Logan Wilson
The Alpinists: an exhilarating short series spotlighting businesses reaching extraordinary heights in their industries. ctrl:cyber, a trusted Australian cybersecurity partner, provides forward-thinking consultancy across offensive security and cyber advisory to industry leaders and global brands.
Logan Wilson speaks with Founder and CEO, Steve Williams.
Steve, you have an interesting story. Can you shed some light on your background and how you ended up in Australia?
I first arrived in Australia in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the country. There isn’t a city or town here that I don’t enjoy. Coming from a background of owning multiple businesses in the UK, I’ve always had an eye for opportunity. It didn’t take long for me to realise that Australia truly is ‘The Lucky Country’ – a place full of potential.
After years of travelling the globe and honing my craft, life took an unexpected turn. While visiting London, I met my wife, Kaitlin, who had recently been placed there for work. Given she’s from Melbourne we were destined for a move together back to Australia – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Cybersecurity is often convoluted with complex acronyms and jargon. Tell us about the origins of ctrl:cyber and how you sought to bridge the gap between cybersecurity and business operations.
Cybersecurity has always been a complex field – filled with acronyms, jargon, and technical language that can make it feel inaccessible. Early on I saw a major gap: businesses weren’t just struggling with cyber threats; they were struggling to understand cybersecurity in a way that made sense to them. Back then, it was often seen as an ‘IT problem’ rather than a core business function, which left leadership teams disconnected from the risks and decisions that mattered most.
That’s where ctrl:cyber was born. There was an opportunity to bridge the gap, not just by offering cybersecurity solutions, but by bringing clear, business focused conversations into boardrooms and executive meetings. Australia was only just waking up to the reality that cybersecurity wasn’t optional – it was essential. I wanted to help businesses not just react to threats, but build clarity, confidence, and resilience into their operations from the top down.
Fast forward to today, what do you think makes ctrl:cyber different to its peers in the Australian cybersecurity market?
At ctrl:cyber, we deliver all three core cybersecurity service verticals in-house, ensuring full control, quality, and accountability – something many providers claim but rarely achieve. While others offshore or rely on partners, we’ve been All-Australian since day one, built on local expertise, genuine technical capability, trusted relationships, and a commitment to excellence and data sovereignty.
We’ve also led the way in subscription-based cybersecurity, pioneering a model that makes cybersecurity more accessible, scalable, and deeply integrated into our clients’ businesses – showcasing our belief in true partnership. By embedding cybersecurity into a long-term, proactive framework, we educate businesses along the way, ensuring they aren’t just protected, but empowered.
Innovation has always been at our core. We’re not just keeping up with the industry – we’re helping shape the future of cybersecurity – and with something new in the pipeline, we will continue to redefine what businesses should expect from a cybersecurity partner.
Cybersecurity isn’t just something we do – it’s what we’re built on. Our brand is shaped by authenticity, deep expertise, and the trusted relationships we’ve built over time. Businesses work with us because they know we bring genuine commitment, not just a service offering – and that’s what continues to drive our success.
But beyond our structure and approach, it’s the people behind it that truly make the difference. We’re not a faceless cybersecurity provider; we’re a team of specialists who take ownership, innovate, and push ctrl:cyber forward every single day.
It’s often noted that it can be a lonely road as a Founder. What are some of the biggest challenges you faced over ctrl:cyber’s journey and where did you turn to for support?
Being a Founder, and CEO for that matter, comes with its challenges – it’s not a job where you expect constant recognition, and at times, the weight of responsibility is heavy. The tough calls, the long hours, and the pressure to get it right doesn’t always come with applause. But that’s the reality of leadership – you do it because you believe in what you’re building.
At ctrl:cyber, we’ve always chosen to zig while others zag, taking bold, strategic steps where others play it safe. That hasn’t always been easy, but it’s what has set us apart. Our motto ‘Cyber Together’ is more than just words – it reflects the strength of the team around me. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a group of people willing to step up in crucial moments, and that’s what has made the journey worthwhile.
Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding challenges – it’s about embracing them, surrounding yourself with the right people, and pushing forward when others hesitate. If you expect easy wins, this isn’t the path for you. But if you’re driven by a bigger vision and willing to put in the work, the rewards – both personal and professional – are worth it.
You have an impressive business partner in Campbell Dullard du Chateau. Tell us about how you two were first introduced and how your relationship has evolved over the years.
Campbell and I first met at a co-working space, we were looking for a venue in the CBD and Campbell happened to be ever present there at that time. When the opportunity arose to work together, we clicked almost instantly.
At the risk of getting too sentimental, Campbell is more than a business partner – he’s family. Our relationship has been built over the years on unwavering trust and mutual respect, and I can honestly say there are very few people I trust more than him. That trust, combined with our shared dedication to our craft, has been the foundation of our partnership and has helped shape ctrl:cyber into what it is today.
Campbell and I see eye-to-eye on almost everything, which has been a huge advantage for ctrl:cyber. Having two people fighting for the same cause and ready to step up to the same challenges creates a level of resilience that’s rare. Having Campbell alongside me on this journey doesn’t just make it more satisfying and exciting – it raises the ceiling of what ctrl:cyber can achieve.
One thing I admire about your leadership style is that you always look to empower others. Why do you view this as such an important leadership quality?
I’ve seen firsthand that when leaders are only out for themselves, it leads to a lonely and unfulfilling existence. True leadership isn’t about holding onto power – it’s about creating opportunities for others to step up. Many people just need the right platform to thrive – a place where their voices are heard, their contributions valued, and their potential realised.
This ethos has been a driving force behind ctrl:cyber’s success. We’ve seen incredible growth stories, with team members starting as interns and rising to department heads. That kind of progression isn’t common in many organisations, often because leadership fails to truly listen regardless of someone’s title. But when people are given clarity, trust, and opportunity, they rise to the occasion.
That’s why I believe in succession planning and clear career pathways – ensuring that no one feels stuck, and that growth is always possible. It’s not just about empowerment but about knowing when to step aside and let others take the lead. At ctrl:cyber, we build on capability, trust, and shared ambition, ensuring leadership evolves alongside our people.
At the end of the day, a company isn’t built by one person – it’s built by a team that believes in the mission and is willing to step up. I may guide the vision, but it’s the team that turns that vision into reality – and that’s why empowering people is more than a leadership trait; it’s a necessity for lasting success.
Outside of work, you are a proud family man with a loving wife and three young children. What advice do you have for Founders who aim to grow their business while being present for their family?
“If it doesn’t put a smile on your face, don’t do it.”
That’s a motto I’ve always lived by. Even through the hard times, I’ve embraced each challenge as an opportunity to grow – knowing that overcoming them would leave me better than before.
For me, that mindset has been key to maintaining balance. When you find fulfillment in your work, you don’t just bring home stress – you bring home purpose and energy. My wife and kids don’t just see me working hard; they see me challenged, driven, and fulfilled, which creates a more positive home life.
It’s not about chasing the perfect balance – it’s about making sure that both work and family add to your life, rather than take away from it. When you build a business you truly believe in, that provides you with that purpose and smile, it becomes easier to be present in all areas of your life.
