Team Q&A_ Lauren Corley – IT Systems & Security Engineer

For our IT Systems & Security Engineer Lauren Corley, personal sustainability, a deep sense of humility, and a commitment to high quality are crucial. Whether kayaking, working to minimize her carbon footprint, or helping ensure the safety of our digital environment, Lauren is here to help. Join me in welcoming Lauren to the Virtual Peaker team!

How did your previous life prepare you for Virtual Peaker?

I can’t pinpoint a single experience or a specific moment that directly prepared me for Virtual Peaker, but I believe a combination of factors throughout my career and personal life shaped the path I’ve taken. Transitioning from a systems analyst to a cybersecurity engineer was no small feat. Along the way, I faced challenges that forced me to adapt quickly and think outside the box. I had to learn new skills, develop resilience, and overcome the hurdles that came with each career move. While the technical aspects of my career were important, I also had to learn how to handle setbacks and failures. These experiences taught me the value of persistence and hard work.

When reflecting on this journey, I try to keep in mind the words from Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

For me, this verse is a reminder that each challenge I face, no matter how difficult, has a purpose. It helps me stay grounded and focused, trusting that even in times of uncertainty, everything will eventually align for the greater good. I know I’m not perfect, and like everyone else, I’m still figuring things out. But I firmly believe that each step, each lesson learned, brings me closer to being the person and professional I’m meant to be. This mindset has served me well in my work at Virtual Peaker, where I am constantly learning, growing, and applying my experiences to help the company succeed.

Tell us about your role at Virtual Peaker.

At Virtual Peaker, I’m an IT Systems & Security Engineer. In this role, my primary responsibility is safeguarding the company’s IT infrastructure and its valuable data and assets. This involves ensuring our systems are secure, resilient, and scalable enough to support the company’s growing needs. Cybersecurity, in particular, is an ever-evolving field, so I am constantly learning and adapting to new threats and technologies.

My role requires a balance of technical expertise and a forward-thinking mindset. On any given day, I may monitor systems for vulnerabilities, work to ensure that security patches are applied, or troubleshoot complex issues that might arise. A large part of my job also involves working closely with the rest of the IT team and other departments to align security practices with the company’s overall goals. By doing this, I help ensure that Virtual Peaker’s intellectual and physical assets are protected against cyber threats, data breaches, and other security risks.

What I enjoy about working here is that I have the opportunity to directly impact the company’s security strategy, while also having a hand in building and refining systems that support the company’s future growth. It’s a role that allows me to combine my technical skills with my passion for problem-solving, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I do plays a crucial role in keeping the company and its clients safe from evolving threats in the digital world.

How do you personally engage in sustainability efforts?

Personally, I try to live a more sustainable lifestyle by making conscious choices in my everyday actions. One area where I focus on reducing my environmental impact is through my diet. For example, I try to eat less red meat, as I know the meat industry has a significant environmental footprint. This doesn’t mean I’ve eliminated meat from my diet, but I make an effort to consume it less frequently, choosing plant-based alternatives when possible. Another small step I take is recycling. I ensure that I properly dispose of recyclable materials and try to avoid products that contribute unnecessarily to waste.

Another way I engage in sustainability efforts is by fasting. While fasting is often viewed as a personal health practice, I also recognize its potential environmental benefits, such as reducing the demand for food production and lowering the overall carbon footprint associated with it. Additionally, I try to monitor my tuna consumption. Overfishing is a significant environmental issue, so I aim to be mindful of the seafood I consume, ensuring that it comes from sustainable sources.

While these are just a few small actions, I’m always open to learning more about other ways to reduce my carbon footprint. Sustainability is a multifaceted issue that requires continuous effort and awareness. I try to stay informed by reading articles, participating in discussions, and attending events or webinars that can broaden my understanding of sustainability practices. Ultimately, every small step counts and that collectively, we can make a meaningful difference in addressing environmental challenges.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I would describe myself as a determined individual who is always striving to contribute to the greater good of an organization or community. Whether I’m working on a technical project, collaborating with colleagues, or pursuing personal goals, I’m driven by the desire to make a positive impact. I take pride in my ability to approach challenges with perseverance and resilience, always seeking solutions and ways to improve.

Beyond my professional life, I have many personal interests that help keep me well-rounded. I’ve always enjoyed tinkering with things—whether it’s assembling intricate Lego sets, experimenting with different cooking recipes, or exploring new hobbies. I have a passion for calligraphy, which allows me to combine creativity with precision and focus. Kayaking is another activity that I find incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. Being out on the water provides me with a sense of peace and a break from the demands of daily life, allowing me to recharge and come back to my work with renewed energy.

My interests continue to evolve as I learn more about myself and the world around me. I believe that maintaining a diverse set of hobbies and interests is important, as it not only helps me stay engaged and curious but also brings balance to my life. Whether it’s experimenting in the kitchen, getting lost in a good book, or learning something new, I’m always eager to see where my interests will take me next. I try to stay open-minded and keep expanding my horizons, knowing that life is a journey of continuous growth and discovery.

About The Author

Bill is a serial entrepreneur with a PhD from UC Berkeley in Controls and Artificial Intelligence and 10 years of experience with high performance residential energy management and connected appliances. He was previously at GE as an Advanced Systems Engineer in the Connected Home Software Group, but left that role in May 2014 to pursue entrepreneurship full time.

Bill grew up in Louisville and returned with his family in 2010 after a long stint in the San Francisco Bay Area. He loves Louisville and is working to make it a better and more attractive city for high tech startups.

More About Bill