Threat Vector by Palo Alto Networks Trailblazers in Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Women Leading the Charge
Mar 13, 2025
Kristy Friedrichs, Chief Partnerships Officer at Palo Alto Networks, and Tanya Shastri, SVP of Product Management, discuss their transformative journeys in cybersecurity. They emphasize the vital role of mentorship and continuous learning while tackling challenges like balancing personal and professional growth. The pair also highlights how cybersecurity and AI intersect, stressing collaboration and innovation in the field. Their stories inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this dynamic realm, underlining the importance of community support and embracing curiosity.
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From Consulting to Cybersecurity
- Kristy Friedrichs transitioned from consulting to the observability space before cybersecurity.
- She was drawn to cybersecurity's mission of protecting digital life.
From Networking to Security
- Tanya Shastri's background in networking and information theory led her to data analytics and AI.
- This interest in securing data brought her to Palo Alto Networks.
Inspiration and Mentorship
- Sama Manchanda's cybersecurity journey began with an inspiring professor at USC.
- Mentorship played a crucial role in her cybersecurity path.