TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Margareta Petrovic

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Margareta Petrovic is a seasoned Cybersecurity and Risk executive who stands out as a beacon of dynamism and dedication in the technology landscape. She currently steers the helm of Risk and Cybersecurity Consulting at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global powerhouse in technology services.

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Since the outset of her career, Margareta's trajectory has been defined by resilience and determination, qualities that have propelled her to the upper echelons of her industry. From her earlier positions at Wipro, where she led integrated cybersecurity solutions, to her role as head of health and public services at Accenture, she has consistently broken barriers and excelled against all odds, specifically in a male-dominated field. On a personal level, Margareta has demonstrated the same resolve, from attaining a bachelor’s degree in electronics, a master’s degree in computer science, and certifications as an Information Systems Security Professional and an Information Security Auditor to her unforeseen relocation to a new country.

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Originally from Serbia, fate put Margareta on a transformative journey to the United States. Arriving with a single carry-on bag, she surmounted the succeeding obstacles gracefully and fortified. Despite the difficulties of mastering a new language and integrating into a different culture, Margareta's unwavering determination propelled her to persevere. It is no surprise that Margareta would thrive in her new surroundings and enjoy its inherent challenges. Of course, it didn’t hurt that she is a member of Mensa with an IQ of 152.

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Since that fortuitous emigration, Margareta has amassed a wealth of experience that encompasses rescue cybersecurity, consulting, and the development of unique solutions aligned with business objectives. Her expertise extends to technology modernization, functionality expansion, simplifying decentralized environments, and securing and using emerging technologies to drive efficiencies. Her work is not just about protecting assets; it's about enabling businesses to thrive safely in the digital world. Margareta's approach to cybersecurity blends her comprehensive expertise with a genuine passion for driving positive change, characterized by her creative energy and deeply infectious enthusiasm.  Through these proficiencies, Margareta safeguards shareholder value and enables clients to mitigate business risks effectively. While she brings comprehensive end-to-end experience to her role, her unique ability to drive positive change within organizations has been equally instrumental in her success. Her approach is characterized by creativity and an utterly contagious energy, as often described by her colleagues and clients. This enthusiasm, coupled with her passion for making a difference, fuels her drive to tackle challenges head-on. “I  greet each new day with a deep-seated belief that I can make a meaningful impact on the world,” she shares. “My goal is to inspire and motivate others to think innovatively.”

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We spoke with Margareta to learn more about TCS operations and her client-centric approach to cybersecurity.

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Margareta, can you expound on TCA’s global presence?

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We have approximately 600,000 employees based in India, providing services globally. TCA is part of the Tata Group, which comprises around 100 companies, so we maintain a rather large footprint in the industry.

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What services does TCS offer, and how does it differentiate itself from a relatively saturated landscape?

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At Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), we're not just investing in technology but pioneering the fusion of high-end risk and cybersecurity consulting with our robust technological capabilities to create unparalleled business value. This strategic synthesis is designed to elevate strategy through seamless technology integration, setting a new standard in the consulting sector. Across many industries, our consulting services are crafted not merely to address challenges but to redefine them, transforming complex business problems into opportunities for growth and innovation.

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What truly distinguishes TCS is our unwavering belief in the power of positive change. We are champions of the impossible, armed with a mindset that views every challenge as a stepping stone to success. This philosophy is embedded in our DNA, empowering us to navigate the most daunting challenges, adapt with agility, and emerge stronger, ready to lead the next wave of digital transformation.

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At TCS, we're not just consultants but partners in your journey toward transformation. Our investments in risk and cybersecurity consulting are a testament to our commitment to safeguarding your digital assets and ensuring they propel your business forward. In an era where change is the only constant, TCS stands apart by turning today's investments into tomorrow's assets, ensuring that together, we're not just prepared for the future—we're defining it.

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What is your specific area of expertise within cybersecurity, and what does your role as a global managing partner for risk cybersecurity training entail?

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In a world where innovation is the currency of progress, my journey in cybersecurity has been anything but ordinary. At Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), I've had the privilege of not just growing with the security landscape from its nascent stages but truly shaping it. From sparking the first ember of an idea to overseeing its transformation into a robust, operational reality, my hands-on experience spans the full spectrum of solutioning, implementation, and management. Yet, the heart of my impact lies beyond mere expertise.

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What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to fostering innovation—both within TCS and amongst our esteemed clients. Cybersecurity is vast and evolving, and mastering its various facets—from consulting portfolio management and growth to governance and compliance—has been thrilling. My experience navigating critical infrastructure architecture, championing continuous improvements, and pioneering automation has taught me one undeniable truth: real change doesn’t stem from following the beaten path.

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Encouraging and inspiring new ideas isn't just a part of my job; it's a passion that drives me. At TCS, we understand that making a meaningful difference requires breaking molds, challenging the status quo, and daring to envision the unimagined. My unique differentiator lies in my ability to not only dream of change but to actualize it. Through strategic and operational planning, capital planning and investment control, and addressing IT skills gaps, I aim to optimize performance and revolutionize it.

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In my role, leading the design and implementation of high-performance technology solutions is just the beginning. I navigate through every project phase with a vision beyond the present, from the initial feasibility to the final enhancements. By forging partnerships and alliances at the highest levels, I ensure that our technology infrastructure isn’t just enhanced—it’s transformed.

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This journey of transformation at TCS is not a solo endeavor. It’s a collaborative mission, powered by a shared vision with our clients, to anticipate the future and create it. In a world that waits for no one, our commitment to innovation ensures that we're not just participants in the digital age—we're pioneers, leading the charge toward a secure, innovative future.

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Lastly, Margareta, can you tell us about your interests outside of business?

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For me, balancing the rigorous demands of professional life with quality time spent with loved ones isn't just a priority; it's a source of strength and renewal. Traveling for pleasure opens new horizons, allowing me to experience the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and ideas. These journeys are not just escapes but opportunities to see the world from different perspectives, enriching my personal and professional worldview.

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Hiking and running in the tranquility of nature provide a stark contrast to the digital environments I navigate daily. These activities are my sanctuary, offering a space for reflection, inspiration, and connection with the natural world. The challenges of a steep trail or the endurance needed for a long run mirror the resilience and perseverance required in my professional life.

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Home improvements, on the other hand, offer a tangible sense of accomplishment outside the realm of digital victories. Transforming a space, solving practical problems, and creating a nurturing environment for my family and friends to enjoy is a deeply rewarding experience. It's a reminder that making a difference can take many forms, from securing digital landscapes to creating a comfortable and inviting home.

This holistic approach to life—valuing the moments of connection with loved ones, the adventures that travel brings, the rejuvenation found in nature, and the satisfaction of enhancing one's living space—is what truly enriches my journey. It’s a testament to the idea that while our professional endeavors may define our contributions to the world, our personal experiences and relationships are what truly shape us. In this blend of professional excellence and personal fulfillment, I find the true essence of making a meaningful impact—not just in the realm of cybersecurity but in the tapestry of life itself.

 

 

Margareta Petrovic
Global Managing Partner for Risk Cybersecurity Consulting
Tata Consultancy Services
Website: https://www.tcs.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margareta-petrovic-28b73310/