Ana Pinczuk, President, Product and Technology, SentinelOne, on leadership, inclusion, and driving innovation in enterprise technology.
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, Ana Pinczuk shares her professional journey, leadership insights, and advice for women in tech.
We are entering a defining AI-driven era. How is AI changing leadership expectations for women in tech?
Ana Pinczuk: Leadership expectations from us go beyond traditional management in this AI-based era. We must interact with AI more and be receptive to lifelong learning. We should be interested in how AI functions, experiment with new tools, and show others how they may boost output, aid in decision-making, and facilitate creativity within teams.
Leadership means not just validating AI initiatives but also includes showing AI use in daily tasks, helping companies move faster and work smarter. Women leaders can also shape AI adoption. We can make sure that it is used inclusively, responsibly, and ethically while building diverse teams and supporting employees as they adapt and reskill for an AI-enabled workplace.
What is one structural barrier that still needs to change for women to scale into more C-level and board positions in tech?
Ana Pinczuk: One key structural barrier that needs to be addressed is the limited access women often have to operational roles that typically lead to C-suite and board positions. These include leadership roles in engineering, revenue, product, or P&L management.
Companies need to intentionally place women in these high-impact roles early in their careers and ensure they receive equal access to challenging assignments, sponsorship, and leadership exposure. This helps build the experience and track record that boards and executive search firms look for when selecting top leaders.
Was there a defining moment in your career that changed your trajectory?
Ana Pinczuk: The defining moments in my career haven’t been a single turning point. They’ve been the moments where I chose to lean into change and reinvent myself. My path is not a straight line. Multiple twists and turns came along with some of the biggest technology developments of our time, including early stages of the internet, the transition to cloud, and now the rise of AI.
At SentinelOne, I’m involved in the next transition that helps move cybersecurity into an AI-native world. From these experiences, I have learnt and continue to learn that leading in tech needs constant curiosity, a will to step into the uncertain, and always remaining a student of what’s coming next.
What leadership trait has helped you the most in navigating the tech industry?
Ana Pinczuk: Putting a strategy into execution along with a strong team has really helped me. It takes teamwork to turn your idea into actual results in such an industry that is so fast-paced. Building capable teams around a common objective, having clear priorities, and then working all together to achieve results are, in my opinion, the necessary elements of leadership. It also requires adaptability and the ability to adjust as markets and technology develop.
Lastly, what practical advice would you give young women entering the AI and digital economy today?
Ana Pinczuk: To begin with, get your hands on the technology. Don’t just read about AI, use it and see what it does to your daily tasks. The best way to understand the abilities, value and weak points of these tools is by directly working with them. Also, stay curious and be open to learning.
Technology is changing quickly, and nobody has all the answers. We need to keep questioning, look out for new ideas, and expand our knowledge to thrive. Lastly, develop the skill of being adaptable and accepting change. Tech roles are rarely linear.
The ability to turn, learn new skills, and accept new opportunities will help you grow as the industry moves forward.
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.
