Emily Mossburg is the leader of Deloitte’s Global Cyber practice. She leads Deloitte’s Global Cyber strategy, focusing on innovative solutions for clients, as well as expanding the practice’s global reach. Under Emily’s leadership, Deloitte’s Cyber practice has seen significant growth and was recently ranked No. 1 in Security Services by revenue in the 2024 Gartner® Market Share: Security Services, Worldwide, 2023 report.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Digital First Magazine, Emily shared her professional trajectory, insights on diversity and inclusion in tech, her favorite quote, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Emily. Can you walk us through your background and what you’re most passionate about in your work?
While my degree from Northwestern University was in Environmental Science, I started working in Information Technology and Information Security very soon after graduating. I have worked in several areas of cybersecurity including data risk, incident and breach response, identity management, and cyber resilience. Over my 20+ years at Deloitte, I’ve been able to serve some of largest global clients and help them better understand their cyber posture, transform their cyber programs, and improve their response to cyber incidents. My career has always been about connecting the dots—between people, ideas, and opportunities. What fuels me most is helping others succeed by working together to solve challenges that might seem insurmountable on their own. Seeing the impact of collaboration—whether it’s enabling a team to thrive or protecting organizations in innovative ways—continues to inspire me every day.
What aspects of your current role bring you the most joy and fulfillment?
The global culture at Deloitte is deeply rewarding. Over the last few years as Global Cyber Leader, I have been able to witness the evolution of our cyber practice in real time—including the co-creation of new offerings with our alliance partners and the shift to more implementation and managed service delivery. Watching that growth, both in terms of the organization, geography, and the individuals within it, brings me immense joy. It’s fulfilling to know that the work we do not only impacts businesses but also builds a stronger, more secure digital future globally.
What are your thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cybersecurity?
We are at the forefront of something truly transformative when it comes to AI and machine learning in cybersecurity. These technologies present an incredible opportunity—but also a responsibility. We have a chance to design these systems with security embedded at the core, ensuring they are as much a shield as they are a tool. It’s an exciting space, and I believe that by prioritizing innovation with integrity, we can harness AI to reshape the way we approach cyber threats.
How do you attract, retain, and develop top cybersecurity talent in a competitive market?
At Deloitte, our approach to attracting and retaining top cybersecurity talent is simple: we put people first. In such a competitive field, we focus on creating a supportive and flexible environment that fosters growth, values diversity, and recognizes individual’s unique strengths.
Work-life balance and flexibility are essential to keeping our teams engaged and resilient. We understand that cybersecurity can be demanding, so we empower our people to find the right balance through adaptable work arrangements. Authentic, compassionate leadership also plays a key role—we encourage open dialogue and prioritize well-being so that everyone feels genuinely supported.
Diversity is crucial in cybersecurity, where a range of perspectives drives innovative solutions. Through initiatives like Women in Cyber, we recruit people from all backgrounds, allowing us to tackle challenges from fresh angles. At Deloitte, diversity is about building teams that reflect a variety of skills, experiences, and ideas.
We believe in helping people leverage their strengths, defined not only by what they excel at but by what they’re passionate about. When team members can pursue projects that excite them, they bring greater creativity and energy to their work. Our goal is to offer meaningful opportunities that inspire our people to grow, innovate, and stay motivated.
In short, attracting and retaining top talent at Deloitte means building a culture where people feel valued, respected, and inspired every day.
What impact do you believe increased diversity and inclusion would have on innovation, creativity, and progress in your industry?
Fostering diversity and inclusion directly drives innovation, creativity, and progress within cybersecurity. Our field is one of constant change and complexity, and a diverse workforce brings the range of perspectives needed to tackle new challenges with fresh insights and unique solutions. Deloitte’s own commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially through initiatives like Women in Cyber, highlights how diversity strengthens our industry and creates a more adaptable, resilient cyber workforce.
Personally, I’m passionate about increasing the representation of women in cybersecurity, an industry where we’ve historically been underrepresented. During the RSA Conference and through platforms like the Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge, I’ve advocated for more inclusivity, encouraging women to step into cyber roles. Women often bring collaborative, multidimensional approaches, which are essential as cyber expands beyond traditional technical roles into areas like risk management and data privacy. The diverse viewpoints of women and other underrepresented groups are crucial for innovation as they allow us to anticipate threats in new ways, safeguard our clients’ assets, and secure a safer digital environment for everyone.
What leadership qualities and skills do you believe are essential for driving growth and transformation, and how do you embody those qualities in your own leadership style?
Driving growth and transformation requires a blend of visionary thinking, adaptability, and genuine care for people. A leader must be able to both inspire and empower teams by creating an environment where everyone’s ideas are valued. At Deloitte, we emphasize “agility with purpose” — balancing our commitment to long-term goals with the flexibility to innovate and adapt quickly.
Personally, I strive to foster an open, collaborative culture where team members feel supported in exploring new ideas and taking calculated risks. By leading a people-centered approach, I believe in empowering others to create a sense of ownership and purpose, which is essential for sustained growth and transformation.
Resilience is another essential quality, especially in the fast-evolving field of cybersecurity. Challenges in this space can be intense, and leading through them requires fostering a culture of trust, transparency, and support. I work to create an environment where setbacks are viewed as learning opportunities, and where team members feel safe to share ideas openly. I aim to build resilient teams that are not only equipped to meet today’s challenges but are also eager to lead the way into the future of cybersecurity.
How do you keep your mind healthy and stay resilient? And how do you motivate your team?
Staying resilient starts with prioritizing what truly matters. For me, travel offers a chance to step back, experience new things, and gain fresh perspectives. I try to make time for these experiences whether I am traveling for a personal trip with family or for work. Walking outside and enjoying fresh air also helps clear my mind. For my team, I lead by example, encouraging balance and celebrating small wins, creating an environment where everyone feels supported to bring their best selves to work every day.
What is your favorite quote?
T.S. Eliot’s words resonate deeply with me: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” It’s a reminder to push boundaries and embrace the unknown.
What message or advice would you give to young women or girls who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity?
Don’t shy away from the unknown—many of the best opportunities come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Be curious, ask questions, and know that your voice is needed in cybersecurity. Make your mark with confidence.