In today's digital landscape, building secure solutions is paramount to combatting contemporary cybersecurity challenges. With the proliferation of cyber threats such as data breaches, and supply chain attacks, organizations must prioritize security measures. Secure solutions not only safeguard sensitive data and infrastructure but also mitigate financial losses, protect brand reputation, and ensure regulatory compliance. Given this, Ashwini Siddhi emphasizes that by prioritizing robust security measures, businesses can adeptly maneuver through the changing threat environment and uphold trust with their stakeholders.

Ashwini Siddhi is a seasoned industry professional and the Director at GODADDY. In her role at GODADDY, Ashwini combines her deep technical knowledge with her commitment to fostering an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem. She continues to push the boundaries of cybersecurity innovation while advocating for greater representation and diversity within the industry.

Below is an excerpt of Ashwini Siddhi’s exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneur magazine.

What are some important facets of your life and professional journey?

Looking back on my life and career journey, I see a story full of discovery and determination. I chose to study engineering because it felt like the best option at the time. Later, I moved into the IT field, but I still yearned for a more creative outlet. Then, by chance, I found myself drawn to cybersecurity, where I found my passion and purpose. Embracing the unknown, I explored new areas and came out stronger. My experience shows the importance of staying resilient and open to new possibilities, proving that following your true passion can lead to meaningful growth and fulfilment.

Introduce us to GODADDY. Tell us about the various responsibilities you shoulder as the Director at the firm.

As Director at GODADDY, I oversee pivotal aspects of our platform's security and strategic direction. Renowned for web hosting and domain management, GODADDY serves as a cornerstone for countless digital ventures. Spearheading the product security domain, I lead efforts to embed robust security measures from inception to deployment, fostering a culture of resilience and innovation. Additionally, as a trusted advisor to the CTO, I provide strategic guidance to align our initiatives with a security-first approach. In navigating the complex digital landscape, my team and I are dedicated to empowering users and safeguarding their online aspirations, ensuring that GODADDY remains an example of reliability and integrity in the digital realm.

In your opinion what are the key challenges you encounter in your current role? What steps do you take to overcome these roadblocks?

In my perspective, a significant challenge in my role, and indeed in the broader security landscape, is the struggle to instil a security-first mindset. Unlike revenue-generating endeavours, security is often viewed as a value-add rather than a direct profit centre. Convincing stakeholders of its paramount importance requires a concerted effort to bridge this perception gap. It demands vocal advocacy within the organization and industry at large, coupled with comprehensive training initiatives to elucidate the repercussions of neglecting security. Building a cohesive network of like-minded individuals, and fostering collaboration through forums, is pivotal in amplifying our collective voice. By nurturing a culture of security awareness and resilience, we can surmount these challenges and fortify our defences against evolving threats.

You are vocal about promoting D&I within organizations. Tell us about your thoughts on the importance of D&I for organizational success.

Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) form the cornerstone of organizational excellence. They foster an environment where myriad perspectives converge, igniting innovation and propelling growth. From product development to problem-solving, diverse teams offer a combination of insights that enrich every facet of our operations. Beyond bolstering creativity, D&I cultivates a sense of belonging and empowerment among employees, driving engagement and retention. Moreover, they reflect our commitment to equity and fairness, aligning with broader societal values. By championing D&I initiatives, organizations not only enhance their brand name but also harness the full potential of their workforce. In essence, D&I isn't just a moral imperative - it's a strategic imperative that fuels competitive advantage and paves the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Tell us about the most significant milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey so far.

Reflecting on my professional journey, it's challenging to pinpoint a single milestone as the most significant. However, a big moment for me was when I helped banks make online banking safer and encouraged people to get into cybersecurity. Whether it was enhancing security for e-commerce platforms or spearheading initiatives for marginalized groups, I take pride in knowing that my efforts have made a tangible difference in people's lives. Moreover, being recognized as a leader and receiving accolades has been humbling and validating. Yet, the true reward lies in the gratitude and inspiration of those who see my work as a blueprint for their aspirations. It's these moments of connection and impact that fuel my passion and drive for excellence.

Ashwini Siddhi, Director, Godaddy

Ashwini Siddhi, Director at GODADDY, is a cybersecurity trailblazer with a rich background. With substantial contributions to leading IT firms, she possesses extensive expertise in security architecture and design. Ashwini is dedicated to advancing digital resilience and empowering organizations through innovative cybersecurity strategies.