Misha Lier is 41 years old and has an interesting background and an energetic lifestyle. This Senior Security Advisor for key accounts was born in the Czech Republic and has lived in the Netherlands for over twenty years, with a three-year stop in sunny Aruba. She now lives with her family in Uitgeest. Misha’s life is a balance between work, family, friends, and her passion for travel.
When can you not stop laughing?
"Actually, just by asking this question!" Misha says with a laugh. "It immediately makes me think of Friends. That show still makes me laugh after all these years, especially the scene where Chandler pretends he's moving to Yemen to get away from his girlfriend. That dry humor, I just can't get enough of it. Maybe that scene even unconsciously influenced me to start driving electric!"
Her life is currently all about change, especially now that her daughter Sophie is going to high school. Misha finds it exciting. "I see motherhood as an ongoing process of letting go, but I know Sophie is ready, so I need to be ready too. Luckily, I have Charlie, our Beagle, to distract me."
What is currently keeping you the most busy?
"From a business perspective, there are plenty of developments within The S-Unit that I'm involved in," Misha explains. "We're working on the implementation of the NIS2 directives and the CCV certification for penetration testing, and we're developing new training programs. All of this makes my work challenging and varied. The great thing about my job is the diversity of tasks. Anything is possible as long as you discuss and align it well with your colleagues. We work in a safe environment where creativity and innovation are at the forefront."
My name is 'Ms. Czeck', a reference to my Czech heritage and my way of working.
This year is special for The S-Unit as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary. This will be celebrated in grand style with a weekend trip to Bruges, where colleagues and their partners will gather. "We are a close-knit team at The S-Unit. The winning mentality, especially during games, is strong. It promises to be a wonderful weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it!"
How did you end up at The S-Unit, and what is your role?
"I had known Linda, our CCO, since 2016 and always had a good connection with her. Thanks to her, I now work at The S-Unit," says Misha. "When I started, I had a quick onboarding process because Linda went on vacation two weeks later. It felt like I was thrown into the deep end, but looking back, it was the best learning experience. My role as Senior Security Advisor for key accounts means that I guide processes from A to Z and act as a sparring partner for our clients. In addition, I’m a confidant and the chairperson of the event committee. Organizing relaxing outings for the team is a fun and important responsibility. Our work is mentally demanding, so it’s essential to check out and relax every now and then."
Within The S-Unit, everyone has a hacker alias, and Misha is no exception. "My name is 'Ms. Czeck,' a reference to my Czech heritage and my way of working. I check everything thoroughly, and that name suits me perfectly," she explains. She mentions that she now knows all the names on the lockers with hacker aliases at the office. And the hidden key? She refuses to reveal anything about it, except that it’s a family secret closely tied to The S-Unit.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
"What I enjoy most is the diversity of tasks and the opportunities to be creative," says Misha. "We work in an environment where security is a top priority, which gives us the freedom to come up with innovative solutions. I truly enjoy solving challenges, both internally and for our clients. Additionally, working with a team of smart, enthusiastic professionals is a big plus. We make the world a little safer, and we do so with a lot of joy and dedication."
Be mindful of what you share online.
Security is not only a core value in her work but also at home. "We have a strong password policy at home and use two-factor authentication whenever possible. Although I didn’t win the discussion about phone usage at home, we make sure Sophie is aware of her online behavior. I also teach at schools to empower children against the dangers of the internet, without scaring them."
Do you have a message for our readers?
"Be mindful of what you share online. Photos of yourself or your children can have a lasting impact, especially when combined with AI technology. Think carefully before sharing anything, because the internet doesn’t forget," she warns.
Misha suggests putting her colleague Raphael, who recently started as a Security Consultant, in the spotlight as well. "I'm really curious about his story and think he’s an interesting addition to the team," she concludes.
