Margareta Petrovic: Firewalls to Fashion

Margareta Petrovic is a rare powerhouse bridging two seemingly worlds apart—cybersecurity and luxury fashion. As a global leader at Tata Consultancy Services, she’s shaping the future of digital security across major industries. At the same time, she’s the visionary founder of Luna Fashion House, a luxury brand dedicated to empowering women through timeless elegance. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to female leadership, Margareta is redefining what it means to lead with strength, style, and purpose. Her work inspires women to break barriers and confidently embrace their ambitions. Beyond business, Margareta balances her demanding career with motherhood and a love for travel, proving that success can be multifaceted.

You are the Global Managing Partner for Risk and Cybersecurity Consulting at TCS while running a luxury fashion brand—what sparked your passion for both industries, and how do you balance innovation across such different worlds?

A single principle has always guided my journey: be the kind of leader who not only foresees change but also inspires it. Cybersecurity means architecting controls and processes that protect billions in customer value. Fashion means creating garments that elevate a woman’s sense of power and femininity. The Luna Fashion House has played an integral role in my career evolution: slipping into a perfectly tailored Luna suit never fails to remind me that projecting confidence through ideas and images is a catalyst for success.

At first glance, the world of firewalls and fashion might seem light years apart, but they are fiercely complementary. In consulting, you must be a well-rounded individual—up to speed on emerging technology trends, attuned to shifting market dynamics, and equipped with relentless curiosity. You need to innovate continuously, fuel your passion day in and day out, and yes, wear clothing that inspires you, elevates your energy, and makes you feel unstoppable. My mornings might begin with a deep dive into zero-trust frameworks and end with selecting the perfect Luna fabric swatch. Still, the underlying goal is identical: drive positive change, maintain the highest standards of quality, and project an image that draws people in and rallies them behind a shared vision.

Balancing these worlds is not about compartmentalizing but about weaving them together. I leverage design sprints learned in cybersecurity and add creativity to fashion. Next, I apply data-driven modeling to optimize Luna’s supply-chain resilience. In both arenas, success hinges on expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and the confidence from knowing your appearance and your ideas are equally well crafted.

What are the most significant cybersecurity challenges industries like healthcare and life sciences face today, and how are you leading solutions that address them with vision and agility?

Across every sector, whether healthcare, finance, or energy, cybersecurity professionals shoulder immense responsibility: safeguarding public trust, protecting critical infrastructure, and preserving the privacy of personal data. Today’s threat landscape is more complex than ever. As technology evolves, adversaries leverage AI-driven attacks, exploit supply-chain vulnerabilities, and weaponize geopolitical tensions for cyber espionage and disruption. With mainframes humming beside vast cloud estates and AI workloads, our environments are labyrinthine, and the global shortage of skilled cyber talent, coupled with budgetary constraints, only amplifies the challenge.

Authentic cybersecurity leadership is an art of orchestration: balancing risk mitigation with business imperatives and treating cyber risk as a critical component of enterprise risk. I’ve spearheaded cross-disciplinary risk councils that bring together boards, technology leaders, and compliance teams, shifting the conversation from “tech issue” to “business imperative.” This alignment has driven significant budget reallocation toward proactive defenses: AI anomaly detection, continuous control testing, and rapid incident response playbooks that mirror the urgency of clinical response protocols in hospitals.

Importantly, as boards and executives increasingly recognize cyber as a strategic risk area, the demand grows for professionals who grasp both technology and business. This evolution has opened doors for women in cybersecurity who bring a natural ability to view challenges holistically, considering people, processes, and technologies in unison. Though women remain underrepresented, those who step forward shine brilliantly, galvanizing teams and delivering solutions that address today’s threats and position organizations for tomorrow’s challenges.

From boardrooms to fashion runways, your work centers on empowering women—how does Luna Fashion House reflect your mission to help women lead confidently and elegantly?

I touched on this philosophy earlier: women are inherently brilliant, and when given the courage and opportunity to grow, they transform any environment, corporate boardroom, or entrepreneurial venture alike. Yet, many organizations are still adjusting to the idea that women aren’t just participants but accelerators of innovation and healthy competition. In every context, the way you present yourself—your posture, your attire, the energy you radiate—communicates volumes.

That’s where Luna Fashion House enters the picture. Founder Biljana Jovanović had the foresight to create designs that seamlessly blend strength and femininity. I discovered Luna early in my career, tested its impact on my own confidence, and watched doors open as colleagues and clients responded to not only my insights but also the poised image Luna instills. Now, as Luna Fashion House’s U.S. ambassador, I feel a profound responsibility to champion this vision, empowering women to stand tall, to be seen, and to assert their voices—because when one woman rises, we all rise.

Supporting and empowering women through style is, for me, an extension of my work in technology—both are about equipping individuals with the tools they need to excel. Whether it’s mentorship in a cyber training program or selecting a statement blazer from Luna’s latest collection, the goal is the same: build a community where women feel emboldened to take risks, innovate boldly, and uplift one another for the collective greater good.

