Shaping Leadership skills through Learning & Responsibility

SUJATHA S IYER, HEAD OF AI (SECURITY), ZOHO CORP.

“Zoho creates an environment where there is a strong focus on learning, ownership, and trust, which allows people to take responsibility early and grow naturally into leadership positions. The organisation ensures there are continuous learning opportunities where employees are encouraged to take on challenging roles and lead critical projects. Also, employees are given the space to experiment, make decisions, and learn from mistakes, which allows them to gain the confidence and experience needed to step into leadership roles and succeed.

INSPIRATION TO LEAD THE TECH WORLD

My interest in technology started with mathematics in school. I enjoyed the clarity and structure of maths, and how every problem had a logical path leading to a solution. As I learned more, I realized that mathematics forms the foundation of computing, from algorithms to data and systems. That connection is what drew me towards computing and eventually into a career in technology. I joined Zoho Corporation nearly ten years ago as an intern, which gave me the chance to learn by doing and understand how real-world systems are built. Over time, I moved into working with AI. My move into security was driven by a very specific challenge it presents—in security, there is no room for complacency. Today, I lead the AI in Security division at Zoho. My work focuses on building AI systems that are reliable, resilient, and trustworthy. This journey has been shaped by constant learning and responsibility, and it has influenced how I approach both technology and leadership.”