Sujatha S Iyer, Head of AI Security at Zoho Corporation, shares her insights on leadership, inclusion, learning and her views on emerging tech in security.
As part of Techitup Middle East’s International Women’s Day 2026 Leadership Series, we spotlight women leaders shaping the future of technology across the region. In this feature, Sujatha S Iyer shares her professional journey, and advice for women in tech.
We are entering a defining AI-driven era. How is AI changing leadership expectations for women in tech?
Sujatha S Iyer: Leadership is no longer only about managing teams or delivering projects. It is about understanding technology deeply and taking responsibility for how it is built and deployed.
AI is flattening barriers. Access to knowledge, tools, and innovation is becoming more democratized and this applies as much to women as to men. What matters now is curiosity, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt.
This creates space for women leaders who combine technical depth with balanced judgment.
What is one structural barrier that still needs to change for women to scale into more C-level and board positions in tech?
Sujatha S Iyer: One structural barrier is access to decision-making exposure early in the career. C-level and board roles require visible ownership of business outcomes, not just execution. Organisations need to consciously create those pathways.
At ManageEngine, we believe leadership is built through responsibility and trust, not titles. Giving women early access to strategic roles makes long-term representation natural, not forced.
Was there a defining moment in your career that changed your trajectory?
Sujatha S Iyer: A defining moment for me was when I pivoted into security. I was always interested in building systems, but what drew me to security was a simple reality.
An attacker only needs to be right once. A defender has to be right every single time.
That asymmetry stayed with me. It made me want to work on resilience, not just features. Moving into security changed my trajectory from building products to protecting trust at scale.
What leadership trait has helped you the most in navigating the tech industry?
Sujatha S Iyer: In technology, there are always multiple ways to solve a problem. You might choose one path and realise later that it does not lead to the right outcome. The key is not to get stuck or defensive about it. It is important to reassess quickly, shift direction, and move forward without losing momentum.
Every path, even the ones that do not succeed, teaches you something. Those lessons compound over time and make future decisions sharper and more grounded.
Lastly, what practical advice would you give young women entering the AI and digital economy today?
Sujatha S Iyer: Focus on strong fundamentals in technology, whether it is systems, data, security, or software engineering. AI is evolving fast, but core concepts do not change. A strong foundation gives you confidence and independence.
Stay focused on the technology itself. Depth matters more than hype.
It is important for women and men alike to keep learning. If you are willing to continuously upgrade yourself, opportunities will follow.
This interview is part of the Techitup Middle East IWD 2026 Leadership Series, for women leaders who continue to accelerate innovation, champion diversity, and redefine the technology ecosystem across the Middle East and beyond.
