MORRISON “MO” PHILIP

For Mo Philip, leadership is less about being the loudest voice in the room and more about the quiet strength of consistency, fairness and integrity. As Head of Cyber Security for Legal & General’s Retail Division, he leads the teams safeguarding customer and employee data, ensuring that systems and applications remain secure against threats. To him, the real measure of success isn’t in the spotlight, it’s in the difference his work makes.

Mo began his career in IT in the mid-1990s, back when coding wasn’t considered “cool.” After a decade in technology roles, he transitioned into government, working on critical infrastructure protection and national security. It was there that he moved into cybersecurity, a field in which he has shaped his career ever since. His proudest moment came during the London 2012 Olympics, when he was part of the multi-agency team that protected the Games from cyberattacks, work that earned him a commendation and, in his words, represented “the best of Britain.”

Born in Greenwich to parents from Saint Lucia who came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, Mo grew up in a council estate in South East London. It was a diverse environment, Black, white and Greek Cypriot families living side by side, children running in and out of each other’s homes without thought of difference. Only later did he realise how unique that upbringing was, but it left a deep imprint. “It taught me that difference isn’t a barrier. It’s something to value, and that equality and integrity matter above all.”

That ethos runs through his leadership today. Calm, steady and principled, Mo believes in treating people with respect and dignity, listening carefully, and supporting his team to be the best version of themselves. He doesn’t chase titles or visibility; his focus is on creating systems that protect everyone equally. Fraud doesn’t discriminate. Security shouldn’t either. His job is to build solutions that work for all.

For Mo, Standing Firm in Power and Pride means holding onto values, pride in his roots, power in his persistence, and a commitment to empowering others. “When I was starting out, there weren’t many Black people in security. Now I hope my presence shows that we can and do thrive in these spaces. The power isn’t about me, it’s about showing others they can do it too.”

His legacy, he hopes, will be twofold: first, as someone who helped make Legal & General’s systems safer, enabling customers to use products with confidence; and second, as a leader who put people first, supporting his team, leading with principle, and making space for others to grow.

Asked what advice he’d give to his younger self, Mo pauses, then smiles: “Trust your instincts. Be open-minded. Find a mentor. And above all, enjoy the journey.”