Today on toptalks : Meerah Rajavel, born and raised in the small town of Virudhunagar near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, had her life set on an early course. In 1992, just after completing her engineering degree, Meerah Rajavel married at the age of 20, following the tradition in her community where early marriages were common. Despite the cultural norms, Meerah Rajavel’s parents were supportive of her education, although her opportunities were limited to studying within a close radius of Madurai.

Introduction to Technology Rajavel’s journey into the world of technology began in her school years when she was introduced to computers in the tenth standard. This exposure led her to develop a keen interest in programming, eventually continuing her studies in computer science at Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai. Her early marriage, while conforming to societal expectations, became a pivotal moment in her life, leading her to new opportunities and challenges.

Breaking Barriers in the Tech Industry After her marriage, Rajavel moved to Bengaluru with her husband and began applying for jobs. However, securing employment was not straightforward. She faced biases related to her marital status, with potential employers questioning her long-term availability and family plans. Despite these challenges, her husband’s unwavering support encouraged her to persevere. Eventually, she secured her first job as a programmer at Lotus Infotech, working on turnkey projects for large corporations.

After three years of work, Rajavel took a break following the birth of her daughter. Her company was understanding and offered her the option to return when she was ready—an unusual offer at that time. After some time with her family, she decided to explore the job market again. A spontaneous interview at Infosys in 1996 led to her joining the product engineering team, working with Nortel Networks as a client.

Expanding Horizons Rajavel’s career took a significant turn when she was offered a position in North Carolina to work closely with Nortel Networks. This move was challenging, but with her husband relocating to California for his own job, they managed to support each other. Rajavel joined a startup in the U.S., laying the foundation for a diverse career spanning 25 years across top IT companies, including Cisco, McAfee, Forcepoint, and now, as Chief Information Officer at Palo Alto Networks.

Throughout her career, Rajavel has remained deeply connected to technology. Her focus has always been on leveraging technology to achieve specific outcomes, whether for society at large or specific populations. She has consistently aimed to stay at the cutting edge of both technology and business, striving to learn and apply her knowledge in broader contexts.

Passion for Cybersecurity Rajavel’s interest in cybersecurity began during her time at Cisco in 2001 and continued to grow when she moved to McAfee. The rise of cyber threats, such as the “I Love You” virus, piqued her interest in the field. Today, as CIO at Palo Alto Networks, she oversees a team of 1,000 people responsible for all the technology that keeps the company running efficiently. Her team ensures the smooth operation of 44 global offices, manages applications for customers, and provides essential business and technology infrastructure.

Overcoming Challenges and Mentoring Rajavel has faced numerous challenges throughout her career but views each one as an opportunity rather than a setback. She believes that understanding the risks involved and accepting them with confidence can turn potential failures into successes. Rajavel is also aware of the gender biases that persist in the tech industry, particularly at higher levels of management. She advocates for system-wide support and guidance to help women advance in their careers.

Mentorship has played a significant role in Rajavel’s journey, both as a mentor and a mentee. She values the mutual learning process that mentorship offers, helping others discover their passions while continuously learning and growing herself.

Looking Ahead Meerah Rajavel’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for technology. Her journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to the C-suite of a leading cybersecurity company is a testament to her belief in turning challenges into opportunities and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Her career serves as an inspiration to many, particularly women in tech, to push boundaries and strive for excellence despite the odds.