Role Model Interview: Lalatiana Todic
Women in Technology Japan (WITJ)’s mission is to close the gender gap in tech and promote diversity and inclusion in Japan.
Our mission is to close the gender gap in tech and promote diversity and inclusion in Japan. We inspire, connect and empower women across all industries with a special focus on the tech industry.
This interview series features people working on the cutting edge of the IT industry, sharing their enthusiasm, thoughts, experiences, and stories.
In this edition, we spotlight Lala, a security strategist making waves in a leading Japanese company. From her bold move to Japan to her rise into leadership roles, Lala shares the challenges she faced, the lessons she’s learned, and what continues to inspire her in the world of tech and cybersecurity.
Q1. It’s so nice to meet you Lala, please introduce yourself!
Absolutely! I’m Lala from France. I began my career as a system and network administrator, but quite early on, I realized that I was interested in moving toward management roles. That led me to an opportunity to work as an infrastructure project manager, and eventually, I became an operational manager, leading a team of 12 people before I left France.
Then I came to Japan as an exchange student. At the time, my Japanese was at a beginner level, so I spent about a year and a half studying the language intensively.
After that, I started working in Japan as a system engineer at Sony Mobile Communications. From there, I moved on to work at PwC in cybersecurity, and later joined AIG as a security service delivery manager.
Most recently, in 2024, I joined my current company as a Vice President in charge of security project management.
Q2. What was the reason you decided to study and get a job in Japan?
Snowboarding is a big passion of mine—it’s actually what led me to become interested in Japanese culture and the language. I remember watching a documentary about an artificial snow park in Chiba, and I was amazed by the technology behind it.
Q3. How was your experience getting a job in Japan?
There were definitely challenges. The language barrier was one of the biggest. When I first arrived, my Japanese was quite limited, which made communication and job hunting a bit tough. But I was very motivated to integrate, so I studied hard—first on my own, and later as an exchange student in Japan.
Also, understanding the work culture and expectations in Japan was a learning curve. But overall, I found that having a strong technical background and international experience helped open doors. Japanese companies are becoming more open to global talent, especially in cybersecurity and IT project management.
Q4. I admire your ambition and initiative! How did you get into the tech world?
When I was younger, I actually wanted to follow my mother’s path and become a doctor as she is one. But that all changed one day when my cousin came to visit me. He showed me how to use a drive disk and unmounted it in front of me. That small moment really sparked my curiosity about computers and how they work.
From then on, I started exploring more on my own. In high school, I began learning about programming and even built a simple program by myself. I became fascinated by how systems are interconnected and how information flows through different networks and infrastructures.
It was also about challenging myself. The tech industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and I wanted to prove that women can succeed and thrive in this field too. That motivation has stayed with me throughout my career.
Q5. Applause to your achievement! I see that you have been in a leadership position for some time. What does leadership mean to you?
For me, being a manager isn’t about standing at the top of a hierarchy—it’s about supporting and empowering others. I believe in a flat management style where everyone’s voice matters, and collaboration is more important than control.
Q6. What do you think are the key characteristics of a good leader?
Being a mother of three has taught me so much about leadership—both in the professional and personal sense. One of the most important qualities is communication. It’s essential to communicate clearly, openly, and frequently. But beyond that, a good leader needs to be empathetic—to step into someone else’s shoes, understand their perspective, and listen without judgment.
Whether it’s dealing with a team member who’s struggling or making a tough decision, empathy and communication go hand in hand. A leader should also be someone who lifts others up, not someone who simply delegates.
Q7. Being a mother of three, what are the keys to balance your personal life and work life?
It’s definitely a balancing act, especially with three children—ages 9, 6, and 3! I’m also very lucky to have a supportive and engaged partner. Of course it’s not always easy, but with good communication, shared responsibility, and mutual respect, it’s definitely possible.
Since my extended family is back in France, we don’t have much outside help—but working from home has really allowed us to manage everything more flexibly.
Q8. What inspired you to get involved in DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) activities?
I became actively involved in Women in Tech activities during my time at AIG, thanks to a former colleague who introduced me to the internal community called Global Women in Technology Japan. It’s a platform that promotes not just women in leadership, but also greater female representation in the IT industry overall.
Through that community, I had the opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders like Annie and many others who are passionate about DEI. We organized and participated in various initiatives, including panel discussions, hackathons, and mentorship programs for aspiring female engineers.
These experiences really deepened my belief that building a more inclusive and diverse tech environment is not just important—it’s essential for innovation and growth.
Q9. Closing the gender gap in tech and promoting diversity and inclusion in Japan – what do you think we can do to achieve this?
Action and communication are key. Just like what we are already doing, we need to keep the momentum going by organizing activities, events, and discussions that highlight the value of women in leadership—not just within companies, but across industries.
Partnerships between companies also play a big role. By collaborating and sharing best practices, we can raise awareness and accelerate change.
The goal shouldn’t just be about hitting a number—it’s about creating environments where women feel empowered to lead and grow.
Q10. Thank you! Can’t agree more. Could you share your future goals or career aspirations?
Professionally, my long-term goal is to be recognized at a global level—ideally by winning an award as a Global CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). I’m passionate about cybersecurity and project leadership, and I aim to continue developing in both areas.
On a personal level, my biggest goal is to guide my three children—ages 9, 6, and 3—toward living successful, happy lives.
Balancing career and family is not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping them grow into confident, compassionate individuals is the most meaningful goal I have!
WITJ hopes that this role model story will inspire and encourage you to shine and find your dream job or industry.
If you are interested in collaborating with WITJ or sponsoring an event, please fill out our contact form or contact us directly at info@womenintech.jp