The cybersecurity industry is continuously advancing to address the growing nature of digital threats. As technology becomes more integrated into every aspect of society, protecting data and systems cannot be overstated. Cybersecurity protects not just individual organizations but entire infrastructures, ensuring the reliability and safety of unified systems. The rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and quantum technologies has introduced opportunities and challenges, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate risks. The industry’s role in sustaining trust and enabling innovation underscores its relevance in today’s inter connected world.
Marcel Velica, a forward-thinking leader in the cybersecurity domain, has gained recognition for an approach that blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise. With a deep commitment to cultivating collaboration and innovation, Marcel creates inclusive environments where diverse perspectives drive solutions. Marcel’s leadership is known for staying connected to cybersecurity’s operational and strategic aspects and encourages open communication and a shared sense of responsibility among teams. This approach has enabled Marcel to guide teams effectively in addressing intricate challenges while maintaining alignment with broader organizational objectives.
Marcel’s vision for the cyber security industry is centered on driving a proactive, risk-based approach that integrates security into innovation from the outset. By championing principles like “security by design,” Marcel aims to bridge the gap between technological advancement and protection. Investing in advanced threat detection technologies, stressing continuous learning, and cultivating a resilient workforce are cornerstones of this strategy. Marcel’s commitment extends beyond immediate organizational goals, aspiring to shape the industry’s future by mentoring emerging leaders and promoting a global culture of cybersecurity resilience. This forward-looking perspective is imperative as the industry prepares for challenges posed by advancements such as AI, machine learning, and quantum computing, ensuring a safer digital sector for future generations.
In this interview, Marcel shares insights into the growing cybersecurity sector,drawing from a career of innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight. Let’s delve into how Marcel’s leadership is shaping the future of cybersecurity, enabling organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats while nurturing a culture of resilience and inclusion:
Can you tell us about your journey into the cybersecurity field? What drew you to this industry, and how has your path grown?
My journey into cybersecurity began with a fascination for technology and a desire to protect digital systems from malicious actors. As a computer science student, I was drawn to the constant evolution of cyber threats and the need for innovative solutions. Over the years, my path has taken me from hands-on technical roles to strategic leadership positions. My passion for staying ahead of emerging risks and empowering organizations to build cyber resilience has remained constant.
What is a typical day and how do you balance strategic oversight with hands-on leadership?
My typical day involves strategic planning, team leadership, and staying updated on the latest threat intelligence. I start each morning by reviewing overnight security alerts and briefing my leadership team.Throughout the day, I meet with various stakeholders—from C-staff members to frontline analysts—to align our cybersecurity efforts with business objectives.
I prioritize spending time on the operations floor, engaging directly with my team to understand challenges and provide guidance. Balancing strategic oversight with hands-on leadership is crucial, as it allows me to make informed decisions while staying connected to the day-to-day realities of our cybersecurity operations.
How would you describe your leadership style, particularly when managing cross-functional teams in high-stakes environments?
My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members feel confident in their innovation. In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, clear communication and trust are paramount.
I encourage open dialogue, celebrate successes, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. By setting a clear vision and empowering my team to take ownership of their areas of expertise, we can respond swiftly and effectively to growing threats.
In your experience, how can organizations maintain innovation without compromising cybersecurity? What strategies do you use to balance these often-competing priorities?
Balancing innovation with cybersecurity is an ongoing challenge that requires a proactive and integrated approach. I advocate for “security by design” principles, where cybersecurity considerations are built in to new technologies and processes from the ground up. This involves close collaboration between security teams and other business units from the earliest stages of innovation.
We’ve implemented a risk-based approach that allows us to prioritize security efforts based on potential impact. This enables controlled innovation in lower-risk areas while maintaining rigorous protection for critical assets.
How do you ensure you and your team stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a proactive defense?
Staying ahead of emerging threats requires a multifaceted approach. We invest heavily in threat intelligence capabilities, leveraging AI and machine learning to analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential risks. Regular tabletop exercises and red team engagements help us test our defenses and identify areas for improvement. I also prioritize continuous learning for my team, encouraging certifications, conference attendance, and participation in industry working groups to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity trends.
