Chasing Curiosity: Ketty’s Journey to Palo Alto Networks

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Ketty

Director

Domain Consulting
Mediterranean

Career Advice | Career Development | Culture

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Chasing Curiosity: Ketty’s Journey to Palo Alto Networks

When Ketty chose to study mathematics and computer science at her university, she was expecting to focus more on the mathematics side of the program.

“IT was completely new to me and I knew absolutely nothing about it - it was just pure curiosity,” explained Ketty. “As time went on, I realized I was actually much better at computing than math, and then my university launched a brand-new cybersecurity track. I jumped in, curious to see what it was all about, and it became one of the best decisions of my life. In cybersecurity, you never stop learning and you get to challenge yourself every single day.”

Ketty has come a long way since her first cybersecurity internship nearly 18 years ago, and said that “being in a heavily male-dominated field wasn't always easy, especially as a young woman in a deeply technical role.” But, shared Ketty, while she “used to be unsettled by the skepticism I occasionally faced, I eventually turned it into my greatest strength. Today, I walk into any room knowing I am entirely legitimate, and I am proud to have pushed my boundaries to prove that expertise and passion know no gender.”

Learn more about Ketty’s journey below.

You began your cybersecurity career with an internship. Now, you’re a member of the Idira team and serve as Director, Domain Consulting for the Mediterranean region. Why are you passionate about leading your team?

What makes me so passionate about my team is the unique bond we’ve built. I am incredibly proud to lead a stable, loyal, and highly talented group of experts who genuinely support one another—in fact, our turnover has been exceptionally low over the past nine years. We have grown and evolved together, building an unbreakable bond of trust.

We have created a true 'safe place' where we can give honest feedback while remaining deeply focused on our business goals. They know they can count on me, and I know I can count on them. Even during challenging times, our unity is what keeps us strong. My passion comes from protecting this culture, leading by example, and keeping the team energized.

Eighteen years in cybersecurity is an impressive accomplishment! What moments contributed to your growth?

I am incredibly grateful for the journey I’ve had so far, and there are a couple of milestones that stand out as moments of true pride for me.

In my previous role as a Solutions Engineer (SE), we faced a highly complex POC where our technology didn’t fully meet the client's needs. I was determined to give it everything I had and leave no room for regrets. I worked around the clock, teaming up closely with R&D and support to bridge the gaps while staying by the client's side every step of the way. Alongside an amazing sales partner, our absolute dedication paid off and we won the deal.

Thanks to a supportive management team that trusted me, I was given the opportunity to grow from an SE to Team Lead, then Southern Europe Manager, and finally Mediterranean Director. But this journey wouldn't mean as much without my fantastic team; seeing them grow right alongside me over the years and building that mutual trust is my ultimate reward. This empowering environment is what allowed me to unleash my creativity, take bold initiatives, and push past my limits to truly thrive.

What is your favorite part of working at Palo Alto Networks? What are you most excited about for the future?

What I love most at Palo Alto Networks is the combination of fast-paced action and forward-thinking innovation. I love how PANW drives bold initiatives, aligns teams behind a clear vision, and executes at speed.

But what truly sets this culture apart for me is the mantra: “We fail early, fail fast, and move forward.” In a fast-moving market, having the psychological safety to test ideas, catch mistakes quickly, and immediately use those learnings to improve is incredibly powerful. Knowing there is always a new challenge to tackle and room to grow is what keeps me energized every day.

I’m currently focused on Identity Security, but being part of the largest cybersecurity company in the world opens up an endless horizon of possibilities—both for continuous learning and career growth. We are at the dawn of the AI era, and things are moving incredibly fast. PANW completely gets it. Being able to actively participate in this profound cybersecurity transformation, rather than just watching it happen from the sidelines, is what excites and motivates me the most.

What advice would you give to a young professional looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

My biggest advice is: don't just chase certifications - chase curiosity.

Never be afraid not to know everything. This industry evolves every single day, and AI is accelerating that pace. Your greatest asset will never be a fixed set of knowledge; it will be your ability to keep learning. Having a solid technical foundation is important, but it’s only the beginning.

When I look to hire, the people who truly stand out to me aren't just the tech experts—they are the ones who are genuinely curious, motivated, and serious. Ultimately, remember that cybersecurity is a team sport. Your technical skills might get you through the door, but your capacity to collaborate, communicate, and translate complex problems into clear business outcomes is what will make you successful.

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