IAM solutions. Read on as we uncover Lisa’s expertise and learn more about the future of IAM.
Hi Lisa! Can you tell us briefly about your background and how you became interested in digital identity? Or what led to pursuing a career in business development?
I studied Marketing at university, so I don’t just see business development as one-sided. I enjoy helping brands establish their identities, building partnership alliances, and solving complex business challenges through sales and marketing strategies. The team at Condatis are truly inspiring, and our engineers are paving the way for more secure and compliant data exchange. My interest in identity was piqued during covid. As soon as we had to work remotely, I became fascinated with how vulnerable businesses’ cloud architectures were, and access to data sits at the core of this.
As a Business Development Manager at Condatis, what is your primary focus?
My primary focus is assisting companies within oil, gas, energy, and utilities with their identity challenges, so it is fair to say I am extremely busy. My verticals are constantly changing due to regulatory, customer and environmental demands, plus technology is constantly evolving.
What do you see as the biggest challenges your clients are facing?
There are several challenges across the Utilities sector. Firstly, companies must ensure that they implement robust cybersecurity measures while maintaining efficient access controls. A lot of money was spent on technology at the beginning of the pandemic, and we speak to clients every day who are now operating complex ecosystems across suppliers, contractors, and regulators. Each entity may have its own legacy systems, networks, and data repositories, making it challenging to establish a unified and secure identity and access management (IAM) framework. Within Oil & Gas we are seeing the rise of ‘Digital Twins’, skills shortages and regulatory requirements that require businesses to invest in digital innovations that optimise and transform business capabilities and help achieve operational excellence and improve on Health and Safety and Governance.
How do you stay current with the latest Identity and Access Management (IAM) trends and advancements?
Through our Microsoft Solutions Partner designation and excellent relationships with Microsoft’s engineering teams. I am also a member of several well-established identity groups within my verticals. However, it’s not easy. This industry is changing rapidly, so you can never be complacent.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a similar role or looking to specialise in Microsoft IAM?
I would advise them to start with the basics, for example, taking the AZ900 exam and then thoroughly researching the industry to find companies providing thought leadership demonstrated through innovative case studies. You need to find the right consultancy to work for, one who can constantly deliver complex technical solutions, and that’s hard to find.
What do you think sets Condatis apart from other companies in the industry?
Our expertise. We have been solely focused on identity for over 10 years, and our architects never fail to deliver. I honestly believe that we have one of, if not the best team globally.
Where do you see the future of IAM in the oil, gas, and utility industries, and how is Condatis positioned to adapt to those trends?
I see the future moving towards decentralised solutions, where people own their own identities through verifiable credentials. In order to achieve net zero, there needs to be better cross-sharing of data across all the utility sectors, and identity will play a big part in that. For the oil industry, we will see a move towards audit trails and asset tracking which is part of digital twinning.
Rapid-fire questions
And here are a few rapid-fire questions, so we can get to know you better as a person:
- Firstly – How do we pronounce your name correctly?
It’s Danish, so impossible to type. Just call me Lisa!
- What is the last book you’ve read?
‘Cant Hurt Me’ – David Goggins. I love autobiographies, and I’m trying to get back into running after lockdown.
- What is your superpower?
I’m a pretty good cook, so I can make anything.
- What is your favourite travel destination?
Lisa diving in the Maldives
Maldives. I go as often as possible as the diving is spectacular.
- Coffee or tea?
Both.
- Beach or mountains?
Beach.
- Cats or dogs?
Both – I adore animals.
Thank you so much!