Women of Ontinue: Meet Julia Bondareva

At Ontinue, we know that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology – it’s about the people behind it. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women of Ontinue who are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Throughout this series, you’ll hear directly from them about their career journeys, the challenges they’ve tackled, the advice they have for aspiring professionals, and what excites them most about this industry.

Each week, we’ll spotlight a different woman in cybersecurity, sharing her unique perspective and leadership. Join us as we highlight the voices driving change, innovation, and excellence in our field.

This week, we’re spotlighting Julia Bondareva.

What does a typical day in your role at Ontinue look like? 

Every day is an adventure, balancing strategic relationship-building with hands-on execution. I spend my time engaging with customers, forging partnerships – especially with our strategic ally, Microsoft – and pioneering our growth in the Nordics. My focus ranges from driving new market opportunities and expanding our pipeline, to collaborating closely with internal teams to deliver our unique value proposition. Each day presents new challenges, but also meaningful opportunities to make an impact. 

What is one challenge you’ve faced in your cybersecurity career, and how did you overcome it? 

One of my biggest challenges has been navigating the cybersecurity industry as a non-technical sales executive in a highly technical field. Initially, I struggled to feel confident during deep technical discussions. Overcoming this required embracing my strengths: relationship-building, strategic thinking, and understanding customer needs. I learned that success is less about knowing every technical detail and more about bridging gaps, asking insightful questions, and genuinely advocating for customers and partners. This mindset shift was transformative.  

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in cybersecurity?

Be bold and trust your instincts. Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology –  it’s about understanding people, solving complex problems, and continuously adapting. You don’t need a technical background to start; the field values diverse skill sets, including sales, marketing, strategy, and communication. Seek out mentors, embrace challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, and don’t shy away from advocating for yourself. Your unique perspective is exactly what this industry needs. 

Is there a person—mentor, leader, or peer—who has had a significant impact on your career? How did they influence you? 

I’ve been fortunate to learn from several inspiring leaders, but one standout mentor is Finn Krusholm. His ability to navigate complex relationships and maintain strategic clarity, all while staying authentic, has deeply influenced how I approach my work. Finn has also constantly reminded me that sales should be fun—and staying passionate and enjoying what you do makes all the difference. He taught me the importance of staying true to my values, even when things are tough. 

What excites you the most about the future of cybersecurity and your role in it? 

Cybersecurity is at a turning point. What used to be a back-office function is now central to business resilience. What excites me most is the transformation of how we protect organizations that, in turn, serve and protect our society. Innovation – AI and automation – enables us to be more proactive instead of just reactive. I’m proud of the work we’re doing at Ontinue to redefine MXDR – not just as a service, but as a true partner in our customers’ success.  

Let’s build the future of cybersecurity together!