What are some of the most significant milestones or achievements you are particularly proud of in your cybersecurity career?
Leading global projects for a top 5 aerospace company was one of my proudest achievements. Working with cross- functional teams to implement a groundbreaking cybersecurity resilience program for aerospace systems. This initiative involved coordinating efforts across multiple global stakeholders to ensure compliance with emerging regulations, mitigating risks to critical infrastructure, and safeguarding operational technology against sophisticated threats.
Aerospace companies were promptly adopting digital technologies, another significant milestone. I spearheaded a comprehensive cybersecurity integration strategy to ensure secure digital transformation. This included designing scalable frameworks for secure Dev Sec Ops adoption and automating risk assessments across supply chains. The results were impressive accelerated time-to-market for new systems while maintaining an impeccable security posture, earning industry recognition for our innovative practices.
How do you manage to maintain a balance between your demanding work and personal life?
Maintaining work-life balance in a demanding field like cybersecurity is challenging but essential. I firmly believe in the importance of self-care and encourage my team to prioritize their well-being. I make time for regular exercise, meditation, and family activities.
I’ve found that stepping away from work allows me to return with renewed focus and creativity, ultimately making me a more effective leader. I also encourage my team to maintain a healthy work-life balance, recognizing that well- rested, fulfilled employees are more productive and creative in approaching cybersecurity challenges.
How do you stay adaptable and ensure your security strategies grow with new technologies and business demands?
Adaptability is key in the fast-growing sector of cybersecurity. Through continuous learning and networking, I stay informed about emerging technologies and their potential impact on our security strategies. We regularly reassess our security measures and adjust our strategies to address new threats and technologies.
I also create a culture of innovation within my team, encouraging them to explore new solutions and approaches to cybersecurity challenges. This mindset helps us stay ahead of the curve and adapt quickly to changing business demands.
What do you believe has been the key to your success in leading cybersecurity initiatives? Are there specific skills or mindsets that have been critical to your achievements?
The key to my success in leading cybersecurity initiatives has been a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking and strong communication skills. Understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity and the broader business context allows me to develop strategies that protect our assets while supporting business objectives.
Equally important has been the ability to translate complicated technical concepts into language that resonates with non-technical stakeholders. This skill has been crucial in gaining buy-in for cybersecurity initiatives across the organization. Cultivating emotional intelligence and building strong relationships across the organization have also been critical to driving successful cybersecurity initiatives.
What is the next big challenge for the cybersecurity industry, and how do you think your organization is prepared to face it?
The next big challenge for the cybersecurity industry is likely to be threat actors’ widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. These technologies have the potential to create more sophisticated and harder-to-detect attacks.
We’re investing in our AI and ML capabilities for threat detection and response to prepare for this challenge. We’re also focusing on developing a highly skilled work force that can leverage these technologies effectively while maintaining a human-centric approach to cybersecurity.
Another big challenge for our industry is addressing the security implications of quantum computing. As quantum technologies advance, they significantly threaten current encryption methods.
For those aspiring to take on leadership roles in cybersecurity, what advice would you offer to build technical expertise and leadership skills?
For aspiring cybersecurity leaders, I advise cultivating a diverse skill set beyond technical expertise. Develop a deep understanding of business operations, risk management and strategic planning. Seek mentors and opportunities to lead projects or teams, even on a small scale. Stay curious and committed to continuous learning as the field constantly grows.
Most importantly, practice effective communication—the ability to articulate intricate security concepts to diverse audiences is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects that push you out of your comfort zone. Remember that leadership in cybersecurity is about more than just technical knowledge—it’s about inspiring and guiding teams to protect and enable the organization’s mission.
What are your future goals for your career and the broader cybersecurity efforts you lead? What legacy do you hope to leave in this field?
Looking ahead, my goal is to drive a fundamental shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity—moving from a reactive, compliance-driven model to a proactive, risk-based strategy that enables business growth. I’m passionate about developing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and hope to establish a global mentorship program. Ultimately, I aspire to leave a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and resilience in cybersecurity, contributing to a safer digital future for all.
