Microsoft’s Tannu Jiwnani on Responsible Innovation & Cybersecurity
Meet Tannu Jiwnani—one of TechArena's newest voices of innovation. Tannu is a a cybersecurity and identity leader who believes the future of innovation is responsible, secure, and inclusive.
We sat down with her to chat about security-by-design, blending AI with human oversight and creativity, why closing the talent and diversity gap is critical, and so much more. Check it out:
Q1) Can you tell us a bit about your journey in tech?
A: I began my career after graduate school in Florida, first as a business analyst and then as a data analyst focused on anti–money laundering. That experience was my introduction to fraud detection and prevention. My passion for problem-solving led me to pursue a master’s degree in Information Systems and Operations Management, which became the foundation of my career. Over the years, I have specialized in cybersecurity and identity protection, leading high-impact initiatives such as incident response to major cyber attacks and modernizing identity systems that safeguard millions of users. Beyond the technical work, I have made it a priority to mentor women and underrepresented groups, because I believe visibility creates possibility and I want others to see that they belong in cybersecurity too.
Q2) Looking back at your career path, what’s been the most unexpected turn that ended up shaping who you are today?
A: I never set out to build a career in cybersecurity. I was always an engineer at heart, and later a business school graduate focused on process, operations, and efficiency. For a long time, I thought my path would stay in those lanes. The most unexpected turn came when I landed in cybersecurity without prior experience or even much exposure. I still remember sitting in my first few meetings, listening to discussions full of technical jargon that didn’t make sense to me at the time. Instead of feeling defeated, I realized that this challenge was an opportunity to start from scratch and embrace the joy of learning on the job.
That experience taught me something profound about myself: I could thrive in unfamiliar territory if I was willing to be curious, ask questions, and stay persistent. It reshaped my confidence, showing me that expertise is built through resilience and openness, not by knowing everything on day one. It also made me appreciate the broader impact of cybersecurity, how the systems we protect touch millions of lives. Looking back, that unexpected leap into a field I never planned for became the defining moment that shaped my career, my leadership style, and my passion for making cybersecurity more inclusive for others who may not see themselves in it yet.
Q3) How do you define “innovation” in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape? Has your definition changed over the years?
A: For me, innovation is no longer just about creating something new. In today’s landscape, it is about creating something that is both impactful and responsible. When I began my career, I often thought of innovation in terms of speed, disruption, or the next big breakthrough. Over the years, I have seen that true innovation lies in solving meaningful problems, making technology more secure, and ensuring it is accessible to the people who need it most.
In cybersecurity, innovation is not only about staying ahead of cyber attacks, but also about designing systems that people can trust and use safely. My definition has shifted from a focus on novelty to a focus on sustainability, accountability, and long-term value. Innovation today is about building solutions that stand the test of time and make a positive difference across industries and communities.
Q4) How do you see the relationship between AI advancement and human creativity evolving? Are they competitors or collaborators?
A: Right now, the relationship between AI advancement and human creativity is a bit of a mixed bag that we are all still exploring. There is clearly a learning curve as we figure out how to use AI responsibly and effectively, and that means being mindful of both its strengths and its limitations. AI can accelerate what we do and open up new possibilities, but it also requires human oversight to ensure that outcomes are ethical, accurate, and truly innovative. I believe the future will not be about choosing between AI and human creativity, but about learning how to blend the two in ways that amplify our potential while keeping accountability at the center.
Q5) If you could solve one major challenge facing the tech industry today, what would it be and why?
A: If I could solve one major challenge in the tech industry today, it would be closing the talent and diversity gap. Despite all the progress we have made, there are still too many barriers that keep women, people from underserved communities, and nontraditional backgrounds from thriving in tech. We talk a lot about innovation and security, but without diverse perspectives at the table, we miss out on creative solutions and introduce blind spots into our systems.
Addressing this challenge is not just about hiring, it is about building inclusive pipelines, mentorship networks, and workplace cultures where people can grow and feel they belong. If we can solve this, the entire industry becomes stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create technology that works for everyone.
Q6) What's a book, podcast, or idea that fundamentally changed how you think about technology or business?
A: Professionally, one idea that fundamentally changed how I think about technology is that security is not just a feature, it is a foundation. Early in my career, I saw security as something that came after innovation, a layer to protect what was already built. Over time, I realized that the most resilient and impactful technologies are designed with security embedded from the very beginning. That shift has shaped how I approach every project, from identity protection to incident response. It also reframed how I think about business: security is not just about defense; it is about trust. When people trust the systems they use, adoption grows, opportunities expand, and innovation can truly thrive.
