Women in Cyber: Sonali Shah

In celebration of Women's History Month, we're spotlighting the incredible women of Cobalt throughout March. Each feature will share their unique cybersecurity journeys, insights, and career lessons they have learned.

How long have you been working in cybersecurity? How did you get started in the field? 

I've spent twenty-five years in cybersecurity, but my journey began in investment banking at Credit Suisse in Palo Alto. While there, I worked on deals for cybersecurity companies like Symantec, Veracode, and Sanctum. This experience gave me deep insight into the industry's evolving markets, and I was drawn to its rapid innovation and growth.

What has been the greatest reward of your career? What do you love most about your job? 

I have been fortunate to work with great teams that have achieved great success.I love seeing people that I hired years ago in entry-level roles now hold VP titles. It's great to be a part of someone's professional development and know that I helped them in some small way.

The biggest reward is what I am doing now–leading Cobalt! We have an opportunity to lead the offensive security space with our unique approach combining people and technology. What I love most:

• Meeting with customers and hearing how we have helped them secure their attack surface
• Leading a smart, hardworking, and kind team
• Creating a culture where everyone is aligned, feels valued, and is excited about our future
  
  

What has been the greatest challenge you faced in your career? 

I had to become comfortable with experimentation and failing fast. With a background in consulting and investment banking, I’ve always had an analytical mindset. But in the fast-moving world of technology, waiting for all the facts before making a strategic decision isn’t an option. Just 18 months ago, securing large language models (LLM) wasn’t even on most companies’ radar—now, it’s a critical need.

The key is to experiment, build incrementally, and test continuously. Gather customer feedback early and often. And most importantly, accept that you won’t always be right—but that’s part of the process.

What impact has female mentorship had on your life? Was the impact in a personal or professional setting? 

As a child, my dad instilled in me the belief that I could accomplish anything. I never saw being a short Indian American woman as a barrier in the workplace—until I encountered the challenges firsthand. But the confidence my parents nurtured in me from a young age became my greatest asset, helping me navigate and succeed in a male-dominated field.

Having worked mostly with men, I haven’t had many female mentors. But the few I have had have been incredibly supportive, offering guidance through tricky situations and reinforcing their belief in me—something that has made all the difference.

What is your advice to young female professionals coming into the workforce or into cybersecurity? 

This is a great industry to be in. It is one of global importance, and we need our best and brightest to secure the technology that runs our lives. The technology sector is not only an excellent field to work in, but it also holds immense global significance. Our daily lives are inextricably linked to technology, and ensuring its security is paramount. This necessitates the involvement of our most talented and intelligent individuals to safeguard the very technology that underpins our existence.

Is there a moment in recent memory, where you felt empowered by female representation?

Madeline Albright has always been a source of inspiration to me. I had the incredible opportunity to take her class at Georgetown University, where she shared her vast knowledge, sharp insights, and deep passion for global affairs. It was an experience that left a lasting impact on me, shaping the way I think about diplomacy and leadership. Not long after, she made history as the first female U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in international relations. Her legacy continues to inspire me to this day.

Learn More About Sonali

What are your favorite hobbies?

I love painting, reading, traveling, working with non-profits in the education space, and hanging out with my kids when they allow me to do so!