Increasing women’s representation in technology is crucial not just for equity, but also for fostering diverse perspectives, driving innovation, and strengthening the global tech workforce. Leaders across the tech industry exemplify how better inclusivity and engagement translate into real impact.
Shanthi Rajesh, Director – Cybersecurity at Sysco LABS and Sysco’s Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for APAC, has over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, spanning banking, technology, and now the foodservice industry with Sysco LABS, the benchmarked Global Innovation Center (GIC) for Sysco.
Originally from India, Rajesh shares in this conversation with Echelon that she leveraged her cultural adaptability throughout her career, including working in regional contexts such as Sri Lanka. Over the years, she has built expertise in navigating complex cyber threats, driving technology initiatives, and leading diverse, international teams, demonstrating resilience and leadership in spaces historically dominated by men.
Cybersecurity, especially two decades ago, was even more predominantly male than it is today. What initially drew you to study and pursue a career in such a technical and male-dominated industry?
From early on, I was drawn to cybersecurity because it combined technology, problem-solving, and the chance to protect personal trust and national security. Even in college, women were a minority in engineering, and in professional settings, I often found myself the only woman in meetings or on boards.
My career began at CGI and later Fidelity, moving from software testing into security testing. Despite barriers like underrepresentation and stereotypes, I focused on developing competencies, seeking mentorship, and building credibility through results. Today, women occupy around 30–35% of cybersecurity roles, but the challenges remain, making perseverance and skill essential. The combination of technical challenges, societal impact, and continuous learning has kept me committed to this field for over two decades.
Given your role leading cybersecurity for a Fortune 500 company, navigating geopolitical risks and sophisticated threats, what does “daring” truly mean for a female leader in tech today?
Being daring as a female leader means building credibility and confidence and creating space for others to follow. I focused on developing competencies, seeking mentorship from both men and women, and networking through conferences and meetups to gain visibility.
Mentors helped me understand diverse perspectives, while networking kept me updated on emerging tools and best practices. It’s also about breaking stereotypes, such as by demonstrating that women bring unique perspectives, technical expertise, and solutions to the table. Daring is therefore not about boldness alone but combining competence, mentorship, and visibility to lead confidently.
You balance global cybersecurity operations, which often means extensive travel, with your roles as a mother and caring for your parents. How do you manage these multifaceted responsibilities without compromising your professional goals or personal well-being?
To achieve a balance, I focus on integration rather than strict balance. I prioritise tasks, set boundaries, and build strong support systems both at work and at home. At work, I delegate and empower regional leads while maintaining clear escalation protocols. At home, my family — parents and in-laws — supports caregiving responsibilities.
I focus on quality over quantity, giving undivided attention to family when needed, while maintaining a calm, proactive approach professionally. Multiple hats, from tactical incident response to strategic board decisions, require constant prioritisation. With structured planning, I manage to bring my best self to work and home. Since women now represent about one-third of the cybersecurity workforce, it is encouraging to see more shared responsibility and support systems evolving in the industry.
As you expand your impact beyond purely technical leadership, how do you advocate for women and foster inclusivity through your leadership at Sysco LABS?
It’s all about systems over willpower. I mentor women in technical and leadership roles, helping them overcome societal and workplace expectations. Clear communication, continuous learning, and guidance are critical to empower women to take high-visibility assignments confidently.
I focus on removing blockers, like caregiving pressures or confidence gaps, while promoting skill recognition and professional growth. It’s less about perfection than it is about enabling women to leverage their strengths and navigate challenges effectively.
What essential capabilities and mindsets do you believe signal readiness for global leadership today, especially for women aspiring to step from local markets onto the international stage in tech and cybersecurity?
Global leadership demands cultural intelligence, technical depth, and strategic vision. Women stepping onto international stages must adapt to diverse cultures, communicate clearly, and build trust across borders. Emotional intelligence paired with technical expertise strengthens credibility, while resilience and courage turn challenges into opportunities.
Strategic thinking, continuous learning, and embracing new technologies like AI are essential. I also consider cross-cultural adaptability, empathy, and the ability to lead distributed teams to be non-negotiable for success at the global level.
What practical steps have your organisation’s leaders, including yourself, taken to actively create advancement pathways for women in technology and risk functions?
Sysco LABS empowers colleagues to transcend advocacy and operational action to deliver impact. I do my part to speak out if I observe barriers that disproportionately affect women. Through mentorship, structured support, and removing friction points, we enable women to convert weaknesses into strengths.
Care is at our core at Sysco LABS. We prioritise both mental and physical well-being, encouraging rest, exercise, self-care, and psychological safety alongside high performance. By leading with empathy and focusing on holistic support, we ensure every colleague has the clarity, confidence, and opportunity to contribute meaningfully and thrive.