04 July 2024

Kanwar Loyal, VP for Northern Europe & MEA, Cato Networks

Who was your hero when you were growing up?
Growing up, my heroes were quite diverse, ranging from Liverpool players like Jan Mølby and the legendary Bruce Grobbelaar, to the iconic Bruce Lee. I was so enamoured with the football world and martial arts that I even asked my parents if I could change my name to Bruce, inspired by both Grobbelaar and Lee. It’s funny how my enthusiasm for martial arts blended seamlessly with my passion for football, and these two Bruces became my idols during my formative years.

What was your big career break?
My significant career breakthrough occurred during the early days of my time at Imperva. It wasn’t so much a break, but rather the influence of an exceptional manager who wholeheartedly believed in my capabilities. This endorsement proved to be a game-changer, providing me with the freedom and inspiration I needed to thrive. In an industry often characterised by micromanagement, having someone who genuinely believed in me, demonstrated that support and encouragement makes a profound impact. I believe there’s a distinct contrast between management and leadership in our industry. It seems that we’re surrounded by many managers but only a handful of true leaders. Since that moment, my career has been on an upward trajectory, fuelled by the confidence and opportunities that stemmed from that important encouragement and guidance.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice isn’t something explicitly given to me, but more of a philosophy I’ve embraced. One mantra that has become a guiding principle for me is - ‘win the morning, win the day.’ I try to accomplish as much as possible before noon, whether it’s personal, work, or family. I firmly believe in maintaining a balance across these aspects of life to create fulfilment.

Additionally, another piece of advice I’ve adopted is to ‘lead with gratitude.’ This approach has significantly altered my perspective on life and career. Resentment and unhappiness seem prevalent in many people’s lives, gratitude has become a powerful lens through which I view the world. Understanding that different parts of the world find happiness in varied expectations has been eye-opening. In the cyber industry, I recognize the privileged position we hold, given the high demand for our skills. This perspective is a result of leading with gratitude each day, acknowledging the fortunate choices we’ve made in our career paths.

If you had to work in a different industry, which would you choose?
Given my love for travel and belief it has the power to make the world feel either expensive or intimate, I would choose to work in the travel industry. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that travel can broaden the mind and expose us to countless cultures and experiences. The world is vast, and there’s so much happening beyond our immediate knowledge.

Personally, I am an avid consumer of travel content, and it’s the one thing I consistently watch on television. Whether it’s exploring different destinations or understanding unique cultures, travel programming has a special place in my heart. If I were to venture into a different industry, I would want to contribute to the world of travel, helping others explore and appreciate the diverse wonders our planet has to offer.

Where would you live if money was no object?
I would undoubtedly choose to live along the Mediterranean. The appeal lies not only in the warm climate but also in the rich culture of the region. My friends who reside in Continental Europe have shared stories of casually driving down to Portugal for the day, highlighting the ease of exploring different countries in the area. While I appreciate the allure of living in various places, particularly in Asia, the convenience and charm of Europe, especially along the Mediterranean, resonate with me. Whether it’s Portugal or the southern coast of Italy, the Mediterranean offers a perfect blend of climate, culture, and accessibility that I find immensely appealing.

What’s the greatest technological advancement in your lifetime?
The most remarkable technological advancement in my lifetime has undoubtedly been the internet. Considering that individuals in their twenties nowadays may not have experienced a childhood without it, the impact is profound. It’s not just about the Internet itself but how it has seamlessly interconnected every aspect of our lives. From shaping our identities to influencing how we connect and stay connected, this interconnectivity is the hallmark of our era, all rooted in the inception of the Internet.

While this has brought about incredible benefits, such as better communication and accessibility to information, it has also created issues, notably the proliferation of disinformation. Despite the drawbacks, the pros of this technology are numerous, making it a transformative force that has reshaped the way we live and interact.