IWD 2026, The Women Who Move Us: Gigi Schumm

Gigi Schumm is SVP, Americas Sales at Securonix.

Please tell us about yourself and your journey in the tech/startup world.

I’ve spent more than 45 years in technology, with over 25 in cybersecurity, and my journey has been anything but linear. I began in technical documentation, and I quickly moved into software development and discovered a passion for the people side of technology, working with customers, uncovering their needs and translating them into real solutions. That curiosity and love of learning-by-doing shaped the rest of my career across go‑to‑market, sales and services leadership.

Just recently ThreatQuotient, the company I was with for eight years, was acquired by Securonix and I was very involved in the sale of the company and its integration. It was a challenge and a big change, but I embraced it. I find cybersecurity to be a very fulfilling and engaging sector to be a part of because it never stands still, and neither do I.

What has been one defining moment in your career so far, and how did it shape the way you lead or build today?

A defining moment was having a CEO, John Thompson at Symantec, believe in my potential before I fully believed in it myself. He gave me opportunities based on my capability, and I learned an enormous amount simply by watching how he led with clarity, consistency and composure. That experience shaped my own leadership philosophy to meet people where they are, understand their strengths, and help them grow into new opportunities. Today, I try to be the kind of leader who sees potential before it’s proven and builds teams that are empowered, supported, and ready for bigger things.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech/startup landscape, and how did you navigate them?

Across my career, I’ve often been the “first” or the “only”. The first woman in a leadership role, the first salesperson to have a baby and return to work, or the only woman in the room. It created extra pressure to prove myself and to be overly conscious of how my communication might be perceived. Passion could be labelled emotional, and advocacy mistaken for pushiness. I navigated this by anchoring my performance in credibility, consistency, and communication. Over time, the landscape has improved, but those early experiences shaped my commitment to supporting women coming up behind me.

What’s something you think the tech world/startup industry is getting right when it comes to supporting women?

The industry is getting better at recognising the value of diverse leadership and at making conversations about inclusion part of everyday business rather than a side initiative. I see more women taking on senior technical and commercial roles, more mentorship, and a growing awareness that different communication and leadership styles are strengths rather than deviations from the norm.

Conversely, where is there still work to be done in supporting women in tech and startups?

While progress is real, women are still often the “only female” in the room, and that brings a lot of pressure. More needs to be done to normalise different leadership styles, challenge unconscious biases, and make sure women aren’t penalised for being direct or ambitious. We also need to start much earlier, encouraging girls to be bold, curious, and confident from the beginning. Women must feel they can lead authentically. This is something I am keen to teach my granddaughters every chance I get – even though one is only 2 ½!

Looking ahead, what change would you most like to see for women in tech over the next five years?

A meaningful change over the next five years would be women moving from being underrepresented participants in tech to being recognised decision‑makers, innovators, and owners of the most influential parts of the industry. That shift is both the biggest gap today and the most powerful lever for long‑term equality. I’d also like to see:

• Women leading AI, cybersecurity, and cloud teams, not just participating in them.
• More women in CTO, CISO, and founder roles, where strategic decisions are made.
• Equal access to high‑growth fields like AI, ML, cybersecurity, and cloud, areas highlighted as the biggest opportunity zones for women in 2026.
• A measurable closing of pay and promotion gaps, which remain persistent despite progress.
• Mentorship and sponsorship becoming the norm, given that women with mentors see significantly faster career progression and higher satisfaction.
• Cultural change that reduces burnout and attrition, two of the biggest challenges women face in tech today.

What advice would you give to women who are just starting out in tech or considering founding their own company?

Give yourself the gift of time. Your career doesn’t need to be perfectly mapped from day one. Try new roles, volunteer for opportunities, and learn what energises you and what doesn’t. Trust that skills compound in unexpected ways. Seek mentors who see your potential and challenge you to grow. And most importantly, don’t let stereotypes or self‑doubt dictate your path. This industry moves fast and rewards curiosity, resilience, and boldness. If you stay open to learning, you’ll find your place, and you may just surprise yourself.

Wins and Wisdom: A Quick Q&A

We did a quick Q&A to find out more about Gigi and who she is – here’s what she had to say.

1. Who is a woman, past or present, who inspires you the most and why?

I’ve been inspired by a multitude of women across many fields. When I was 9 years old, I became obsessed with reading biographies of famous women. Back then, it was Clara Barton, Susan B. Anthony, and Florence Nightingale. Later, it was Mother Theresa, Sally Ride, Madeleine Albright, and most recently Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Michelle Obama. I find the stories of women who were the first to accomplish something, or who really broke the glass ceiling, to be irresistible and inspiring.

2. What’s a book, podcast or resource that has helped shape your career?

Early in my career, when I was still an individual contributor, I took a leadership course called Situational Leadership. It taught that while it’s important to have consistent practices and norms, it is more important to see people as individuals — to assess their level of skill and their motivation. Leadership is not one size fits all, and I try never to forget that.

3. Can you share a quote or mantra that motivates you when things get tough?

The quote that motivates me (and I’m not sure it’s a quote, but it’s something I tell my team as well as myself) is “We don’t get paid to report the news; we get paid to make the news.”

4. What’s one win or achievement from your career that you’re especially proud of?

I’ve had a lot of wins (and some losses) in my career. But the thing I’m most proud of is when someone who worked for me years ago tells me that I was the best manager they ever had, or that I had a lasting impact on them. There is absolutely nothing better.

5. What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you motivated and inspired every day?

Every day I walk (outside in nice weather; on my treadmill otherwise) for two miles. It’s only 30 minutes of my day, but it clears my head and lets me refocus.

Would you like to participate in our 2026 International Women’s Day Interview series? Contact us