Powerskill Panel - Who Gave the AI the Keys? Security and Trust When AI Can Act
Description
Join us for a candid conversation about what happens when AI stops being a tool you ask questions of and becomes something that can act - inside your systems, with real consequences. This isn't a theoretical debate about far-off AI risk; it's about the practical, right-now decisions security teams are already making about identity, access and oversight as agentic AI moves from pilot to production.
We're bringing together women leading security, trust and technology at the frontline of this shift to share:
Who (or What) Holds the Keys: As AI agents move from answering to acting inside our systems, deciding who - or what - gets access, and how, has become a live question, not a hypothetical one.
The New Attack Surface: Prompt injection and data leakage aren't edge cases anymore - they're what security teams are actually triaging, with the playbooks still being written in real time.
Staying in the Loop, at Machine Speed: Human oversight sounds simple until the system you're overseeing moves faster than any person can review. What does meaningful oversight actually look like now?
Accountability When Something Goes Wrong: If an AI agent makes the call, who owns the outcome - and how do you build auditability in from the start, not bolt it on after an incident?
Enabling Experimentation Without Losing Control: The tension every security leader is living: how do you say yes to innovation without becoming the team that only ever says no?
This isn't about pretending AI security is solved, or pitching a vendor's answer - it's about the practical, messy, real work of building trust into systems that now act on our behalf. Whether you're building with AI, defending against it, or just want to understand what your organisation quietly gave access to, this conversation is for you.
Meet Our Panel
Meagan O'Mahony - Director of Security ANZ, Zip.co
Mansi Khandelwal - Solutions Consultant, Palo Alto Networks
Wendy Glasgow - Executive leader of Product, Tech and Data
Moderated by Jess Ransley - Co-Founder and Board Member, Her Tech Circle
With Heartfelt Thanks
Events like this only happen because of incredible sponsors who share our vision. A huge thank you to Zip.co for making the event possible and hosting us — this one wouldn't exist without them.
What is a #PowerSkill Panel?
Let's be honest - they're called "soft skills" but they're actually the power skills that accelerate your tech career. Technical expertise will get you in the door, but skills like resilience, communication, boundary-setting, and navigating workplace challenges are what propel you forward.
Our #PowerSkillPanel series dedicates entire events to exploring these crucial capabilities through the real stories of women who've mastered them.
What to expect at Her Tech Circle Events
Coming alone? Perfect. Most of our attendees do! Our events are designed to make connection easy and comfortable, whether you're a seasoned networker or prefer to learn and observe.
Choose your own adventure with our connection style stickers as you enter. Simply grab your preferred sticker when you arrive and pop it on your name tag - it's a brilliant conversation starter and helps everyone respect each other's boundaries.
💚 "I'm looking for my next opportunity"
🧡 "I love networking and want to talk to everyone!"
💜 "I'm here to learn and grow - not networking"
💗 "Networking makes me anxious but I'm here for it"
All are welcome here. Regardless of how you identify, if you're passionate about supporting women in tech and creating a more inclusive industry, you belong in this circle.
Who are Her Tech Circle
We're a 100% volunteer-run organisation on a mission to reduce the attrition rate of women in the technology industry. Right now, 50% of women leave tech by age 35 - and we're not okay with that.
Our solution? Community. Through our values of intentional bravery, empowering together, and trust unconditionally, we create meaningful events and supportive spaces where women build the confidence and connections they need to not just stay in tech, but to thrive and build powerful, enduring careers.
Stay Connected
Never miss an event! Our gatherings sell out fast - sometimes within hours. Follow us on Humanitix to get notified the moment tickets drop: https://events.humanitix.com/host/her-tech-circle
Connect with us:
Instagram: @hertechcircleaustralia
LinkedIn: @hertechcircle
Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/host/her-tech-circle
Website: www.hertechcircle.org
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity








