Meet Akshaya Kalyan, Specialist Director and Identity Managed Services Leader at Deloitte's Intelligence Centre

We sat down with Akshaya Kalyan, the Specialist Director and Identity Managed Services Leader at Deloitte Australia's Cyber Intelligence Centre, based in Sydney.

With her career journey in the Detect and Respond unit in Risk Advisory, Akshaya shares her experiences, insights, and the pivotal role she plays in the cybersecurity landscape.

Read on to hear Akshaya discuss her path to success and how Deloitte's supportive work culture has shaped her career. 

Tell us about your role at Deloitte and what it involves?

I'm a director at Deloitte Australia, leading the Managed Identity space in Cyber Intelligence Centre, Risk Advisory. I've been in the role for 5 years, however, it has been a progressive journey. I started as a specialist manager and moved up the ranks to Specialist Director. I wasn't promoted directly into this role; I worked my way up through various positions. The work culture, career growth, and supportive leaders have made this journey smooth. 

Why did you want to join Deloitte?

I had worked at my previous company for almost 8 years and was looking for a change. I was referred by one of my ex-colleagues who worked for Deloitte at the time.

Apart from the excellent career opportunity, some standout benefits for me were Deloitte's paternal leave policy, flexible working hours, Workflex, and the Inspiring Woman Program. 

What is your career highlight or proudest moment at Deloitte so far? How does Deloitte help you develop your career, and why is it important to you? 

My proudest moment was being recognized as a "Cyber Operate Champion" for expanding the Cyber Operate Capability. I've received tremendous support from my peers and leaders, especially when I returned from parental leave. 

Deloitte also nominated me for the Inspiring Woman program, a series of workshops that was an incredible experience. 

What does hybrid or remote working look like for you? How does this help you maintain work-life balance? 

Deloitte has a hybrid and flexible working model that's particularly helpful for working parents like me. 

Virtual meetups are a common part of my work since my team spans the globe, and I have the freedom to work from home when needed. 

What was your experience like when transitioning into a leadership role within Deloitte? 

Transitioning into a leadership role felt like building my own business and nurturing it with freedom, a groundbreaking experience with many success milestones. 

My most memorable moment was building our offshore teams and expanding our capability, creating a big impact for our clients daily. 

Why do you believe Deloitte is an excellent fit for women considering a career move?  

Deloitte is an excellent fit for women seeking career growth, with numerous programs to support and uplift women. 

My advice to candidates looking to join the firm is to own your growth and be flexible and open about the opportunities you want to pursue.

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