I had the privilege of serving on the ISACA Global Board of Directors from 2021 to 2023, when I worked alongside global leaders to advance the IT governance, audit and cybersecurity practices. This role demanded not only technical insight but also strategic communication bridging the gap between practitioners and executives to ensure ISACA’s mission resonated across industries and cultures.
In 2023, I transitioned to the board of the ISACA Foundation, serving through December 2025. This chapter allowed me to focus on the human side of technology: building digital trust, expanding access to education and mentoring the next generation of professionals. The Foundation’s work reinforced the idea that technology is not just about systems, it's about people, communities and the future we’re shaping together.
My appointment to the ISACA Global Board marked a historic milestone that greatly advanced African representation at the highest levels of the association. I was honored to serve in several groundbreaking roles that reflected increased multiple forms of diversity in ISACA’s leadership. This achievement was not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of a broader shift toward inclusivity, diversity and global representation within ISACA.
Lessons Learned
Throughout the five years of service, several lessons stand out:
Serving on the ISACA Board of Directors (2021–2023) and the ISACA Foundation (2023–2025) required more than vision and leadership – it demanded the careful execution of fiduciary duties. These responsibilities were central to ensuring that ISACA remained a trusted global association, accountable to its members, stakeholders and the communities it serves.
Key aspects of fiduciary duty I carried out included:
Duty of care: Diligently reviewing board papers, proposals and financial reports, often late into the night, to ensure decisions were well-informed and aligned with ISACA’s mission, as well as preparing for and participating in meetings across multiple time zones.
Duty of loyalty: Placing the interests of ISACA and its members above personal or professional considerations, even when this meant making difficult career choices.
Duty of obedience: Ensuring that ISACA’s actions remained consistent with its mission to advance digital trust, governance and professional development worldwide, and supporting the ISACA Foundation’s programs that provide scholarships, mentorship and access to education for aspiring professionals.
The lived reality of fiduciary service was not abstract. It meant long flights from Africa to the US and Europe, late-night calls and the sacrifices that come with global leadership. It also meant navigating challenges, including moments of adversity, while also celebrating the friendships and networks built across continents.
Through this service, I came to appreciate that fiduciary duty is not simply about oversight; it is about stewardship. It is about ensuring that the resources, reputation and mission of ISACA are preserved and strengthened for future generations. It is also about upholding confidentiality and integrity in all deliberations, ensuring trust within the boardroom and beyond.
Digital trust is a shared responsibility. It requires collaboration across disciplines: auditors, technologists, policymakers and educators all play a role.
Additionally, I have learned that:
Representation matters. Diverse voices at the table strengthen decision-making and ensure that global standards reflect global realities.
Mentorship multiplies impact. Investing in future professionals doesn’t just build careers; it builds resilience in organizations and societies.
Strategic communication is essential. Technical expertise must be translated into clear, actionable guidance for executives, boards and communities.
Legacy is built through transparency. Sustained impact comes from aligning values with actions, ensuring that governance and trust are not just ideals but lived practices.
A Closing Reflection
Serving on both the ISACA Board of Directors and the ISACA Foundation has been far more than a professional milestone; it has been a deeply personal commitment to advancing trust, transparency and mentorship in the digital age.
The journey demanded sacrifice and resilience: long flights, late nights spent reviewing board papers and even difficult career decisions, including stepping away from a role when one of my former employers was uncomfortable with my Board service. Along the way, I experienced both challenges and triumphs: moments that tested my resolve, and friendships and connections that reaffirmed the global strength of the ISACA community.
One of the most rewarding realizations has been the sense of belonging that comes with serving a truly global association. Wherever I travel, I know I am never alone. As long as there is an ISACA member, there is a network of trust and support.
This journey has shaped not only my professional perspective but also my personal legacy. I am committed to capturing these experiences, the setbacks, the wins and the lessons learned in a forthcoming book that will reflect on the realities of global service and the enduring impact of building digital trust through leadership and the constant balancing act of global governance.
As I look ahead, I will focus on:
- Expanding outreach. Continue to mentor and guide professionals entering the fields of IT audit, risk and cybersecurity, and support initiatives that strengthen data privacy, compliance and resilience in an increasingly interconnected world.
- Craft impactful narratives. Use my writing, speaking and thought leadership to inspire confidence in both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Legacy planning. Ensure that the lessons of service translate into sustainable frameworks for future leaders.
