Name: Ibrahim Bashir Aliyu

Title: Founder and CEO

Organisation: Cyber Cortex

Ibrahim Bashir Aliyu is a seasoned cybersecurity analyst with extensive experience across the tech industry. As the CEO and Founder of Cyber Cortex, he is dedicated to advancing cybersecurity awareness and providing cutting-edge solutions. A YALI RLC alumni and techpreneur, Ibrahim also leads Elevate Lives Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on digital literacy, safe digital practices, and leveraging technology for societal impact.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Ibrahim's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

The most challenging aspect of leadership for me has been balancing the need for innovation with the reality of limited resources. As a leader in cybersecurity and technology, I constantly strive to stay ahead of emerging threats while building a sustainable team and fostering growth. Additionally, leading diverse teams requires understanding various perspectives and aligning them towards a shared vision, which can be both rewarding and demanding.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to leadership began with a passion for technology and a desire to make an impact. Early in my career, I realized the growing importance of cybersecurity and the lack of awareness about digital threats, especially in my community. This inspired me to take the initiative by educating others, creating content, and leading discussions around safe digital practices.

Founding CyberCoop was a turning point, as it allowed me to combine my technical expertise with a vision to empower businesses and individuals to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. Along the way, I embraced opportunities to lead workshops, mentor aspiring professionals, and spearhead projects that showcased the potential of technology to solve real-world problems.

Through perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving others, I grew into a leader who not only drives innovation but also inspires others to do the same.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I approach my day with a structured yet flexible routine to balance productivity and well-being: Morning (Start Strong): I wake up early, typically around 5:30 AM, and begin my day with prayer and reflection, which helps me set a positive tone. This is followed by light exercise and reading—a mix of industry news and personal development material—to stay informed and inspired. I review my goals for the day, prioritizing tasks and aligning them with my weekly objectives.

Work Hours (Focused Execution): My workday starts around 8:00 AM with high-priority tasks that require deep focus, such as reviewing cybersecurity reports, strategizing for Cyber Cortex, or collaborating on ongoing projects. Mid-morning is usually reserved for team meetings, mentoring sessions, or stakeholder engagements. I take a mindful lunch break, ensuring I disconnect briefly to recharge.

Afternoon (Engagement & Learning): Afternoons are for client interactions, responding to emails, and tackling administrative tasks. I dedicate time to professional development, whether it's learning a new skill, attending webinars, or contributing to thought leadership through writing or content creation. Evening (Reflection and Connection): After winding down from work around 6:00 PM, I spend time with family or engage in community-building activities. I also allocate time to review the day’s achievements, noting lessons learned and preparing for the next day.

Night (Recharge): Before bed, I enjoy reading books unrelated to work to relax and gain fresh perspectives. My day concludes with prayer and gratitude journaling, which helps me reflect on the positives. This routine ensures I stay productive, maintain balance, and remain committed to my personal and professional growth.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of as a leader is the power of active listening. Leadership often involves making decisions and providing direction, but I’ve realized that some of the most impactful solutions come from truly listening to others—be it team members, clients, or mentors.

During a recent project, a junior team member shared an idea that initially seemed unconventional. By taking the time to listen and explore their perspective, we discovered a more efficient approach that improved the project's outcome significantly. This experience reinforced that great leadership is not about having all the answers but about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Active listening builds trust, encourages innovation, and strengthens team dynamics—core elements of effective leadership.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly impacted my leadership journey is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for teams, where trust and collaboration are at the forefront.

Reading it early in my career helped shift my perspective on leadership from being task-oriented to people-focused. One story that resonated deeply with me was about the military practice where leaders literally eat last, prioritizing the welfare of their team. It inspired me to adopt a servant leadership mindset, ensuring that I prioritize the well-being and growth of those I lead.

This principle has shaped how I approach challenges, delegate responsibilities, and empower others. Whether in Cyber Cortex or community projects, I’ve seen firsthand how fostering trust and putting people first results in a more motivated and resilient team, capable of achieving incredible results.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

My advice would be: "Lead by serving others and stay committed to lifelong learning." True leadership is not about titles or authority—it’s about creating value for others and inspiring them to achieve their best. To do this, you must lead with empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

At the same time, the world is constantly evolving, and great leaders remain adaptable by continually learning and growing. Be curious, seek mentorship, and embrace challenges as opportunities to develop yourself and others. By balancing service and self-improvement, you’ll not only lead effectively but also leave a lasting impact.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One of the most meaningful moments in my leadership journey happened during a cybersecurity awareness workshop I organized for small business owners. A participant, a woman running a small retail business, shared how a phishing scam had almost caused her to lose her entire savings. She was hesitant about technology and doubted whether she could protect her business in the digital age.

Throughout the workshop, I noticed her growing confidence as she learned practical tips for staying safe online. By the end of the session, she approached me and said, "I never thought I could understand this, but now I feel empowered to secure my business."

That moment reminded me why I do what I do: to empower people with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It reinforced that leadership isn’t just about solving technical problems—it’s about inspiring hope and enabling others to achieve their potential. That experience continues to drive my passion for creating impact through education and mentorship.