How has your experience in cybersecurity influenced your approach to building Luna Fashion House’s e-commerce platform and brand identity?

Decades of leading large-scale transformation projects taught me the value of end-to-end oversight: anticipating every potential bottleneck, orchestrating global teams, and ensuring flawless execution. When I recognized the gap in the U.S. market for Luna Fashion House’s caliber of craftsmanship, I leveraged that same discipline to architect our e-commerce platform. I insisted on “security by design,” embedding encrypted data flows and multi-factor authentication from the outset—but I also applied rigorous project management practices honed in cybersecurity programs.

Beyond the technical foundations, I have to admit I love watching people’s reactions when I reveal how seamlessly security and style can intertwine. There’s a moment of surprise when a customer realizes that the woman behind this polished portal also safeguards their data with the same tenacity she applies to style details. I thrive on smashing that outdated assumption—that women who care about their appearance can’t be experts—by leading with both my technical expertise and my passion for elegance.

In practical terms, we stress-test every user flow like a penetration test: monitoring click-through rates, load times, and conversion funnels to ensure that our digital runway is as seamless as our physical designs. And just as in security, we iterate relentlessly, analyzing metrics, gathering feedback, and deploying improvements on a continuous-delivery cadence. The result is a shopping experience that feels as empowering as slipping into a perfectly tailored Luna dress—and as reassuring as knowing your personal information is under lock and key.

I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration of hunting for clothes that truly fit, flatter, and boost confidence, so at https://www.lunafashionhouse.com we’ve transformed those challenges into seamless solutions. Every piece is carefully crafted for the perfect proportions and timeless elegance you deserve, and our full collection is available online 24/7. Whether you’re traveling across time zones or squeezing in a quick wardrobe refresh between meetings, you can explore and select your next favorite outfit whenever—and wherever—it suits you, so you always feel empowered and poised for whatever comes next.

You’ve been recognized as a leader in male-dominated sectors—what barriers have you faced as a woman in tech, and what advice do you offer to women aspiring to executive roles or entrepreneurship?

I’ve faced every possible obstacle you can imagine. From being dismissed in conference rooms to enduring skeptics who barked discouragement like barnyard roosters, I learned early on that naysayers thrive on your attention, so I chose instead to focus on results and quality. I don’t gauge people by their past glories or their titles; I look at what they deliver today and how they shape tomorrow. That mindset has kept me fiercely focused on team morale and performance. I’ve lost count of the times someone has told me, “I feel energized after that brainstorming session,” simply because I lead by doing—rolling up my sleeves alongside my teams, delivering tangible outcomes, and celebrating every small victory.

Leadership isn’t won by flattery or politics; it’s claimed through consistent performance and the ability to inspire others to bring their best. Whether navigating office alliances or defusing favoritism, my competitive advantage has always been authenticity and unwavering standards. There is no substitute for inspiring high performance: it transforms stakeholders into advocates and transforms careers into legacies.

I took a more challenging path, focusing on my core values, and it worked. I climbed all the way to the top in a male-dominated field. With this experience, I know that impossible is just an opinion, and I want to see many more women achieve their goals that may seem impossible initially. Women are so capable, inspiring, and add genuine care, attention to all aspects, and quality. That is our competitive advantage.

My advice to women aiming for executive roles or entrepreneurship is simple: let your work speak louder than your fears and surround yourself with people who elevate you. Focus on quality, cultivate resilience, and never let someone else’s narrow vision dim your drive. When you demonstrate that you can deliver—whether in boardroom briefings or product launches—everyone else has no choice but to sit up, listen, and follow.

Whether it’s building secure digital infrastructures or couture collections, how do you lead teams to stay innovative, collaborative, and purpose-driven?

Innovation, at its core, thrives on elegance, simplicity, and purpose—whether you’re orchestrating a digital transformation or designing a signature Luna silhouette. There’s no room for cookie-cutter “fast” solutions, be they off-the-shelf cybersecurity frameworks or mass-produced fashion lines. Every step must be thought through: conceived with intent, prototyped with rigor, tested to perfection, and executed with precision.

In practice, that means applying the same principles across all domains: we craft security architectures as meticulously as we select our fabrics, designing user-centric processes that safeguard data while empowering users, and creating brand narratives that resonate emotionally while reflecting our commitment to quality. We run continuous feedback loops—be it performance metrics on a security dashboard or A/B tests on a product page—ensuring that every iteration is better than the last.

By fostering cross-discipline “innovation labs,” we break down silos: engineers prototype runway-inspired interfaces, and designers learn threat-modeling techniques. This cross-pollination sparks creative breakthroughs and cements a shared sense of purpose. Ultimately, it’s about instilling a culture where every team member, whether in code or couture, knows they’re contributing to something greater than themselves: a world where technology and design uplift people, protect communities, and empower women to lead confidently.

