Beyond the code
Soft Skills Program for Cyber Leaders

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In Cooperation with Marijana Nikolic

A great career in cybersecurity isn’t just about mastering technology – it’s about mastering soft skills like collaboration, communication, adaptability, and leadership. These are your superpowers – the qualities that amplify your technical expertise and unlock your full potential.

Program Overview

Program and Time: Five days (January – August 2026)
Place:  Technopark Zürich, Technoparstrasse 1, 8005 Zürich 
Methodology: Workshops, applied learning, peer collaboration
Cost: Free

How does the program work?

Beyond the Code: Soft Skills for Cyber Leaders is a five-day, on-site program delivered over eight 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
  • Efficacy – 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.

Developed by Women, for Women

This program is ideal for:

  • Cybersecurity professionals looking to strengthen their leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Career changers seeking to enter cybersecurity with a solid foundation of professional soft skills.

Program schedule

Day 1

Introduction & Expectation Management

17.01.2026
Half day training

Cybersecurity leaders:
 Marijana Nikolic, Anastasija Collen

Day 2

Self-Awareness & Personal Branding

28.02.2026
Full day training

Cybersecurity leaders:
Andra-Irina Vasile, Beatrice Gruber

Day 3

My Leadership Style & Leading my Team

18.04.2026
Full day training

Cybersecurity leaders:
Erjola Lekaj, Delphine Guex

Day 4

Communication, Cooperation & Self Efficacy

13.06.2026
Full day training

Cybersecurity leaders:
Christina Anderson, Shiri Band

Day 5

Group Work Presentation, Feedback & Closing

22.08.2026
Full day training

Cybersecurity leaders:
 Marijana Nikolic, Anastasija Collen

Interested?

Click here for more information and see below

What participants say

I started the “Beyond the Code: Soft Skills Program for Cyber Leaders 2026” thinking I would simply learn some new leadership and soft skills. Eight months later, I realize it has made me look differently at so many things I used to take for granted: how I collaborate with others, how I read their behaviors and, perhaps most importantly, how aware I am of my own.

What I appreciated the most was the freedom to speak openly, exchange honest perspectives and never feel judged. I’m a little sad that these eight months have come to an end, but I truly hope they are only the beginning of a wonderful group that will continue to bring something special to both my professional and personal life.
Giorgia Militerno

Giorgia Militerno

Participant Soft Skills Program

Being part of the Women in Cyber Soft Skills Program has been a meaningful experience.

It gave me the opportunity to step back from my day-to-day work, reflect on my journey and grow beyond the technical side of cybersecurity.

I especially valued the exchanges, the connections and the different perspectives shared throughout the program. I’m grateful for this experience and for the confidence, inspiration and new perspectives I’m taking with me.
Khadidja Mbow

Khadidja Mbow

Participant Soft Skills Program

The Beyond the Code program was a truly unique experience that took us beyond conventional thinking and encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones. It gave us the opportunity to exchange ideas, explore different approaches, and learn from the real-life experiences of experts and professionals.

More importantly, it created a safe and trusting environment where we could openly share our everyday challenges, recognise our value, and learn to speak proudly and confidently about our achievements. It encouraged us to trust our knowledge and expertise rather than constantly questioning them.

The experience helped us grow both personally and professionally by strengthening our self-awareness and confidence, while also providing practical insights that we can apply in our daily work.

I would genuinely recommend Beyond the Code to anyone who is ready to challenge themselves, gain new perspectives, and become part of an open and supportive community.”
Jelena Mihajlovic

Jelena Mihajlovic

Participant Soft Skills Program

Registration - CLOSED

We are fully booked!

Registration for the Beyond the Code: Soft Skills for Cyber Leaders program opens in October 2025. Spaces are limited, and selection will be based on motivation, engagement, and readiness to apply soft skills professionally.

If you’re ready to elevate your cybersecurity career and join a community of inspiring women leaders, apply early to secure your place.

Registration Deadline: November 20, 2025
Acceptance Notifications: November 30, 2025

(Please provide as much info as you can so we can help ensure your learning needs are covered.)

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.

Linkedin

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