Sujatha S Iyer – Head of AI Security, ManageEngine, Zoho Corp feels fostering a company culture that values growth and learning over mere outcomes is necessary
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Sujatha S Iyer: I personally feel that we need more than just policies and statements—we need tangible, everyday actions that drive change. One way to do this is by fostering a company culture that values growth and learning over mere outcomes.
At ManageEngine, I’ve experienced how a supportive environment can help you overcome challenges. The focus here isn’t just on delivering results but on how you approach problems and what you learn along the way. Management genuinely understands that not every path will lead to immediate success, but the insights gained are invaluable.
This mindset is important for inclusion. When people feel safe to take risks and explore new ideas without the fear of failure, it opens doors for diverse voices to contribute meaningfully. The technical freedom I have here has been instrumental in building my confidence and pushing through self-doubt—something I believe is essential for everyone, especially women in this field.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Sujatha S Iyer: My journey began as an intern, gradually evolving into an AI engineering role. What attracted me to the field of cybersecurity was its relentless challenge—the reality that while defenders need to be right 100% of the time, an attacker only needs a single successful attempt to undermine it all. One breach can overshadow 99 successful defenses, highlighting a very slim margin for error. The complexity and ever-evolving nature of cybersecurity inspired me to pursue it as a career, driven by the desire to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.
Who would you consider your role model, someone who constantly inspires you? (Does not really have to be from the professional world only, can be someone at home too )
Sujatha S Iyer: Sheryl Sandberg (a United States technology executive, philanthropist, and writer) has been a huge inspiration to me. Her leadership in tech, advocacy for women through Lean In, and dedication to workplace inclusion and equality deeply resonate with me. Personally, I connect with her message, especially in my work mentoring women, such as those in the Marupadi program at Zoho Schools of Learning. I’ve noticed that many women, even when they know the answer, hesitate due to a fear of judgment or making mistakes. This self-doubt isn’t as prevalent in men. Sandberg’s insights have motivated me to help women break through these barriers and embrace their potential with confidence.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Android or Apple? Apple
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? Phone call
- Beaches or Mountains? Beaches
- Coffee or Tea? Coffee
- Early Bird or Night owl? Early Bird
- Books or Movies? Movies
- Winter or Summer? Summer
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? In store
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
Sujatha S Iyer: My advice to young women looking to start a career in tech is stay curious and keep learning—this field evolves rapidly. Don’t fall for the myth that tech is only for men; there is room for everyone, and your voice matters.
Seeking mentorship and connecting with colleagues can significantly impact your journey. I remember as an intern, I asked a manager about the customer impact of a feature I was working on. They told me that what sets great engineers apart is the drive to understand the customer experience, not just the technical details. That insight changed my perspective and truly made a difference in my career, and I’m grateful for it.