More recently, Atomic Habits by James Clear has been surprisingly practical for me. I know it is often talked about as a “hyped” book, but in moments when I am stretched thin, its focus on small, consistent actions helps me re-center and stay on track. It has been a reminder that progress often comes from building sustainable habits rather than relying on bursts of motivation, and that mindset has been invaluable in both my personal growth and professional resilience.
Q7) Outside of technology, what hobby or interest gives you the most inspiration for your professional work?
A: Outside of technology, planting and working out give me some of my greatest inspiration. Planting reminds me that growth requires patience, care, and the right conditions—lessons that influence how I think about nurturing teams and long-term strategies in cybersecurity. Working out gives me resilience and discipline. It reinforces the importance of consistency, pushing through challenges, and showing up even when it is difficult. Together, these hobbies keep me grounded, balanced, and focused; while also strengthening the mindset I bring into high-pressure situations at work.
Q8) What excites you most about joining the TechArena community, and what do you hope our audience will take away from your insights?
A: What excites me most about joining the TechArena community is the opportunity to connect with people who are just as passionate about technology as they are about its impact on the world. Communities like this create space for dialogue, collaboration, and fresh perspectives, which is where true innovation thrives. I am particularly excited to share insights from my journey in cybersecurity and identity protection, while also learning from others who bring different experiences and expertise.
Q9) If you could have dinner with any innovator from history, who would it be and what would you ask them?
A: If I could have dinner with any innovator from history, it would be Katherine Johnson. I first learned about her through the film Hidden Figures, and her story left a lasting impression on me. She not only shaped one of the most important moments in history by helping put humans on the moon, but she did so while breaking barriers of gender and race in a time when her presence in those rooms was questioned. I would ask her how she found the confidence to keep speaking up when she was often the only one of her kind at the table, and how she balanced the weight of that responsibility with the joy of doing groundbreaking work. Her courage, brilliance, and persistence continue to inspire me, especially as I think about what it means to show up fully in spaces where you may not always feel you belong.
Meet Tannu Jiwnani—one of TechArena's newest voices of innovation. Tannu is a a cybersecurity and identity leader who believes the future of innovation is responsible, secure, and inclusive.
We sat down with her to chat about security-by-design, blending AI with human oversight and creativity, why closing the talent and diversity gap is critical, and so much more. Check it out:
Q1) Can you tell us a bit about your journey in tech?
A: I began my career after graduate school in Florida, first as a business analyst and then as a data analyst focused on anti–money laundering. That experience was my introduction to fraud detection and prevention. My passion for problem-solving led me to pursue a master’s degree in Information Systems and Operations Management, which became the foundation of my career. Over the years, I have specialized in cybersecurity and identity protection, leading high-impact initiatives such as incident response to major cyber attacks and modernizing identity systems that safeguard millions of users. Beyond the technical work, I have made it a priority to mentor women and underrepresented groups, because I believe visibility creates possibility and I want others to see that they belong in cybersecurity too.
Q2) Looking back at your career path, what’s been the most unexpected turn that ended up shaping who you are today?
A: I never set out to build a career in cybersecurity. I was always an engineer at heart, and later a business school graduate focused on process, operations, and efficiency. For a long time, I thought my path would stay in those lanes. The most unexpected turn came when I landed in cybersecurity without prior experience or even much exposure. I still remember sitting in my first few meetings, listening to discussions full of technical jargon that didn’t make sense to me at the time. Instead of feeling defeated, I realized that this challenge was an opportunity to start from scratch and embrace the joy of learning on the job.
That experience taught me something profound about myself: I could thrive in unfamiliar territory if I was willing to be curious, ask questions, and stay persistent. It reshaped my confidence, showing me that expertise is built through resilience and openness, not by knowing everything on day one. It also made me appreciate the broader impact of cybersecurity, how the systems we protect touch millions of lives. Looking back, that unexpected leap into a field I never planned for became the defining moment that shaped my career, my leadership style, and my passion for making cybersecurity more inclusive for others who may not see themselves in it yet.
Q3) How do you define “innovation” in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape? Has your definition changed over the years?
