From Local Expertise to Global Recognition: My Journey Across Cybersecurity Media
Visibility validates expertise. Recognition builds credibility. And consistent presence across international platforms establishes thought leadership. When I look back at my journey through cybersecurity media from magazine covers to conference stages, from expert interviews to award ceremonies I see not just personal milestones, but opportunities to advance critical conversations about GRC, AI governance, diversity in cybersecurity, and building human-centric security cultures.
The Media Journey: Establishing Authority Through Recognition
Top Cyber News Magazine: Double Feature Recognition
Being featured once in a prestigious publication is an honor. Being featured twice in Top Cyber News Magazine felt like validation that my perspectives resonate with the global cybersecurity community.
November 2022 – Cover Interview with Scott Schober: As VP Regional Information Security Officer, APAC at Citi, I discussed Singapore’s Smart Nation strategy and how national cybersecurity resilience intersects with digital transformation. The conversation explored multi-stakeholder approaches to securing critical infrastructure work that connected corporate security governance with national-level digital security strategies.
2023 Special Edition – Global 40 Under 40 in Cybersecurity: Selected among top performers from five continents, I contributed insights on Crime-as-a-Service (CaaS) and the democratization of cybercrime. My key message that continues to guide my work: “Cybersecurity is everybody’s responsibility and everyone should play their part effectively.” This recognition positioned me alongside the world’s most innovative cybersecurity leaders actively shaping industry discourse.
The Cyber Express: 40 Under 40 Women Cyber Leaders
Landing on the cover page of The Cyber Express 40 Under 40 Women in Cybersecurity magazine represented more than personal achievement it symbolized progress for women in our field. The accompanying article on page 50 explored my journey, addressing challenges for women in cybersecurity leadership, barriers to entry, strategies for increasing female participation, and future trends revolutionizing our industry.
This platform allowed me to advocate for change while inspiring the next generation of women entering cybersecurity.
Security Buyer Magazine: Headline Speaker Feature
My extensive interview with Security Buyer Magazine as a headline speaker for Security Buyer Live covered the evolving threat landscape, from ransomware and supply chain attacks to zero-day vulnerabilities. But perhaps most importantly, it addressed the persistent cybersecurity skills shortage a challenge I’ve dedicated significant energy to solving through mentorship initiatives.
The interview highlighted my founding of “Protégé for Women in Cybersecurity” and my 14+ years of experience driving GRC initiatives across international banks, establishing credibility in both technical security and governance frameworks.
Recognition in Industry Rankings
GIPS Insights – Top 23 Security Content (2023): Featured for emphasizing the psychology of cybercriminals in the International Security Journal’s annual influencer predictions. This recognition validated my unique approach connecting human behavior, psychology, and cybersecurity strategy—a differentiator that sets my work apart.
Cyber Security Hub – Top 20 Movers and Shakers (2022): Recognized for pioneering mentorship work, specifically my Global Mentorship for Cybersecurity (GMFC) Program that attracted 40+ participants from 9 countries, with 51% women participants demonstrating measurable commitment to diversity.
Speaking Platforms: From Regional to Global Stages
ISC2 Global DEI Summit (July 2024, UK)
Being selected as keynote speaker for the ISC2 Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit represented validation from the world’s premier cybersecurity certification body. Speaking on global perspectives from the Asia Pacific region alongside Dr. Anuradha Rao, I addressed how diverse perspectives drive innovation in cybersecurity leadership.
The session offered 6 CPE credits to ISC2 members, underscoring the educational value and recognition of expertise by the industry’s highest professional standards organization.
World CyberCon 2024 (India)
Featured as Founder & CEO of SyberNow in an exclusive interview with The Cyber Express by Cyble, I shared insights on cybersecurity trends shaping 2024+, security awareness transformation, and human-centric security approaches. The interview reached thousands of security professionals across India’s rapidly growing cybersecurity ecosystem.
Security Buyer Live & Melbourne Cloud Security Summit
From headline speaking at Security Buyer Live on cyber resilience strategies to confirmed speaking at the Melbourne Cloud Security Summit 2026 on cloud security governance, these platforms allow me to address critical emerging challenges as organizations accelerate cloud adoption and digital transformation.
Awards That Validate Impact
Cybersecurity Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2024
Winning this global award from the United Cybersecurity Alliance in Las Vegas represented the culmination of years building SyberNow—an innovative security awareness training company solving critical engagement challenges. As the only woman from India nominated in the category, this international recognition validated my entrepreneurial approach to transforming organizational security cultures.
Multiple 40 Under 40 Recognitions
Being named to global 40 Under 40 lists twice demonstrated sustained excellence and innovation, not just a single moment of achievement. These recognitions reflect consistent contributions advancing cybersecurity as a profession.
