WIZE Woman of Impact in APJ: Sandra Wang

Questions:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My journey in IT began back in university where I pursued a major in cybersecurity. It was during this time that a recruiter approached me with an opportunity to join McAfee as a Sales Engineer. Intrigued by the company's reputation, I decided to take on the role after graduating. You could say that I stumbled into the role of a Commercial Sales Engineer by "accident."

2. What about your work at Zscaler gets you excited to wake up every day?

I wake up excited to work at Zscaler every day due to the perfect blend of cloud and security, two areas I value in a role. The company's strong brand and high-quality products fill me with pride. As a Sales Engineer, I find fulfillment in going beyond technical aspects and interacting with customers daily. Resolving their issues throughout the sales cycle brings me great satisfaction and fuels my motivation. Making a difference for our customers is what truly excites me at Zscaler.

3. What's the one experience that helped you grow the most (personally or professionally)?

Working with a customer at The Iconic had the most profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It forced me to confront imposter syndrome when the audience didn't understand my message but grasped it immediately when presented by a male colleague. This experience made me reevaluate my confidence and focus on what I could control. I learned to prioritize self-improvement and adaptability, overcoming imposter syndrome and approaching challenges with a renewed mindset. This transformative experience empowered me to grow both personally and professionally.

4. What achievement are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of landing my first role in Australia straight out of university. As an international student and migrant, my journey has been challenging. Securing this role without a clear career path validated my hard work and marked the beginning of a new chapter. It symbolized my ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and pursue my passion for cybersecurity. This achievement holds a special place in my heart, reminding me that perseverance and determination can overcome any obstacles in achieving my goals.

5. What has been the most impactful event during your career journey?

The presence of an experienced mentor has been the most impactful event in my career journey. My manager at McAfee provided valuable guidance and taught me effective message delivery. Having a framework to follow brought structure and confidence to my role. I appreciate the support of my mentor and manager for laying a strong foundation in presales. Their mentorship shaped my skills and contributed to my professional development, enabling continuous growth in my career. I am grateful for their impact on my journey and the strong foundation they established.

6. Tell us about the importance of connecting to your sense of purpose - what inspires you?

Connecting to a sense of purpose is vital to me, especially in the cybersecurity field. I am inspired by helping enterprises navigate digital transformations and ensure their security. Traveling as part of my role allows me to explore diverse places and cultures, and connect with people from various backgrounds. This combination of passion and engagement fuels my drive to learn, grow, and make a positive impact. With enthusiasm, I contribute to the success of enterprises in their digital transformation journeys.

7. How does well-being fit into your notion of success?

Well-being is crucial to my definition of success. My mindset has shifted from seeking external validation through achieving outcomes to focusing on doing my best and prioritizing my well-being. Recognizing my strengths and weaknesses has been vital. It has helped me understand the importance of seeking help to leverage the strengths of others. This realization brings balance and overall well-being. Success, to me, encompasses personal growth, work-life balance, and nurturing relationships. Prioritizing my well-being and finding fulfillment in all aspects of life defines my success.

8. What do you do outside of work to stay motivated?

To stay motivated outside of work, I engage in activities that bring me joy and help me grow. Spending time with friends and participating in outdoor activities rejuvenates my spirit and provides a well-deserved break. Additionally, I challenge myself to learn something new, such as pursuing cybersecurity certificates beyond what Zscaler covers. This push for continuous learning allows me to broaden my perspective on my role and stay dynamic in an ever-evolving industry. I live by the motto, "becoming is better than being," embracing the idea that constant growth and adaptability are essential. This core belief fuels my drive and motivates me to play hard and work hard.

9. Do you have any tips for someone wanting to work in your role?

Firstly, utilize LinkedIn and social media platforms to connect with professionals in the industry and expand your network. This approach helped me secure my first role at McAfee by attending cybersecurity events and connecting with a TA from my previous company. While technical skills are crucial, don't overlook the importance of developing strong interpersonal skills. Focus on honing your ability to communicate effectively and establish yourself as a trusted advisor. Remember, you are still learning and growing in this area.

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