From Security Veteran to CEO – My Leadership Journey

For 34 years, my career has mirrored the evolution of cybersecurity, data privacy, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. What began as a job to fund my education and support my family transformed into a mission to redefine leadership roles and highlight the untapped potential of women in technology. From leading go-to-market teams as a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) to stepping into the role of CEO at Lorica—a company at the forefront of privacy-enhancing computing and AI—this journey has been about more than professional milestones.

It has been a journey of resilience, reinvention, and realizing that leadership isn’t just about claiming a seat at the table but; it’s about redefining the table itself.

Breaking Barriers: Lessons from Three Decades

Early in my career, I was often underestimated, with comments like being told to focus on “making it pretty” rather than tackling complex business problems. For many women, such moments can either define or derail their paths. For me, they became a catalyst—a powerful reminder of the importance of self-belief, resilience, and the drive to transform skepticism into opportunity.

I spent the first half of my career as one of the only women in leadership, navigating an industry that was, at the time, almost exclusively male. However, I was fortunate to work alongside a cohort of mostly male mentors and colleagues who championed my growth. These experiences weren’t without challenges, but they also taught me to embrace the art of listening, build consensus, and find strength in collaboration—lessons that would become the foundation of my leadership style.

For example, my work building a global network of value-added resellers for a software distributor taught me the value of localized support and the need for tailored marketing strategies. These insights became the cornerstone of my 120-Day Go-to-Market Kickstart framework, a proven method for helping startups achieve accelerated growth. I also learned the importance of dismantling silos and aligning sales and marketing efforts to create a unified vision.

Most importantly, these experiences underscored the value of inclusive leadership—ensuring that every voice, regardless of background, was heard. This approach not only drove innovation but also fostered trust, morale, and a culture of collaboration. These lessons shaped my unique leadership philosophy, which I carry with me into my role as CEO today.

Empathy and Innovation: A Winning Combination

Women leaders bring unique strengths to the table, particularly in the realms of empathy and emotional intelligence (EQ). Studies consistently show that organizations with gender-diverse leadership perform better financially and foster more inclusive environments. Women challenge conventional thinking, prioritize collaboration, and drive innovation—qualities that are increasingly critical in today’s dynamic corporate landscape.

Yet, despite these advantages, women remain underrepresented in leadership, with only 6% of CEOs in major firms being women. This statistic is a stark reminder of the barriers that remain and the need for sustained efforts to invest in diverse talent pipelines. Representation matters. As a woman in a senior leadership role, I see it as my responsibility to pave the way for the next generation of leaders.

Stepping into the Role of CEO

Becoming CEO of Lorica is a milestone that marks not just a new chapter in my career, but also an opportunity to lead with purpose. Lorica’s mission to advance privacy-enhancing computation and AI aligns perfectly with my passion for cybersecurity and data protection. Together with an exceptional team, I aim to drive innovation, expand global partnerships, and empower organizations to unlock the value of sensitive data while safeguarding privacy.

In this role, I am more committed than ever to fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and creating a workplace that exemplifies what progressive leadership can achieve.

Our Call to Action

As I reflect on my journey, I want to leave organizations and individuals with this: Diversity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a business necessity. Amplifying women’s voices, celebrating their achievements, and creating spaces where they can thrive are essential steps toward building a future where innovation knows no gender.

For women navigating their paths in tech, know this: Your voice matters. Your ideas are powerful. Your leadership has the potential to reshape industries. And while some women may forget their own barriers once they’ve ascended, I stand committed to being part of the solution.

Reach out to me on LinkedIn or book time with me—I am here for you. Change starts with us, and fostering progress means lifting others as we climb. Let’s ensure there’s no room for “Regina Georges” in tech. Together, we can build a future where the path to leadership is one of shared opportunity, collaboration, and empowerment.