The Insight Lounge

A space for personal, authentic, and raw stories from me and others. Dive in to explore insights, experiences, and ideas that inspire and empower.

Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

From the Only Woman in the Room to CISO of the Year: Monique Hart’s Story

Monique has been more than just an industry leader to me—she’s been a mentor, a guiding force, and a true advocate for my growth. She doesn’t just talk about lifting others up—she lives it. This interview is a reflection of everything I’ve learned from her, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the wisdom she shared.

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Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

Beyond the Hashtag: Turning ‘Accelerate Action’ into Real Change

Every year on International Women’s Day, we see a wave of hashtags, celebratory posts, and panel discussions about women in tech and beyond. Visibility matters, but true progress isn’t about a single day of recognition—it’s about taking tangible actions that drive lasting impact all year long.

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Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

Rooted in Culture and Art, Rising in Tech: The Journey of Chloe Gao (Gao Xing)

Few people embody resilience, authenticity, and innovation quite like my dear friend, Chloe Gao (Gao Xing). A brilliant software engineer, Chloe combines technical expertise with a thoughtful and artistic spirit. From building cutting-edge SaaS solutions to embracing her Chinese heritage with pride, she is redefining excellence in tech.

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Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Fake It Till You Make It? Nah, You Already Had It

I was young, ambitious, and eager to make an impact, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have moments of doubt. Leading conversations with leaders, executives, doctors, and even presenting to the board was intimidating. I’d often find myself wondering, Am I an imposter? Do I really know enough to be here? Am I doing this right?

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Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

Cybersecurity Careers: A Field Built on Diverse Talents

When I started my journey into cybersecurity during my undergraduate studies in computer science, I was captivated by the world of ethical hacking. The idea of outsmarting bad actors to protect organizations and individuals was thrilling. But it wasn’t until I entered the workforce that I realized cybersecurity was so much more than just coding, hacking, and firewalls.

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Maliha Charania Maliha Charania

Rewriting the Rules: Fearlessness Over Experience

I promised I’d be vulnerable, and this space is not about listing my resume or giving a formal bio. It's about being my authentic self and sharing my story. So, where do I begin? Let's start from the beginning.

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The content on this blog and website reflects a combination of my personal experiences, perspectives, and insights, as well as interviews and contributions from other individuals. It does not represent the opinions, policies, or strategies of any organization I am currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past. This platform serves as a personal space for sharing ideas, lessons learned, and meaningful reflections.

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