Deloitte Women in Cyber

What inspired you to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice, specifically cyber, and what’s the best part of your job?

It is both the challenge and the excitement that inspired me to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice. I started my career with a consultancy firm, where I used to hire candidates for multinational companies. My role was limited, and I wanted to explore talent acquisition further and grow my career. I got an opportunity from Deloitte India, and I grabbed it with both hands, as it gave me a running start to learn and grow. The impact of my role as a member of the Talent Acquisition team in Deloitte India is significant, allowing me to contribute to the culture and success of the organisation. The best part of my job is being empowered and encouraged by the senior leadership team.

What work accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my overall growth in the last three years, creating an impact by hiring for niche skills and strengthening the cyber team. Being nominated for “Women in Cyber” is also something I am proud of. The learning I have gained here has helped shape me into the professional I am today.

Have you faced any roadblocks/challenges in your career, and what advice would you give women/your peers facing similar obstacles?

Coming from a conservative family where women are expected to stay at home, it has been a tough ride for me. The key is to be persistent, not lose faith in oneself, and not stop dreaming. As Oprah Winfrey said, “Don’t worry about being successful but work towards being significant, and success will naturally follow.” Everyone has challenges and roadblocks in their way, but my advice would be to not let that drag you down, instead, let your determination lead you to reach your goal and be successful in your field.

Can you talk about the importance of having role models, particularly for women in cyber?

“You have to see it to be it.” This may sometimes be true. When you see someone putting their dream into action and being successful, it is always inspiring. For women, same-gender role models are especially invaluable as they represent a more realistic representation of their true selves. In an era where equity continues to be undermined by a variety of factors, including culture, bias, etc., it is essential to have good examples to emulate.

Why do you think more women should consider a role in cyber?

Cybersecurity is one of the most critical professions today, but the number of women in cybersecurity is few. As threats become increasingly diverse, there is a growing need for teams to be inherently competent to address vast technical issues. It will require creative thinking from individuals with different perspectives.Therefore, joining a more gender-balanced cyber team is a productive way to mitigate unconscious bias and develop a wide range of solutions to complex problems. By having more women in the field of cybersecurity, we can tap into a larger pool of talent and cultivate an empowered workforce to counter the escalating cyberthreats of this new decade. Women should take on more prominent roles in this field to create a safer and more gender-inclusive cyberspace.