Embracing Change: A Vision for Women in Technology Leadership
In a rapidly evolving landscape marked by technological innovation and shifting paradigms, the presence of women in leadership, particularly in the fields of technology and cybersecurity, remains a pressing concern. Alona Geckler, Senior Vice President of Business Operations and Chief of Staff at Acronis, serves as a beacon of insight and inspiration in this arena. Her journey highlights the transformative power of adaptability, credibility, and the drive for inclusive team environments as key ingredients for empowering women to ascend in their careers.
Navigating Transitions: The Power of Embracing the Unknown
Geckler’s career trajectory is defined by significant leaps into the unknown. Each transition—from marketing to sales, sales to business unit ownership, and eventually stepping into a Chief of Staff role—presented unique challenges that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. Her move to Acronis after a notable 11-year tenure at Microsoft was particularly pivotal, demanding the reinvention of her professional identity within a new corporate culture and an unfamiliar sub-industry.
“Those moments were challenging and sometimes intimidating, but they were also when I learned the most,” Geckler reflects. “Stepping into unfamiliar territory builds resilience. It teaches you that results aren’t achieved alone but through a collective effort.” This philosophy underscores the essence of her leadership style: trust in her team and a relentless focus on collaboration.
Unpacking Barriers: The Need for Representation
Despite strides toward equality, the challenges women face in leadership persist. Geckler identifies a stark representation gap: only about 30% of global leadership positions are held by women. In the realm of cybersecurity, this figure dives even further; women occupy a mere 16% of the workforce according to industry studies. Geckler emphasizes the implications of this disparity, particularly in critical roles requiring crisis leadership and decision-making, where executive credibility is often forged.
Moreover, access to advanced skills—especially in AI and data governance—remains a concern. While optimism grows among women leaders regarding advancements in gender equity, nearly half still observe stark gender imbalances in AI leadership positions. Addressing these challenges, she argues, goes beyond rhetoric. “It requires intentional development of skills, visibility in strategic forums, and proactive sponsorship that actively accelerates women into influential roles,” she asserts.
Building Credibility: A Results-Driven Approach
In environments where women are often underrepresented, Geckler has cultivated her credibility by prioritizing performance and collaboration. “Nothing speaks more clearly than results,” she insists. Through her systematic approach to accountability and consistency, she has recognized that trust is earned, particularly in high-stakes situations.
She emphasizes the importance of remaining calm under pressure, articulating clear reasoning, and standing firm in decision-making. “Delivering results while empowering strong teams is the ultimate formula for influence.” By making data-driven decisions and focusing discussions on impact, Geckler has not only secured her credibility but also paved the way for others to succeed.
Leadership in the Age of AI: A New Governance Discipline
As technology continues to reshape industries, Geckler notes that leadership has evolved into a governance discipline. The rapid advancement of AI compresses decision cycles and amplifies both opportunity and risk. “In cybersecurity, AI enhances defense but equally fortifies attackers’ capabilities,” she warns. This dual-edged nature of technology requires leaders to manage transitions rather than simply debate the inevitability of change.
At Acronis, Geckler acknowledges the need for a robust framework of formal AI usage rules and accountability. “AI is both an innovation and governance consideration,” she explains, underscoring the importance of comprehensive security training that addresses the responsible use of technology.
Skills for the Next Generation of Female Leaders
Looking ahead to the future, Geckler emphasizes that the next wave of women leaders will require a balanced skill set of technical fluency and interpersonal acumen. “Systems thinking and AI literacy are becoming essential as technology decisions increasingly impact regulation and customer trust,” she states. Yet, equally important are the human skills that organizations cannot delegate to machines—skills like negotiation, compromise, and the ability to unify diverse teams around shared objectives.
“The future belongs to those who can integrate technological understanding with emotional intelligence,” she asserts, making a compelling case for the inherently human elements of leadership.
The Crucial Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Geckler’s ascent within her career, offering her perspective and confidence during pivotal moments. “Having senior leaders advocate for you in decision-making forums accelerates access to visibility and responsibility,” she notes.
At Acronis, she leads a structured mentorship program that pairs high-potential professionals with executive leaders, fostering an environment of inclusive leadership development. “Sponsorship is vital; research shows that employees with advocates are 23% more likely to advance,” she adds, highlighting the tangible benefits of supportive networks within organizations.
Moving Beyond Policy: Cultivating Authentic Inclusive Cultures
While policies set the groundwork for diversity and inclusion, Geckler points out that they do not guarantee meaningful implementation. Organizations need to embed equitable opportunity into their strategic execution. “Companies with diverse leadership teams report significantly higher innovation revenue,” she emphasizes.
To transcend mere compliance, organizations must establish transparent metrics that hold leadership accountable and integrate diverse perspectives into the fabric of decision-making. For Geckler, truly inclusive cultures also focus on retention, ensuring that supportive environments enable women to thrive and progress in their careers.
Future Aspirations: Shaping Change Beyond International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day serves as a moment for reflection, but Geckler insists that true progress hinges on structural changes in the workplace. “Real change means women being entrusted with critical decision-making authority,” she declares. As investments in technology and cybersecurity surge, the integration of inclusion must become an essential component of leadership pipelines.
Geckler’s vision extends beyond symbolic gestures, aiming for a future where women are granted ownership of high-impact responsibilities—a shift that would naturally lead to greater diversity in leadership and propel the industry’s advancement.
In an era primed for transformation, Alona Geckler’s insights offer not only a blueprint for aspiring leaders but also a road map for organizations looking to foster equitable environments. As women continue to carve out their space in technology and cybersecurity, embracing change and cultivating inclusive teams will be instrumental in shaping a brighter future.
