At McAfee, our people power everything we do—and today, we’re excited to highlight one of the leaders shaping our engineering organization. Meet Arati, Senior Director of Software Engineering based in India. Over the past 20 years, Arati has built an incredible career at McAfee, growing from an individual contributor into a global team leader. She shares her journey, the evolution of McAfee’s technology landscape, and the advice that continues to guide her career.
Can you tell us a little about what you do and #LifeAtMcAfee?
I have the incredible opportunity to lead a fantastic team of engineers responsible for developing and deploying partner product solutions across McAfee’s global partnerships. My McAfee journey spans more than two decades, and during that time, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined.
I began my career at McAfee’s Waterloo, Canada office, where I gained invaluable technical and operational experience working across different products and functions. A few years later, I transitioned to the India office and continued expanding my responsibilities and expertise.
It’s been inspiring to see how McAfee has transformed over the years—from an enterprise-focused company to a leader in consumer cybersecurity. Our offerings have evolved from individual products to comprehensive security suites, and our impact now extends far beyond device protection to include privacy and identity solutions. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to protecting people online—and fostering a transparent, supportive, and continuously learning work environment.
McAfee recognizes potential and celebrates performance. My growth from an individual contributor to leading a global engineering team reflects a culture anchored in flexibility, a growth mindset, and genuine investment in employee development. I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors, role models, and advocates who believed in me and encouraged me to take bold steps throughout my career.
Who inspires you in your career?
I draw inspiration from the many remarkable individuals I’ve worked with and learned from over the years. Anyone who demonstrates qualities I admire becomes a source of inspiration.
Early in my career, having a female team lead made a significant impact—it showed me that I, too, could lead someday. My first manager at McAfee taught me foundational leadership principles, especially the importance of building trust within a team. I also learned from an engineering director who commanded respect and always made her voice heard—qualities I deeply value.
Leaders like Shailaja Shankar, currently a GM at Cisco, have also influenced me, along with many talented individuals within and outside McAfee. And, of course, my father has been one of my greatest role models, instilling in me the importance of continuous learning and growth.
How can we continue to foster inclusion in the tech industry?
Actions speak louder than words, and visibility matters. Representation and mentoring play a powerful role in encouraging future talent in tech. Role models show others that “if they can do it, so can I.”
As leaders, it’s important to address unconscious bias, promote inclusion, and actively break down stereotypes. Many companies—McAfee included—are making meaningful progress, and continued, persistent effort is key. Cultural change doesn’t happen overnight, but every step forward counts.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be clear and confident about your aspirations—both to yourself and to others. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; prepare for them and advocate for yourself. Know your strengths, understand your areas for improvement, and work diligently on both. Most importantly, never doubt your capabilities.
