Sharon Chand
“Don’t be afraid to take risks.”
Sharon Chand is a Principal with Deloitte, bringing more than 30 years of experience to help critical infrastructure clients build smarter, stronger cyber resilience.
Sharon leads Deloitte’s Cyber Defense & Resilience solutions, and previously led Deloitte’s Cyber Ecosystems & Alliances, Secure Supply Chain practice, and Deloitte’s Power, Utilities & Renewables Cyber sector. With experience in risk governance, cyber strategy, and identity and access management, she remains a driving force in shaping the future of cybersecurity at scale.
What is one skill, interest or talent of yours that makes you great at your job?
Listening. Too often, cybersecurity professionals jump right into the conversation with all the answers before listening to exactly what the challenges are.
What is the best piece of unconventional career advice you’ve gotten?
Don’t be afraid to take risks.
What is your proudest moment working in the cybersecurity industry?
My proudest moment in the cybersecurity industry is the opportunity I’ve been able to create for hundreds of others joining the profession after me.
When did you become interested in pursuing a career in cyber and what prompted it?
When I began consulting, I was assigned to a cybersecurity project and was immediately drawn to the field’s challenges and problem-solving opportunities, which continue to engage me today.
What are the top 3 things you would tell people hoping to enter the cybersecurity industry?
- Never stop learning and always stay curious.
- Gain practical experience wherever you can.
- Network and seek mentorship strategically.
What are some misconceptions people might have about the cybersecurity industry and what can we do to change these misconceptions?
The biggest misconception is that all cybersecurity professionals are hackers! In reality, cybersecurity is much broader; it’s about creating value by helping organizations build resilient and secure businesses.
Do you feel like you’re contributing to helping keep our world secure and can you share why that matters to you?
In a very meaningful way, by providing cybersecurity services to my critical infrastructure clients, I am helping to protect our way of life every day.
What positive change do you think will take place as we bring the next generation into the cybersecurity industry?
I love to see the positive energy and creative ideas brought to all the cybersecurity challenges we face every day from new team members joining the profession.
Who is your role model in the cybersecurity industry and why?
My role models are all of the pioneers of our industry who have created opportunities over the last 30 years.
