Secure Compliance Solutions is honored to spotlight Katherine (Kate) Kuehn, Area Vice President of Global Cybersecurity for World Wide Technology. Kate's journey into technology wasn't planned – with an educational background in politics, PR, and art, she stumbled into tech through a chance interview after posting her resume on HotJobs.com in 1999. What began as a detour from law school blossomed into a 25-year career at the cutting edge of cybersecurity and AI.

"Technology was never supposed to be my path. It was never supposed to be a career I had, and I can't imagine my life without it. It is who I am as a human," Kate shared in our recent interview.

A Career Defined by Innovation

Throughout her impressive career, Kate has held numerous leadership roles across the cybersecurity ecosystem – from CISO and CEO to CRO and Chief Trust Officer at companies including Aon, BT Group plc, Verizon, and several early-stage cybersecurity firms. Her comprehensive understanding of the industry's many facets gives her a unique perspective few can match.

Kate was on the frontlines during some of the industry's formative moments – leading pioneering projects in DDoS protection, Ethernet as a network (CPA), and early SaaS/IaaS implementations. She witnessed firsthand some of the earliest cyberattacks against financial services markets, experiences that shaped her mission of making the world a safer place through technology.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges

Throughout her career, Kate has often found herself the only woman in the room, but rather than seeing this as an obstacle, she embraces the unique perspective she brings to the table. Her mission? To make the world a safer place through technology and to ensure there are "no more firsts" for women in tech.

As a mother of five, Kate understands the challenges many women face balancing career and family. She temporarily stepped into an individual contributor role while her children were young before returning to executive management – despite warnings she'd never "rise again."

"My goal is that we end up in a career or culture from a technology, cyber, AI perspective where there are no more firsts. And we all have an inclusive seat at the table," Kate explains.

Leadership Beyond the Office

Kate's influence extends beyond her day job. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for HYAS, the Cybermaniacs, and the National Technology Security Coalition (NTSC). As a trusted advisor, thought leader, and published author, she specializes in helping risk executives and boards navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and elevated threat environment.

Her expertise in correlating security, traditional IT initiatives, and AI implications has made her a sought-after voice in the industry. When not transforming the cybersecurity landscape, Kate splits her time between Tucson, Arizona and Long Lake, Illinois with her family. An avid hiker and sailor, she can usually be found outdoors – when not behind the wheel of her "trusty minivan" taking her five children to sports practices and games.

A Message for the Next Generation

For aspiring women in cybersecurity, Kate offers this encouragement: "Cyber technology is an area where we can include everyone. Come on in, the water's fine. Never lose sight of the work-life balance because there is nothing more important than having balance."

At Secure Compliance Solutions, we're committed to fostering this inclusive environment that Kate champions – creating workplaces where diverse voices are valued and where career growth doesn't require impossible choices between professional success and personal fulfillment.

This Women's History Month, we're inspired by leaders like Kate Kuehn who are blazing trails and leaving the cybersecurity world "safer in the hands of better technologists and leaders" than when they entered it.

Citation

Kuehn, K. (2025, March 29). Personal communication [Personal interview].