Deloitte Women in Cyber

“As women in Deloitte’s cybersecurity team, we are fortunate to be part of a work environment and ecosystem that enables women to give their best in this field. Deloitte recognises unique challenges we face in cybersecurity and has implemented various initiatives to ensure our success.”

Could you tell us a bit more about your team and what sets it apart?

(Shweta Katkar and Jovita Periera)

Our team is a one-of-a-kind group of passionate individuals who come from similar backgrounds, experiences, and expertise within the SAP security field. However, what sets us apart is that we are the only all-women team in our organisation.

Our team comprises hardworking women dedicated to fulfilling their commitments and facing challenges. From seasoned experts to rising stars, we have a wealth of expertise. Each member brings a unique perspective and skill set to the table.

Moreover, our team is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive community where women can thrive and succeed. Our team’s uniqueness lies in our diversity, dedication, and determination to champion women in cybersecurity. Together, we are more than just a team.

What inspired you to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice, specifically Cyber, and what motivates you to continue?

(Komal Bharati and Pragati Andhale)

Deloitte is known for providing diverse and rewarding career opportunities and professional development programmes, which can give a boost to our careers in the rapidly growing cybersecurity field. We can contribute to protecting our organisation from cyber threats. The Risk Advisory practice is driven by professional interest, career growth, and the opportunity to work with a renowned firm in the cybersecurity domain.

We are passionate about working here. Our organisation allows us to use our problem-solving skills to protect the system from evolving threats. The field’s dynamic nature keeps us on our toes and allows us to learn something new and apply these skills within our practice.

We are motivated to work alongside talented professionals, tackle complex problems, and make a meaningful impact on clients. The collaborative environment and the opportunity for continuous growth also fuel our passion for cyber practice.

What do you attribute the success of your team to?

(factors or reasons that have contributed to the success of the team) (Saranya Jaykrishnan)

Our team’s success hinges on four key elements: honest and transparent communication, a commitment to learning and innovation, a strong sense of accountability and ownership, and a foundation of trust and reliability.

We maintain clear and effective communication within our team. Our dedicated and innovative leaders motivate us to work together and everyone is aligned with their roles. We are good at adapting to changes quickly to efficiently accomplish our tasks. Our meticulous and precise work culture instils trust in our clients. In the SAP security module, our clients appreciate our methods.

Our leaders provide effective direction, especially during challenging times. We foster a positive work environment through mutual support and cooperation. When confronted with setbacks, our team excels at finding navigating challenges and finding innovative solutions. In addition, we celebrate each other’s successes, which keeps us motivated to perform at our best.

We constantly seek to improve our services and client satisfaction. We have built enduring relationships and earned a reputation for excellence. As we continue to evolve and adapt, our focus remains on delivering exceptional results and exceeding client expectations.

How does your work environment and ecosystem support you to become successful?

(Pragati Andhale)

We foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to share their ideas, seek feedback, and collaborate across teams and departments. This encourages a sense of belonging and collective ownership, enabling us to use each other’s strengths and expertise to achieve common goals. Our work environment encourages a healthy work-life balance, emphasising employee well-being as essential for success. Flexible work arrangements, wellness programmes, and support systems are well-placed to ensure that we thrive both personally and professionally.

At Deloitte, we are fortunate to be part of a nurturing work environment and robust ecosystem. Deloitte recognises the unique challenges we face in cybersecurity and has implemented various initiatives to ensure our success.

Is it important to have role models, particularly for women in cyber?

(Jovita Periera and Shreya Singh)

Role models serve as a vital source of inspiration and motivation, demonstrating that success is attainable regardless of gender. Seeing someone like themselves excelling in the field can be a powerful way to build confidence and self-belief. It is important to have someone to look up to and take inspiration to grow. Particularly for women in cybersecurity, having female role models or mentors is invaluable. They serve as guiding lights uniquely equipped to understand and empathise with the challenges faced by other women in the field. After navigating similar hurdles, their journey acts as a compass and guides us along our professional paths.

Mentorship from a role model can be instrumental in helping women develop their skills, build confidence, and advance their careers. It sends a powerful message that women belong in cybersecurity and can excel in technical and leadership roles.

Seeing successful women who overcame challenges and achieved their goals can motivate others to pursue their dreams and aspirations in cybersecurity.

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

(Shweta Katkar)

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing rapid growth and has a high demand for skilled professionals. Women, by joining this field, can tap into a wealth of career opportunities and avenues for advancement. In addition, women can bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches to cybersecurity, enriching team dynamics. To support women in cybersecurity, many organisations, including ours, offer specialised training programmes and mentorship initiatives tailored to their needs. These programmes provide invaluable resources and guidance to help women develop their skills and navigate the complexities of the field.