The Precisely Women in Technology (PWIT) series celebrates the different journeys of women across our organization and the experiences that have helped them grow, lead, and support others. This month, Sreeja Krishnakumar, Senior Director, Information Risk & Compliance, and her career in technology over the last 20 years.
Why did you choose to pursue a career in technology?
My career in technology started somewhat accidentally. I had just completed a Master’s degree in Biophysics when I moved to England from India due to my husband’s job. I took a job in technology to make a fresh start in the new country, found the work genuinely interesting, and decided to stay. What began as an unexpected opportunity became a career path that continues to challenge and inspire me.
Who has been your greatest professional mentor? What’s one thing you have learned from them?
One of my greatest professional mentors was the manager who first hired me into a technology audit role. Although I had not worked in security before, he saw my potential, invested in my growth, and created an environment where I felt supported, heard, and valued. From him, I learned the importance of leading with honesty, fairness, and sincerity—and how powerful it can be to recognize people’s contributions, encourage open discussion, and help others build confidence in themselves.
What’s the biggest risk you took in your career? What was the reward?
The biggest risk I took was moving into a technology audit role. My background was in science, and at the time I had only limited exposure to technical roles in financial services. While helping a friend explore IT security opportunities, my own interest grew from initial curiosity into genuine fascination. I took a bold step and asked the IT audit manager who was hiring whether he would consider someone with my background for his team. Fortunately, he had experienced team members in place and was willing to give a learner a chance.
That decision became a turning point in my career. It helped me grow professionally in a relatively short time and opened doors I had not expected, including opportunities to travel, work with diverse teams, and build strong professional and personal connections. What began as a risk became one of the most rewarding steps in my career.
As a woman, what challenges have you faced in the technology industry? How have you overcome them?
Throughout my career in IT security, I have often been the only woman, or one of very few women, in the room. That experience can be daunting, and at times it has meant working harder to be recognized for my expertise and perspective. I have learned to meet that challenge by staying true to my values, leading with fairness, and being willing to have honest conversations when needed. Over time, I have found that consistency, integrity, and openness help build respect, trust, and strong partnerships—regardless of gender or background. But I believe we still have a long way to go before merit, rather than gender, is consistently the defining measure in workplaces.
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What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? How do you apply it to your personal and professional life?
One of the best pieces of advice I have received came from a former manager, who reminded me that nothing is impossible and that the biggest limits are often the ones we place on ourselves. Those words have stayed with me through moments of uncertainty, challenge, and change. They remind me to be brave enough to take the next step, humble enough to ask for help, and resilient enough to keep moving forward. It is a simple message, but it continues to inspire how I approach both my personal and professional life.
What’s one piece of advice you’d offer to younger women entering the industry?
My advice to younger women entering technology is to stay curious, claim your space, and never underestimate the value of your voice. Keep learning, ask questions, seek out mentors who believe in your potential, and do not be afraid to take opportunities before you feel completely ready. Confidence is built over time, but it also grows when you give yourself permission to speak up, trust your perspective, and believe that you belong in every room you enter.
As a successful woman in technology, what’s one thing you do to pay it forward and advocate for other women in the field?
One of the most meaningful ways I try to pay it forward is by encouraging talented women to grow in confidence, keep learning, and pursue new opportunities. Having often been the only woman in the room, it is especially rewarding to now lead and support a team of knowledgeable, confident women who build the strong partnerships essential to our work. I see part of my role as creating space for their voices to be heard, their contributions to be recognized, and their potential to continue growing. I also value opportunities to connect with new talent through professional communities, where I can share encouragement, guidance, and lessons from my own journey in technology.