Judge – Global Security Buyer Awards 2024
Being appointed as a judge for this prestigious award program reflected the industry’s trust in my expertise and judgment in evaluating excellence in cybersecurity solutions and practices a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Leadership Appointments: Advancing AI Governance
Global Ambassador for Responsible AI (GCRAI)
My appointment as Global Ambassador for Australia at the Global Council for Responsible AI in March 2025 marked a significant expansion into AI governance leadership. This role positions me to advocate for secure, ethical, and inclusive AI adoption while promoting governance aligned with ISO/IEC 42001 and international standards across the Asia-Pacific region.
ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee (2023)
Serving on ISC2’s prestigious awards committee evaluating outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity profession reflected the organization’s confidence in my professional judgment and expertise a responsibility that connected me with the industry’s most accomplished leaders.
Digital Presence: Reaching Global Audiences
LinkedIn Thought Leadership (22,000+ Followers)
Building an engaged audience of over 22,000 cybersecurity professionals, CISOs, executives, and emerging leaders has created a platform for sharing insights on:
- “How AI GRC Protects AI Decisions, Not Just Systems” – exploring AI governance frameworks
- “Age is Just a Number: Exploring the Cybercrime World” – examining cybercrime psychology
- “ISO 42001 Foundation: What You Need to Know” – demystifying AI governance standards
Bank Info Security & Industry Publications
Contributing expert analysis to Bank Info Security on “Why Cyber Awareness Is Needed to Defeat Financial Scams” allowed me to address human-centric cyber threats in financial services a critical vulnerability area requiring both technical controls and behavioral change.
The Cyber Express YouTube Interview
My video interview as SyberNow Founder & CEO reached thousands on one of India’s most-watched cybersecurity channels, sharing insights on trends, best practices, and organizational security posture content that remains accessible and continues generating engagement.
Why Media Presence Matters Beyond Personal Brand
Establishing Subject Matter Expertise
Each feature validates specialized knowledge in distinct areas:
- GRC: Recognition of expertise in ISO 27001/27002, NIST frameworks, regulatory compliance
- AI Governance: Platform to discuss ISO 42001, responsible AI adoption, ethical frameworks
- Human-Centric Security: Thought leadership on cyber mindfulness, psychology, behavior change
- Diversity & Inclusion: Consistent advocacy for women’s advancement and inclusive security cultures
Creating Accessible Pathways
Perhaps most importantly, media visibility creates tangible impact:
Inspiration: Every feature potentially inspires someone considering a cybersecurity career, especially women and underrepresented groups who see themselves reflected in these stories.
Education: Interviews and articles share practical knowledge from certification guidance to career navigation—making cybersecurity more accessible.
Connection: Media presence facilitates networking, mentorship opportunities, and collaborations that advance the entire field.
Advocacy: Platform to address critical issues like the skills shortage, diversity gaps, and need for human-centric security approaches.
The Ripple Effect of Recognition
Media features directly contributed to:
- Speaking opportunities at ISC2, INCYBER Forum Canada, ISMG conferences, universities
- Mentorship program growth with participants from 9+ countries
- Industry appointments including GCRAI Ambassador, ISC2 Committee roles
- Entrepreneurial success as SyberNow gained recognition and credibility
Building Authority for Tomorrow’s Challenges
The cybersecurity landscape continues evolving AI governance, quantum computing implications, sophisticated social engineering, supply chain vulnerabilities. My media presence ensures I’m positioned to contribute meaningfully to these conversations as they emerge.
Every magazine feature, conference keynote, and expert interview adds another data point establishing authority, another platform sharing insights, another opportunity for connection. Unlike transient social media posts, these features remain accessible indefinitely continually working to build brand, establish expertise, and create opportunities.
Lessons from Building Global Presence
Consistency compounds: Regular engagement over years creates cumulative effect more powerful than isolated features.
Diverse platforms reach diverse audiences: Features across magazines, conferences, podcasts, and interviews ensure messages reach different segments.
Authentic voice resonates: Sharing both challenges and successes builds trust and relatability more than manufactured expertise.
Purpose beyond personal brand: The most impactful presence serves larger purpose advancing industry conversations, supporting underrepresented professionals, contributing to collective security improvement.
The Journey Continues
From magazine covers in Top Cyber News to speaking at ISC2’s global summit, from winning Entrepreneur of the Year to serving as GCRAI Ambassador each recognition represents not just a milestone, but a responsibility to use visibility wisely, amplify underrepresented voices, share knowledge generously, and advance cybersecurity as a profession.
The work continues. The platforms evolve. But the mission remains constant: building a more secure, diverse, and inclusive digital future where cybersecurity expertise is accessible, recognized, and valued globally.
Media inquiries, speaking opportunities, or collaboration on cybersecurity GRC, AI governance, and diversity initiatives welcome. Let’s continue advancing these critical conversations together.
By – Pooja Shimpi | Cybersecurity GRC & AI Governance Advisor | International Speaker
