Security on Screen spoke to Meenakshi Alexzander, OEM Partner Account Manager Middle East for Acronis, about her experiences with Acronis and in the security sector and whether or not she believes the industry is welcoming towards women

How long have you been with Acronis, and in what role?

I joined Acronis in 2014 as a Business Development Manager, working remotely from India and focusing on the Middle East. Since then, my journey with Acronis has been nothing short of exciting and immensely enriching. Over the past nine years, I have had the opportunity to take on various roles and responsibilities, each contributing to my professional growth and expertise.

Starting my tenure as a BDM in 2014, I gained valuable insights into business development strategies and market dynamics. Building upon this foundation, I transitioned to the role of a Channel Manager, where I successfully fostered strong partnerships and amplified Acronis’ reach within the region.

Driven by my passion for nurturing collaborative relationships, I further advanced my career as a Partner Account Manager. In this role, I proactively engaged with key partners, driving mutual growth and ensuring their success with Acronis’ solutions.

Recently, I was promoted to the position of OEM Partner Account Manager, where I have the privilege of focusing on strategic partners in the Operation Technology (OT) environment. This specific domain entails providing robust data protection and cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure.

Throughout my journey at Acronis, I have continually expanded my skill set, honed my industry knowledge, and embraced new challenges. This relentless pursuit of excellence has allowed me to contribute significantly to the company’s success and establish myself as a trusted professional within the technology sector.

I am immensely proud of the milestones achieved and the impact I have made during my tenure at Acronis. Looking ahead, I am excited to continue leveraging my expertise and passion to drive innovation, forge meaningful partnerships, and propel Acronis forward in the ever-evolving landscape of data protection and cybersecurity.

What drew you to the security industry?

To be completely honest, my journey into the IT industry, and specifically the cybersecurity field was quite unexpected, considering my commerce background. When I began my career back in 2010, I had limited knowledge about how the Internet worked. However, fate had its way, and I found myself venturing into the realm of IT.

Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to various organisations and opportunities that have shaped my professional development. The security industry as a whole has played an indispensable role in broadening my knowledge and fuelling my passion for safeguarding digital assets.

I’ve been fortunate to work with organisations that have prioritised continuous learning and growth in the realm of cybersecurity. These experiences have allowed me to acquire a solid foundation in data protection, risk assessment and proactive defence strategies allowing me to grow both professionally and personally.

Today, I proudly identify myself as a cybersecurity enthusiast, dedicated to safeguarding digital assets and protecting individuals and organisations against cyber threats. Acronis played a pivotal role in nurturing my passion, expanding my expertise, and instilling in me a sense of purpose in the cybersecurity landscape.

What’s the working environment like at Acronis?

For me, Acronis is more than just a workplace—it is my second home. Let me share an incident that truly exemplifies the strong bond I have developed with this organisation.

Back then, one of my managers made the decision to relocate me to Dubai to further expand our channel business and enhance our reach in the Middle East. It was an exciting opportunity, and we believed that establishing a local presence in Dubai would significantly benefit our operations.

However, just before the pandemic hit in December 2019, Acronis organised our Sales Kickoff in Switzerland, marking my first-ever trip to this picturesque country. Little did we know that the world would soon be engulfed by lockdowns and restrictions.

Within a month of my return, I found myself alone in my apartment, working remotely as the world grappled with the chaos caused by the pandemic.

Being in a new country without any social connections and unable to go outside, the situation was undoubtedly challenging. However, during this difficult period, Acronis extended its unwavering support.

The company organised multiple sessions on mental and physical health, recognising the importance of well-being during these uncertain times. They even arranged online activities to foster engagement and a sense of community. In fact, we had management calls with our partners to understand their challenges and find ways to support their businesses.

This experience highlighted how Acronis treats its employees like family. The genuine care and concern shown by the organisation not only helped me navigate through personal and professional hurdles but also inspired me to deliver my best. It is this nurturing and supportive environment that drives employees to go the extra mile and contribute their utmost.

What are your ambitions within the security sector?

As I progress in my career, I aspire to take on leadership roles where I can guide and inspire others. I want to contribute to the development of future cybersecurity professionals by sharing my knowledge, experiences and lessons learned. Through mentorship programs and fostering a culture of collaboration, I aim to empower individuals and teams to reach their full potential and make a difference in the security industry.

My ambitions within the security sector revolve around making a meaningful and lasting impact. Whether it is through leadership, innovation, advocacy, or collaboration, I am dedicated to contributing to a more secure and resilient digital world, protecting critical assets, and ensuring the privacy and safety of individuals and organisations.

Do you feel the security industry is welcoming towards women?

The security industry, like many other sectors, has historically been male-dominated. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Efforts are being made to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for women.

While progress has been made, there are still challenges and barriers that women face in the security industry. These challenges can include gender bias, stereotypes, and limited representation at senior levels

Highlighting organisations that prioritise diversity and inclusion, such as Acronis with women in senior leadership positions like Mrs. Katya Ivanova as the Chief Sales Officer, is commendable. It demonstrates a positive change and commitment to recognising and valuing the contributions of women in the security industry.

Having women in leadership positions not only serves as inspiration and role models for aspiring women professionals in the industry but also fosters a more inclusive and diverse work environment. It demonstrates that gender does not limit one’s ability to excel in the security field and encourages more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and related domains.