This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on one of our newest colleagues at Omada, Jenny Mulcahy. A seasoned professional with deep expertise in identity and cybersecurity—and a passion for Improv theatre—Jenny’s path shows to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and learning on the fly.
A Serendipitous Start in Cybersecurity
Jenny’s journey into cybersecurity came about almost by chance. She began her career focusing on the directory space, working with Banyan Vines, NDS, and later Microsoft Active Directory. While building her directory expertise, she crossed paths with a mentor who recruited her for a sales leadership position at an Identity and Access Management company in Australia.
“Active Directory always felt like a precursor to identity management,” Jenny explains. “When I joined ViewDS, I had to handle everything except the technical side—marketing, writing, proof-reading—all in a small-company environment. It was baptism by fire, but it helped me truly understand identity management from the ground up.”
From that point on, Jenny found herself immersed in the world of identity as a distinct security function rather than just a tool for operational efficiency.
The “Master’s Degree” in Identity
A role at Simeio followed, pushing Jenny’s expertise to new heights.
“Simeio was like getting a master’s degree in identity. I got to touch everything—IGA, access management, PAM, CIAM—and really broadened my perspective,” she says.
Though Simeio focuses largely on systems integration, Jenny thrived in this environment because it demanded a comprehensive view of how various identity solutions fit together for clients. This experience gave her a strong foundation in the full spectrum of identity security challenges organizations face today.
Mentorship and Confidence
Mentorship played a pivotal role in Jenny’s growth. She highlights the influence of one particular mentor, Gil Kirkpatrick, who helped her bridge technical gaps and pushed her to pursue bigger challenges.
“Gil never dismissed my lack of background in certain areas,” she reflects. “He constantly found ways for me to learn and expand. That belief in my potential was invaluable.”
When asked if she ever experienced barriers as a woman in a technical field, Jenny shares that she didn’t focus much on potential obstacles:
“I never felt being a woman was a barrier. If I felt held back, it was because of my own insecurities, not external limits. I always assumed opportunities were mine for the taking.”
From Large Family Dynamics to Improv Theatre
Jenny credits her large family and her own motherhood for developing strong interpersonal skills, which continue to serve her well in sales and leadership roles. Beyond that, she has a passion for acting—particularly improvisational theatre—which she pursued to the point of a Best Actress nomination.
“Improv teaches you to listen and respond effectively,” Jenny notes. “That skill is invaluable in sales and in any role where communication is key.”
Her knack for understanding people, honed by both a big family and stage experience, has been instrumental in shaping her approach to navigating client needs and team dynamics.
The Core of Modern Cybersecurity
At Omada, Jenny focuses on identity governance, a segment she believes stands at the center of modern cybersecurity. With changing work environments—remote offices, bring-your-own-device policies—identity emerges as the critical perimeter.
“Everything pivots around identity now,” she points out. “COVID only accelerated this shift. Identity is no longer just about streamlining processes—it’s the linchpin of an organization’s security strategy.”
She also sees tremendous room for growth and innovation:
“There’s frustration with cumbersome IGA implementations. People want alternatives to big names that haven’t adapted fast enough. AI will likely play a key role in making IGA smarter and more efficient, but we need the right guardrails in place.”
Advice for Aspiring Women in Cybersecurity
When asked what guidance she would offer to young women curious about a career in cybersecurity or identity, Jenny encourages a mix of spontaneity and confidence:
- Take an Improv Class
- Why? Improv develops strong communication skills—listening, quick thinking, adaptability—all critical traits in tech and beyond.
- Cultivate Confidence and Curiosity
- Why? Jenny believes self-doubt is a bigger barrier than external challenges. She advises women to trust their instincts and jump into new opportunities.
- Embrace Continuous Learning
- Why? Cybersecurity evolves rapidly. Staying informed and learning on the go sets you apart in a competitive field.
Championing Women’s Advancement
Jenny appreciates organizations that recognize talent and hard work, regardless of gender. She views merit-based opportunities as the cornerstone of real progress.
“Encourage women in their roles and celebrate their accomplishments. We don’t need special treatment—just recognition when it’s deserved,” she adds.
Looking Ahead
Jenny’s journey underscores how the right mix of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to seize unexpected opportunities can propel a career in cybersecurity. By viewing obstacles as solvable challenges and seeking out growth at every turn, she exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to both professional development and industry innovation.
As we honor women who are carving out new paths in technology, Jenny’s story serves as a reminder that passion, adaptability, and continuous learning can open doors you never knew existed. Her outlook demonstrates that identity security isn’t just a job—it’s a dynamic field filled with possibilities for anyone bold enough to dive in and explore.
