Ofgem's Mollie Chard on driving resilience through diverse hiring practices

Tines

Apr 15, 2025

In this week’s episode of The Future of Security Operations podcast, Thomas is joined by Mollie Chard. Mollie’s career spans 10+ years in technical SOC and leadership roles at organizations like the UK’s Met Office, Capgemini, and OVO. She’s recently accepted a new role as Head of Cyber Guidance & Monitoring at Ofgem, the UK’s Office of Gas and Electricity Markets. A passionate advocate for diversity, she’s also the Chief Advisor for Women in Cybersecurity UK and Ireland.

In this episode:

[02:00] Mollie’s journey from arts graduate to security leader

[04:00] Her previous role developing emerging security talent for CIS UK

[05:00] Tips and techniques for hiring diverse talent

[11:20] The problem with management being the default career path

[15:25] The biggest tech mistake that budget-strapped companies make

[19:23] Solving unique systems and operational technology challenges in the energy sector

[21:30] The ethical considerations and impact of AI for security and other industries

[27:30] Making space in boardroom discussions for diversity and how it can enhance resilience

[32:00] How to stay aligned when working with remote or dispersed team

[35:00] What Mollie thinks cybersecurity will look like in five years

[37:00] AI as a threat to human cognitive abilities within and beyond security