You’re deeply passionate about mentorship and advocacy—what initiatives or speaking engagements have made the greatest impact in advancing women in leadership and tech?

Let’s set technical topics aside for a moment. The most impactful engagements I lead are for women in technology—a field still rife with cultures that expect women to be seen, not heard. My mission is to encourage these brilliant professionals to claim their space, then arm them with practical strategies for navigating the complexities of family, tradition, and corporate hierarchies. It’s a sensitive conversation, but the transformation I’ve witnessed over the years—women stepping into CISO roles, launching startups, negotiating board positions—fills me with immense pride.

Speaking isn’t just about telling an inspiring story; it’s about catalyzing action and measurable change. After keynote sessions, I host “open-door” roundtables where junior analysts can brainstorm with me directly—no hierarchy, no gatekeepers. It may sound exhausting, but every conversation fuels my passion. Hearing a young engineer say, “Your words gave me the courage to ask for a seat at the table,” or a mid-career professional share how they’ve implemented my roadmap for work-life integration—that’s the true ROI of mentorship.

I’ve also partnered with leading conferences to launch micro-scholarships and peer-coaching circles, ensuring that support networks extend beyond a single speech. Whether you’re mentoring tomorrow’s cyber defenders or tomorrow’s style icons, the goal is the same: create sustainable pathways for women to grow into their fullest potential.

What does success look like to you, beyond business growth, when it comes to legacy, leadership, and personal fulfillment?

Success for me transcends profit margins and market share. The lives are uplifted, the systems fortified, and the confidence instilled in every woman who crosses our path. My proudest moments aren’t awards on a shelf but reflections in the eyes of mentees who’ve scaled global teams, of clients whose infrastructures hum securely under our guidance, and of customers who feel transformed by a Luna Fashion House silhouette.

Leadership success means building cultures where excellence and empathy coexist—where analysts feel safe to innovate, designers feel heard, and the intersection of technology and fashion becomes a launchpad for inclusive empowerment. It’s about embedding values so deeply that they outlast any individual: a commitment to integrity, a belief in continuous improvement, and an unwavering focus on quality.

On a personal level, fulfillment comes from knowing I’ve shown my daughter what it means to dream without limits. It’s in carving out time for her passions—celebrating her swim meets, sharing laughter over “teen talk,” and empowering her to ask bold questions. When she looks up to me as both a mother and a trailblazer, I know I’ve created a legacy that extends far beyond financial success—it’s a legacy of courage, connection, and purpose.

As a global executive and mother, how do you stay grounded, and what values guide how you show up in both your professional and personal life?

My highest priority is my daughter, and I prove it every single day. Beyond mere words, I built a genuine friendship with her: we joke over the latest teen trends, pick out her study outfits, and share stories on long flights. I never miss a swim practice or meet, because being present is how trust and confidence are forged. Today, she’s a confident, inquisitive young woman who tackles challenges head-on—a testament to the values I strive to embody and impart.

The same core principles guide me at work: integrity, being part of the solution (never the problem), unwavering positivity, and a relentless pursuit of quality. I cultivate meaningful relationships by treating everyone, with no regard for seniority, gender, or origin, with respect and curiosity. I believe leadership is service: service to people, to projects, and to the greater mission of empowerment. This alignment between my personal and professional values keeps me grounded, ensures my decisions resonate authentically, and sustains the energy I pour into every endeavor.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you—whether in cybersecurity, fashion, or your mission to empower women worldwide?

I aim to leave a legacy of empowerment. I am a Legacy Maker because I’ve dedicated my life to empowering others, breaking down barriers, and leaving a trail of inspiration for those who come after me. I’m creating a legacy that proves women can lead, can excel, and can do so with strength and grace.

• Resilience is key: Success comes from how you rise after setbacks, not from avoiding failure.
• Stay true to yourself: Authenticity is your greatest strength—don’t change to fit someone else’s mold.
• Empower others: Leadership is about inspiring and lifting up those around you, not just yourself.
• Quality over quantity: Whether in business or life, focus on creating something meaningful and impactful.
• Embrace your uniqueness: What makes you different is often your greatest asset—own it and use it to your advantage.
• Balance is success: True success isn’t just about professional achievements; it’s about having a fulfilling life.
• Women can lead: Never underestimate the power of a woman who’s determined and confident in her abilities.
• Don’t let anyone define you: The world may try to limit you, but only you have the power to set your boundaries.
• Every gift comes with responsibility: Use your talents and gifts to inspire and help others.
• Success is a journey, not a destination: Keep evolving, learning, and growing—success is found in the process.

Moving forward, I will continue forging the intersection of secure digital ecosystems and empowering fashion experiences, promote smart-fabric wearables that safeguard health data, support Luna Fashion House’s artisan partnerships globally, and expand mentorship platforms so every woman with ambition finds the resources and community she deserves. My mission remains unwavering: to light the torch for the next generation of women leaders, ensuring they step boldly into a world primed for their brilliance.