60 Seconds with Cris Martlew

Monday 6 July 2026

Tell us about your role and your organisation

I am Co-Founder and Director of FaultLine Cyber & Security Ltd, a Northern Ireland-based consultancy helping SME organisations understand their real-world exposure across cyber security, physical security, suppliers, operations and AI adoption.

My role covers strategy, commercial development, client relationships and building practical services that help directors and business owners make better risk decisions.

FaultLine exists to move security away from jargon, tick-box assessments and siloed thinking. We help organisations connect the dots between technology, people, suppliers, sites, processes and accountability, so leadership teams can see where exposure is forming before it becomes disruption, financial loss, reputational damage or board-level risk.

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far

My career has developed across business risk, commercial leadership, technology-led sales and protective security.

I began in profit protection and operational risk with Matalan before moving into regional and national commercial roles with Levi’s, Hilti and Milwaukee Tool, where I managed major accounts, launched new technologies and worked closely with clients across retail, construction, engineering and industrial sectors.

I later joined Securitas as Protective Services Manager for Northern Ireland, leading the regional business portfolio across sectors including maritime, aerospace, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics and FMCG. That role combined P&L responsibility, client growth, service delivery and risk-led security solutions, and I was also proud to be involved with the Women in Securitas Leadership Team.

These experiences led me to co-found FaultLine Cyber & Security Ltd, helping SME organisations break down the silos between cyber, physical security, suppliers, operations, governance and resilience, so directors can better understand real-world exposure and make informed decisions.

Describe how your membership with Women in Business has helped you in your career

Although I have only recently joined Women in Business, it already feels like the right community to be part of. Through my career with Securitas and my involvement with the Women in Security Global Leadership Team, I have seen first-hand how valuable strong networks, visible role models and practical support can be for women in business and security.

As Co-Founder and Director of FaultLine Cyber & Security, I am looking forward to using the membership to connect with other ambitious women, continue learning, build meaningful relationships and contribute to a supportive professional community.

What is one skill that helps you most in your role and why?

One skill that helps me most in my role is the ability to connect the dots.

My career has spanned commercial leadership, business risk, technology-led sales and protective security, which has taught me to look at risk across the whole organisation rather than in isolation. At FaultLine Cyber & Security, that skill helps me break down silos between cyber, physical security, suppliers, operations and governance, and translate complex risks into clear, practical decisions for business owners and directors.

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

My advice to women in security, construction or any male-dominated sector is to back yourself and take up space. Do not wait for permission to belong.

A mantra I have always carried with me is, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” It reminds me that confidence comes from action.

But once you have found your place, it is just as important to send the lift back down for the women coming behind you by sharing knowledge, opening doors and helping others see that they belong too.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

Our focus is on helping SME organisations move beyond tick-box compliance and better understand their real-world exposure across cyber security, physical security, suppliers, operations and AI adoption.

We are also exploring some exciting partnership opportunities within the cyber and skills ecosystem, including work connected to TalentSensus and CyberSpark.

Without giving too much away too early, this includes a focus on employer engagement, emerging cyber talent and helping organisations build practical resilience in a way that makes sense commercially and operationally.

For FaultLine, growth is not just about consultancy. It is about helping businesses, boards and future cyber professionals connect the dots, break down silos and make better decisions before risk turns into disruption.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

My biggest career inspiration is Caitlin Sarian, known as Cybersecurity Girl.

I admire the way she makes cybersecurity accessible by speaking in clear, non-technical language. In an industry that can often feel intimidating or full of jargon, she shows that you can be credible, knowledgeable and relatable at the same time.

I am also inspired by how she champions women in cybersecurity and uses her platform to create visibility. That has encouraged me to use my own voice more and to represent the UK and Ireland in a way that helps make cyber feel more practical, inclusive and relevant to business leaders.

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

“Confident” by Demi Lovato is a total CHOOOOOON and a great reminder to back yourself, own your expertise and show up with confidence every day.

How can our members best connect with you?

I am always happy to connect with fellow Women in Business members to discuss cyber security, business resilience, leadership, mentoring and collaboration opportunities.

Connect on LinkedIn or follow along on X.

Monday 6 July 2026