She Creates: Seema Kathuria
“
Always believe you will learn anything.”
Seema Kathuria
Passionate about technology and how it can enhance people's lives, I've been successfully marketing Cybersecurity and Compliance solutions. From 2017-2019, I was lead Program Manager for Microsoft Security Intelligence Report, which has been a top performing marketing asset offering information and insights on threat trends and security best practices. I am focused on helping the enterprise sales organization confidently position Microsoft's end-to-end story and solutions spanning security, compliance and identity to global organizations, who are going through a digital transformation, adopting cloud and SaaS.
What gets you up every morning?
Being alive and in sound health, for my loved ones (children, spouse, parents and sisters).
How did you get your start?
After a series of summer internships until my graduation with a BS in Computer Engineering, took up both unpaid and paid job opportunities in the tech industry post graduation during a slow job market post 9-11 tragedy. People were willing to trains me teach me about working in engineering and marketing roles early in my career.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I am either writing content or in marketing meetings over Microsoft Teams to plan and operationalize sales enablement content and Go-to-Market programs and socializing Microsoft Cybersecurity approach and solutions.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Learning and retelling customer stories about how Microsoft is empowering them to achieve more.
What do you credit your success to?
Mentors and those who “took a chance” with me early on in my career.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Be willing to learn no matter what your position or “achievements” and stay humble.
What is your earliest memory of wanting to pursue a career in STEM?
Elementary school days (3rd grade or earlier maybe) when I liked learning math and did well in it.
What is your super power, the thing you bring to your work every day that sets you apart from the rest?
Listening carefully to others so I can incorporate their feedback (concerns and desires) effectively into my work to help achieve more for our customers.
STEM can be intimidating and difficult to digest by the general public. You’ve found a way to bridge that gap and bring your work to audiences in an accessible way. What’s your secret?
Always believe you will learn anything. Everyone can if they try hard enough.
If there’s one small step we can take to get more women involved in STEM, what is it?
Keep advocating that both women and men —anyone—can learn and achieve anything they want to in STEM. They can get the help and resources they need if they express that they want to.
How important is community to you? How are you fostering a community?
While this is very important, fostering a community is something I am working on with input from the experts who have done this successfully. It is one of my current professional goals.
What do you want to be known for?
Effectively empowering sales teams to educate and become trusted advisers to customers (organizations).
College & Major ?
San Jose State University: BS in Computer Engineering.
What are some apps on your phone?
Microsoft: Word, PowerPoint, Office, Teams; Retail: Amazon; Social: Facebook, LinkedIn
One piece of Tech you cannot live without?
iPhone