CYBER ANGEL – PRATHIMA KASAGAR

In this article, Prathima Kasagar, Senior Director, Head of Cybersecurity India, shares her experiences and insights. She highlights the significance of gender diversity in cybersecurity and introduces the impactful “Cyber Angels” program. Delve into Prathima’s leadership journey, her commitment to diversity, and her valuable advice for those entering the cybersecurity field.

Tell us about your role. What does a day in your life at Capgemini look like?

I lead the Cloud Infrastructure Services (CIS) Cybersecurity team in India, where my role involves providing services to more than 250 clients located in various time zones through our India Cyber Defense Centers (CDCs).  As the India Cybersecurity leader, I supervise a team of 2,200 highly skilled cybersecurity experts, guiding them towards achieving exceptional performance.

On a day-to-day basis, my duties entail the effective management of this team, employing a comprehensive strategy that integrates people, procedures, and technology to preemptively protect our clients’ ecosystems. Additionally,  I am a mentor within the NASSCOM Women Wizards Rule Tech (WWRT) program.

What makes you proud to work at Capgemini?

This year marks my 12th year at Capgemini, and I’m proud to say that Capgemini offers a world of opportunities. It’s up to you to define your career path, and I’ve had the privilege of exploring various roles. For the past seven years, I’ve been with the Cybersecurity team, benefiting from great leaders and mentors who have helped me realize my potential.

In my current role, I address significant security challenges that could have severe business consequences if left unattended. With two state-of-the-art connected Cyber Defense Centers and an IAM factory in India, we continuously undertake a holistic cycle of actions to proactively prevent and effectively respond to threats 24/7/365. “The sun never sets” on our Cyber Defense Centers, and it fills me with pride to lead this critical team that advises, transforms, and protects our customers’ environments.

What difference does it make to have diversity in cyber leadership?

Cybersecurity, traditionally at the forefront of technology and people-related initiatives, faces the challenge of adapting to a constantly evolving environment. Achieving a balanced organization is paramount, and this necessitates improving diversity numbers at the managerial and leadership levels. Women bring unique viewpoints and perspectives that are essential in addressing cyber risks. Building a more diverse cybersecurity workforce enhances our ability to offer diverse perspectives to our clients. We are committed to workforce balance, and we firmly believe that “a diverse workforce drives innovation.”

To further this objective, we’ve established Cyber Angels, a gender diversity initiative within the field of cybersecurity. This program serves as a platform for women cybersecurity experts to leverage a multitude of prospects for their personal growth and eventual leadership roles within Capgemini.

What advice would you give to someone joining Capgemini Cybersecurity?

The Capgemini CIS Cybersecurity team is extensive, offering numerous roles across various domains. Embrace the opportunities to network, establish connections, and work together, as this strategy will enrich your knowledge, performance, and professional growth. Bring your enthusiasm, be true to yourself, and actively shape the future you aspire to achieve!

Be passionate. Be yourself. Get The Future You Want!!!

If you are looking for a role in Cybersecurity at Capgemini, please visit our career page to explore opportunities.