A: For me, innovation is no longer just about creating something new. In today’s landscape, it is about creating something that is both impactful and responsible. When I began my career, I often thought of innovation in terms of speed, disruption, or the next big breakthrough. Over the years, I have seen that true innovation lies in solving meaningful problems, making technology more secure, and ensuring it is accessible to the people who need it most.
In cybersecurity, innovation is not only about staying ahead of cyber attacks, but also about designing systems that people can trust and use safely. My definition has shifted from a focus on novelty to a focus on sustainability, accountability, and long-term value. Innovation today is about building solutions that stand the test of time and make a positive difference across industries and communities.
Q4) How do you see the relationship between AI advancement and human creativity evolving? Are they competitors or collaborators?
A: Right now, the relationship between AI advancement and human creativity is a bit of a mixed bag that we are all still exploring. There is clearly a learning curve as we figure out how to use AI responsibly and effectively, and that means being mindful of both its strengths and its limitations. AI can accelerate what we do and open up new possibilities, but it also requires human oversight to ensure that outcomes are ethical, accurate, and truly innovative. I believe the future will not be about choosing between AI and human creativity, but about learning how to blend the two in ways that amplify our potential while keeping accountability at the center.
Q5) If you could solve one major challenge facing the tech industry today, what would it be and why?
A: If I could solve one major challenge in the tech industry today, it would be closing the talent and diversity gap. Despite all the progress we have made, there are still too many barriers that keep women, people from underserved communities, and nontraditional backgrounds from thriving in tech. We talk a lot about innovation and security, but without diverse perspectives at the table, we miss out on creative solutions and introduce blind spots into our systems.
Addressing this challenge is not just about hiring, it is about building inclusive pipelines, mentorship networks, and workplace cultures where people can grow and feel they belong. If we can solve this, the entire industry becomes stronger, more resilient, and better equipped to create technology that works for everyone.
Q6) What's a book, podcast, or idea that fundamentally changed how you think about technology or business?
A: Professionally, one idea that fundamentally changed how I think about technology is that security is not just a feature, it is a foundation. Early in my career, I saw security as something that came after innovation, a layer to protect what was already built. Over time, I realized that the most resilient and impactful technologies are designed with security embedded from the very beginning. That shift has shaped how I approach every project, from identity protection to incident response. It also reframed how I think about business: security is not just about defense; it is about trust. When people trust the systems they use, adoption grows, opportunities expand, and innovation can truly thrive.
More recently, Atomic Habits by James Clear has been surprisingly practical for me. I know it is often talked about as a “hyped” book, but in moments when I am stretched thin, its focus on small, consistent actions helps me re-center and stay on track. It has been a reminder that progress often comes from building sustainable habits rather than relying on bursts of motivation, and that mindset has been invaluable in both my personal growth and professional resilience.
Q7) Outside of technology, what hobby or interest gives you the most inspiration for your professional work?
A: Outside of technology, planting and working out give me some of my greatest inspiration. Planting reminds me that growth requires patience, care, and the right conditions—lessons that influence how I think about nurturing teams and long-term strategies in cybersecurity. Working out gives me resilience and discipline. It reinforces the importance of consistency, pushing through challenges, and showing up even when it is difficult. Together, these hobbies keep me grounded, balanced, and focused; while also strengthening the mindset I bring into high-pressure situations at work.
Q8) What excites you most about joining the TechArena community, and what do you hope our audience will take away from your insights?
A: What excites me most about joining the TechArena community is the opportunity to connect with people who are just as passionate about technology as they are about its impact on the world. Communities like this create space for dialogue, collaboration, and fresh perspectives, which is where true innovation thrives. I am particularly excited to share insights from my journey in cybersecurity and identity protection, while also learning from others who bring different experiences and expertise.
Q9) If you could have dinner with any innovator from history, who would it be and what would you ask them?
A: If I could have dinner with any innovator from history, it would be Katherine Johnson. I first learned about her through the film Hidden Figures, and her story left a lasting impression on me. She not only shaped one of the most important moments in history by helping put humans on the moon, but she did so while breaking barriers of gender and race in a time when her presence in those rooms was questioned. I would ask her how she found the confidence to keep speaking up when she was often the only one of her kind at the table, and how she balanced the weight of that responsibility with the joy of doing groundbreaking work. Her courage, brilliance, and persistence continue to inspire me, especially as I think about what it means to show up fully in spaces where you may not always feel you belong.
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