Priyanka Neelakrishan is a Product Line Manager for Cloud-Delivered Security Solutions at Palo Alto Networks, the world’s largest cybersecurity company. She has conceptualized and launched several groundbreaking cybersecurity solutions and has worked with renowned companies like Symantec (now Broadcom) and Ericsson over the past decade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q1. Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I’m Priyanka Neelakrishan, a Product Line Manager for Cloud-Delivered Security Solutions at Palo Alto Networks, the world’s largest cybersecurity company. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of conceptualizing, ideating, and launching several groundbreaking, industry-first, innovative cybersecurity solutions to the market. Over the past decade, I’ve worked with renowned companies like Symantec (now Broadcom) and Ericsson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I completed my Bachelor’s degree in engineering in India before pursuing a master’s in electrical engineering and a master’s in business administration in the US while working full-time. My master’s thesis, focusing on Software Defined Networks, aided me in consolidating security solutions at Palo Alto Networks, thereby securing a leading position in the market with Secure Service Edge (SDN, CASB, Data Security).<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m also an independent researcher, IEEE Senior Member, and published author. I’ve authored research papers in cybersecurity, particularly focusing on leveraging AI to create impactful data security solutions across various sectors such as healthcare, banking, and finance. Due to my passion for cybersecurity, I’m often invited to speak at conferences centered around security and AI. This allows me to share my learnings with other like-minded professionals in the industry, enabling us to grow together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I am known for my innovation, passion, enthusiasm, hard work, resourcefulness, and ethics. I believe that these qualities are critical in the business world for a better future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What is your role in the company?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am the Product Line Manager for Cloud-Delivered Security Services at Palo Alto Networks. My responsibilities include ideation, strategy development, funding acquisition, and solving cloud application security and data security challenges for enterprises. Once I receive executive approval for my vision and strategy, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, roadmap development, user experience design, licensing, go-to-market strategy, and product launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subsequently, I monitor metrics and further develop the solution. As a Product Line Manager, my role resembles that of a CEO within the data security domain. I am accountable for the entire solution from inception to implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. Please tell us more about your organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Palo Alto Networks, Inc. is a renowned multinational cybersecurity company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, known for its reputable standing in the industry. Its core products include cloud security and networking services. Serving over 70,000 organizations in more than 150 countries, including 85 of the Fortune 100, Palo Alto Networks is a leader in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is home to the Unit 42 threat research team and is a partner organization of the World Economic Forum. Additionally, Palo Alto Networks co-founded the Cyber Threat Alliance with Fortinet, McAfee, and NortonLifeLock, a not-for-profit organization aimed at enhancing cybersecurity by fostering collaboration among cybersecurity organizations through the sharing of cyber threat intelligence. Now, the alliance had grown to include 34 members, including Cisco, Check Point, Juniper Networks, and Sophos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With a vision of creating a world where each day is safer and more secure than the one before, Palo Alto Networks offers an enterprise cybersecurity platform that encompasses network security, cloud security, endpoint protection, and various cloud-delivered security solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. Congratulations! As the winner of the TITAN Business Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m thrilled to receive a win in the TITAN Business Awards under Innovator of the Year. This recognition acts as a testament to all the hard work and failures that accompanied the journey, culminating in success when the solutions began making a positive difference in my customers’ organizations. Some of the solutions I delivered took several quarters to develop due to the extensive research required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a world where quarterly statements play a critical role, it\u2019s essential to maintain enthusiasm among executives, customers, and all stakeholders throughout multiple quarters. Achieving this required extensive communication, forecasting, research, and continuous evidence-gathering. This monumental win validates that all this effort was worthwhile when aiming to make a positive impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to witnessing positive revenue growth, these awards boost morale and inspire continued dedication to such work. I believe that the solutions we are building are bigger than any individual, and we have to selflessly commit to their development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5.<\/strong> What is your own definition of a successful team\/organization\/business?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, a successful team, organization, or business is like a well-oiled machine with a clear purpose and direction. It’s led by someone you trust and admire, who listens to your ideas and encourages you to grow. The people you work with bring their strengths and quirks to the table. Communication is open and honest, so everyone knows what’s happening and feels valued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this environment, you’re not afraid to take risks or try new things because you know your team has your back. When things don’t go as planned, you learn from your mistakes and come back even stronger. And through it all, you’re always focused on making a difference for your customers, because you know that’s what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, success isn’t just about hitting targets or making money\u2014it’s about feeling proud of what you’ve accomplished together and knowing that you’ve made a positive impact on the world around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Winning Entry<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Priyanka Neelakrishnan : Product Leader Data Security<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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