In the fast-paced world of enterprise technology and cybersecurity, leadership and innovation define those who stand out. At the Orange Business Middle East & Africa (MEA) Sales Kickoff 2025, Usman Mustafa, was honored with the prestigious Top Achiever of the Year 2024 award. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to digital transformation, cybersecurity strategy, and AI-driven networking, Usman has cemented his position as a visionary in the field.
In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Usman Mustafa to discuss his journey, achievements, and the future of AI-driven cybersecurity in global enterprises.
Q: Congratulations on being awarded the Top Achiever of the Year 2024. What does this recognition mean to you?
Usman: Thank you. It’s truly an honor to receive this award, especially at a time when the landscape of digital transformation and AI-driven cybersecurity is evolving so rapidly. This recognition is not just about my individual performance; it reflects the collective efforts of my team at Orange Business and the trust our clients place in us to drive innovation.
For me, this award is a testament to the power of strategic thinking, resilience, and staying ahead of the curve. It also reinforces my commitment to helping enterprises across the Middle East navigate their digital transformation journeys securely and efficiently.
Q: Your expertise spans AI in cybersecurity and enterprise networks. How have you leveraged this knowledge to drive success?
Usman: Over the years, my focus has been on integrating AI with cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and operational resilience. AI has changed the way businesses protect themselves from cyber threats, optimize network efficiency, and enhance customer and employee experiences.
My approach combines deep technical expertise with strategic account management, ensuring that organizations not only adopt cutting-edge technology but also see measurable business value by helping enterprises reduce their attack surface, automate security operations, and leverage AI for predictive threat analytics, we have successfully positioned ourselves as a trusted partner in AI-powered cybersecurity and digital transformation.
Q: What were some of the key initiatives that led to you receiving this award?
Usman: Several high-impact initiatives contributed to this recognition, including:
- Driving Multi-Million Dollar Strategic Deals: By aligning our solutions with the digital ambitions of the leading global companies based in the Middle East, I successfully led strategic engagements that resulted in multi-million-dollar deals.
- Expanding AI-Driven Secure Network Solutions: I played a pivotal role in developing and deploying AI-powered secure networks tailored for enterprises in highly regulated industries such as finance, retail, and critical infrastructure.
- Thought Leadership in AI and Cybersecurity: I actively contributed to industry research, representing my company in global industry events and technical publications, including my recent co-authorship of AI-Powered Development: A Cybersecurity Handbook, which addresses the risks and best practices of deploying AI-generated code in enterprise environments.
- Mentoring and Leadership: As part of my role, I have mentored young professionals and judged multiple CTF contests, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Q: You’ve been recognized globally for your expertise, including winning the Claro Gold Award for AI and the Cyber Forge Award. How do these recognitions contribute to your professional journey?
Usman: Each recognition validates the work I’ve been doing in AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. The Claro Gold Award for AI 2024 was a significant milestone as it recognized our contributions to AI-driven network automation and security. The Cyber Forge Award for Outstanding Research in Cybersecurity reaffirmed the importance of my contribution in securing AI-powered applications.
Winning the Top Achiever of the Year 2024 at Orange Business builds upon these achievements by recognizing the direct business impact of my work—bridging technology innovation with tangible outcomes for our clients.
Q: What’s next for you in 2025? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?
Usman: 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic year with several exciting initiatives on the horizon. My focus remains on driving innovation in AI-powered cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and enterprise transformation, helping organizations strengthen their security posture and operational resilience.
Additionally, I am collaborating with several authors, technically reviewing their books and providing guidance on cybersecurity and AI-related topics, ensuring that the latest research and insights reach industry professionals and enterprises.
Beyond that, I plan to continue contributing to the industry through mentorship and thought leadership at global conferences representing my company, ensuring businesses are well-equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Q: Lastly, what advice do you have for professionals looking to make an impact in AI and cybersecurity?
Usman: Stay curious and never stop learning. The fields of AI and cybersecurity are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and those who succeed are the ones who continuously adapt, experiment, and innovate.
Secondly, always align technology initiatives with business outcomes. Cybersecurity is no longer just about protection, it’s about enabling business growth, operational efficiency, and trust.
Finally, build a strong professional network. Collaborate with thought leaders, contribute to industry research, and engage with global communities to stay ahead of the curve.
Q: Thank you for your time, Usman. We look forward to seeing your continued success.
Usman: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey, and I look forward to shaping the future of AI-powered cybersecurity and enterprise transformation.