With a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Sotiraki Sima began his career as a Security Architect at Telecom Italia, where he honed his expertise in securing critical infrastructure. He later advanced to become an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, leading the Application Security program with a strong focus on automated security controls. In 2018, he co-founded a cutting-edge threat intelligence company that has since become a leader in real-time protection. Today, Sotiraki serves as the CEO of one of the most prominent Application Security (AppSec) solutions, driving innovation and transforming the way organizations approach software security.
If your business could have a mascot, what would it be and why?
An Eagle.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a healthy work-life balance while running your own business?
In 2024, the lines between work and personal life inevitably blur, making it essential to embrace work as an integral part of life. To sustain this balance, I focus on prioritizing family while dedicating the remaining time to my business endeavors in a thoughtful and harmonious way. My goal is to maintain a healthy equilibrium that allows both personal and professional growth to coexist.
When faced with unexpected detours on your business path, how do you pivot with grace and resilience, showing fellow women entrepreneurs the way forward?
Challenges are a daily part of running any business, and as a business owner, developing resilience in the face of problems is what truly defines success. The key to overcoming obstacles lies in proactive planning and mitigating risks as much as possible, while still embracing calculated risks that drive growth and innovation. It’s about balancing preparedness with adaptability, turning challenges into opportunities to thrive.
How do you measure the success of your business beyond financial metrics, such as customer satisfaction or community engagement?
For me, the ultimate measure of success in business is the ability to create opportunities by employing as many people as possible and sharing the journey together. It’s about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone benefits from the success of the business—employees and shareholders alike. This shared prosperity strengthens the foundation of the company and ensures that growth is both inclusive and rewarding for all involved.
Can you share a memorable moment where you witnessed significant growth or transformation in your business, illustrating the impact of your services/products?
When we launched AquilaX a year ago, the exponential demand for our services and product licenses placed us in a highly favorable position. However, it also brought the challenge of staying true to our initial vision amidst rapid growth. Navigating both the highs and lows requires unwavering focus and consistency, ensuring that our vision remains the guiding force behind every decision we make. This persistence is what drives sustainable success.
What role do you believe mentorship plays in the success of small businesses, and how have mentors influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?
Mentorship is essential at every stage of life and career. From the earliest steps, a child looks to their parents as mentors, just as a junior professional relies on guidance from more experienced colleagues. Life is a continuous journey of learning from mentors, gaining their wisdom, and eventually surpassing them. This cycle of growth and improvement is what drives progress at any stage.
What’s your work all about, and how does it make a difference in the world?
We are developing a groundbreaking product designed to address software security issues at their core. While there are many solutions available in the software security space, our vision is to create a superhuman AI model capable of reasoning like a top-tier cybersecurity specialist. This innovation aims to drastically reduce cyberattacks and pave the way for a future where software is nearly free from security vulnerabilities, setting a new standard in the industry.
