Beyond the code
Soft Skills Program for Cyber Leaders

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In Cooperation with Marijana Nikolic

In today’s fast-paced cybersecurity landscape, we strongly believe technical skills alone are not enough. Success also demands strong communication, leadership, stakeholder management, collaboration, and time management abilities. To meet this need, Women in Cyber Switzerland has created Beyond the Code: Soft Skills for Cyber Leaders as a complementary module to its Talent Academy’s technical training.

How does the program work?

The Women in Cyber – SANS Talent Academy pushes boundaries while remaining compatible with busy professional lives.
Beyond the Code: Soft Skills for Cyber Leaders is a five-day, on-site program delivered over 8 months, designed to supercharge technical talent with critical soft skills, including:
• Self-awareness – know your strengths and lead authentically
• Leadership – inspire teams and drive impact
• Communication – deliver ideas clearly and confidently
• Collaboration – work seamlessly across diverse groups
• Efficiency – manage time and energy for maximum results
 
Through hands-on sessions, real-world application, and mentorship, participants grow into confident, influential cyber leaders ready to make a real difference.

Program schedule

Day 1

Introduction & Expectation Management

January 2026

Day 2

Self-Awareness & Personal Branding

February 2026

Day 3

My Leadership Style & Leading my Team

April 2026

Day 4

Communication, Cooperation & Self Efficiency

June 2026

Day 5

Group Work Presentation, Feedback & Closing

August 2026

Interested?

See here for more information

Implementation

The Soft Skills Program for Cyber Leaders will be integrated into the Talent Academy 2026. Participants enrolled in the technical cybersecurity training will automatically qualify based on engagement, motivation, and readiness to apply soft skills professionally.
If fundraising for the Talent Academy 2026 is unsuccessful, the program will launch as a stand-alone pilot, with registration opening in September 2025.

Portrait Marijana Nikolic

Marijana Nikolic

Compliance Technical Specialist, Microsoft

Having been guided by exceptional leaders throughout my career, I am now committed to empowering the next generation of professionals to realize their full potential. My goal is to inspire you to grow, innovate, and make meaningful contributions within the cybersecurity field and beyond. By sharing my experience and insights, I aim to equip you not only to succeed but to drive lasting change in an ever-evolving industry.

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Mentoring details

City / Location

Zurich / Switzerland
F2F and online mentoring

Languages

DE, EN, SR

Minimum duration

6 months

Mentorship topics

  • Adapting with change
  • Adapting with skills of the future (upskilling / reskilling)
  • Career planning
  • Networking
  • People management
  • Self-development

About my offer

With extensive experience living and working in Serbia, Germany, and Switzerland, I bring a rich international perspective to mentorship. I have successfully led diverse teams in the IT compliance and digital sectors, equipping me with in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital transformation. My passion for leadership drives me to empower you to achieve your full potential, and I am committed to sharing my insights and experiences to help you navigate your own paths in these dynamic fields. My ability to connect across cultures and foster collaboration allows me to inspire growth, build confidence, and cultivate the next generation of leaders.

How I work:

  • Human oriented: I want to get to know your needs.
  • Empowerment: I want to empower you to develop skills, think critically and gain confidence to achieve your goals.
  • Step out of your comfort zone: I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone, providing both support and accountability, and connect you with my network to further your career and personal development.
 

What I offer:

  • Empathy
  • Confidentiality
  • Commitment
  • Guidance & Support

Contact me on Linkedin. It's a pleasure meeting you!

Linkedin