As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s empowering that women are stepping up and showcasing their involvement in tech, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Women in SecPod are not only known for their technical skills but also for their leadership, resilience, and powerful presence.
Looking at all the passionate and hard-working women, we decided to ask a few women about their experience in cybersecurity. This is what they had to say:
Preeti Subramanian, Chief Architect & Director, R&D
“Since SecPod’s inception in 2008, we have been propelled forward with an unwavering commitment to cybersecurity. The direct impact our work has on individuals and businesses serves as a constant reminder of its significance. Our mission to secure every connected device drives us, providing a clear purpose and motivation. With each stride forward, we are driven by the belief that our efforts contribute to a safer digital landscape for all”.
On asking her how she manages her personal and professional life, Preeti says, “Balancing personal and professional responsibilities can be a challenging feat, especially with years of work experience and the added role of being a parent to two kids. Effective time management strategies, such as delegating tasks when possible and setting realistic goals, can alleviate some of the pressure. Additionally, cultivating open communication with both family and colleagues fosters understanding and support in managing these dual roles. Ultimately, finding harmony between personal fulfilment and professional success is a continual journey that requires flexibility, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the richness of life’s experiences”.
Sakshi Dhiman, Lead-Growth Marketer
“As a growth marketer in cybersecurity, this industry feels like riding a rollercoaster of constant challenges and innovations. Being a marketer in this space is not easy-peesy-lemon-squeesy because your future customers will always have trust issues. But this challenge makes the job all the more fun. It underlines many skills that you need to build trust and increase curiosity at the same time. You get to be a strong storyteller, educator, and entertainer. What more can one want!
For data geeks like me, cybersecurity is a goldmine. It offers tons of information to analyse and tweak strategies. Plus, the never-ending learning curve keeps the growth mindset in full swing. In a nutshell, it’s where excitement, purpose, and endless possibilities collide.”
She also adds, “Marketing is science, and I am a number freak.
So, the thing that gives me a hit is when campaigns conclude, and you see the numbers speak your language. Numbers boost the entire team and are like rewards ?”.
Smitha V, Software QA Lead
“Cybersecurity in software QA presents a continuous challenge due to the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats and the complexity of modern technologies. I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions to address testing skills in critical areas rightly. Cybersecurity is evergreen, and it demands continuous learning and being up-to-date. This makes me passionate about learning and my personal growth, too.”
She also adds, “The one thing that I love about my job is it evidently portrays “Daily learning is the constant.” This makes me a better version of myself every day, which is what I enjoy the most. There is no barrier for me to explore or learn something new. I can hop to any place to learn from others to be updated.”
Pooja Shetty, Technical Manager, Security Content and Research
“The feeling that we are able to make life easier for the people who should be concentrating on their respective fields instead of being worried about security. We take care of the defense while people go about their lives.” When questioned about her professional and personal life balance, she adds, “I do prefer having fixed schedules, both professional and personal, which helps me not think too much every day. Most days run on auto mode unless personal life flows into professional space or vice versa.”
Abhipsa Mallick, User Experience Designer
“The scope to learn something new everyday is massive in cybersecurity. Not only the technical aspects of the domain but also others, like marketing, UI, sales, etc., everything offers a huge arena of knowledge that can be dived into for a better understanding of not only the user of a specific product but also the industry as a whole. The field is dynamic and always evolving and, hence, gives a huge space for adapting and working with new challenges.” She also adds, “The space to creatively think and experiment at the first and trust/belief on my creative instinct which is shown by everyone I work with”
Rashmi H S, Product Architect, R&D
“Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field with more threats and challenges emerging every day. This requires continuous learning and adaptation, which keeps me engaged and motivated. As the world moves towards more and more digitization, I strongly believe that every individual and organization deserves to have secure and reliable software systems they can rely on. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to be able to contribute to building a more trustworthy digital ecosystem out there.”
Further, when asked about balancing her professional and personal life, she said, “By effectively managing time and setting boundaries between professional life and personal life. I ensure that I have dedicated time slots for work and family, and I try as much as possible not to have the challenges of one influencing the other. I try to prioritize my activities and inform my family about my work commitments and vice versa, which helps me avoid conflicts and manage expectations. Self-care is most important; I ensure to take time out from both work and family commitments to pursue hobbies and activities that rejuvenate me”.
From One Ambitious Woman to Another
Here are a few messages to all the women out there:
“Living a life that harmonizes work, family, and friends while minimizing conflicts requires a mindful approach. Sensitivity to the challenges faced by women in similar situations fosters empathy and solidarity, encouraging support networks and mutual understanding. Living with purpose means aligning personal values with actions, whether it is nurturing relationships with loved ones, pursuing career ambitions, or contributing to causes that resonate deeply. By embracing authenticity, empathy, and a sense of purpose, women can navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and fulfillment.”
-Preeti Subramanian, Director, R&D
“Be you. Just be you.
Believe in yourself, your dreams, your efforts, your ambitions. Don’t settle at all. A lot of people will be saying a lot of things, specifically to us women. It depends on you what to accept and what not.
Accept only growth!
On a side note: Be financially independent, irrespective of your family or personal status. Build your assets and own them.”
-Sakshi Dhiman, Lead-Growth Marketer
“Let’s shine brightly, breaking boundaries and showing the world what it means to be unstoppable. You are powerful beyond measure. Your intelligence, resilience, and compassion shape the world in ways both seen and unseen. Embrace your strengths, pursue your passions, and never let anyone diminish your worth or potential. You are enough, you are deserving, and you are capable of greatness.”
-Smitha V, Software QA Lead
“You are capable of achieving incredible things, breaking barriers, and pursuing your dreams. Don’t be afraid to speak up; stand up for what you believe in. Never doubt your worth or abilities; embrace your unique qualities, talents, and perspectives, and you will achieve wonders.”
-Rashmi H S, Product Architect
“Be true to yourself and never fear putting forth your opinion because unless you are heard, you can’t be turned down.”
-Abhipsa Mallick, User Experience Designer
After highlighting the thoughts and getting inspired by several exceptional women at SecPod who significantly contribute to enhancing cybersecurity, SecPod wishes you a very Happy Women’s Day!