Inside COGNNA: Leading a People-First Cybersecurity Culture

As Cofounders of COGNNA, we, Ibrahim Alshamrani, CEO and Ziyad Alshehri, CTO, are building more than just a leading cybersecurity firm—we're cultivating a vibrant community where talent flourishes.

In this blog, we open up about our vision for fostering a culture of growth, transparency, and unwavering support. From our “open-door” leadership to our commitment to continuous learning, employee engagement, and career advancement, discover how COGNNA is the place where you can truly build your legacy in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.

The landscape of cybersecurity is in a constant state of flux, a dynamic battlefield where threats evolve at lightning speed and the need for innovation is paramount. In this arena, the strength of a company isn't just measured by its technological prowess, but by the caliber and commitment of its people. At COGNNA, we believe that our greatest asset is our human capital, and it's this conviction that drives our mission to not only secure the digital world but also to empower the very individuals who make it possible.

We started this journey with a clear vision: to create a cybersecurity company that not only delivers cutting-edge solutions but also fosters a cybersecurity culture where talent can truly thrive. We understand that in a field as critical and demanding as cybersecurity, our team members are not just employees; they are the guardians of our digital future, the architects of our solutions, and the very heart of our innovation.

Beyond the Battlefield: Cultivating a Family-First Cybersecurity Culture

When we talk about COGNNA, we often use the word "family." This isn't just a buzzword; it's a reflection of the genuine, supportive, and open-door environment we've strived to create. In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, stress and pressure are often inherent. That's why fostering a sense of belonging, trust, and mutual support is not just beneficial, but essential to a resilient cybersecurity team.

We’ve seen firsthand how this family-like cybersecurity culture translates into tangible benefits. Our team members, like Bassem—Head of Engineering, have echoed this sentiment, noting that “From my very first meeting with Ibrahim, I could tell he was an exceptional person, a visionary. At COGNNA, we’re more than colleagues, we’re one family". Open communication and approachability are cornerstones of our leadership style. We believe that hierarchy should never be a barrier to ideas, concerns, or simply a friendly chat. Our doors, both literal and metaphorical, are always open.

This isn’t just about camaraderie; it’s about performance. When people feel safe, valued, and connected, they are more engaged, more collaborative, and ultimately, more productive. This familial bond fuels our collective problem-solving, allowing us to tackle complex challenges with a unified front and a shared sense of purpose.

Leading with Vision: Empowering a Cybersecurity Team to Thrive

As leaders, our role extends far beyond setting strategic direction or overseeing technical operations. We believe in leading by example, inspiring through vision, and empowering our team members to take ownership of their work and their careers.

Ibrahim's Vision

‍“My focus as CEO is on the overarching mission of COGNNA: to build a legacy in cybersecurity. This involves not only driving innovation and expanding our global footprint but also nurturing the talent that will lead us there. I believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, where every individual has the opportunity to expand their skills and take on new challenges. My vision is to create a company where everyone feels they are part of something bigger, contributing to a critical mission that impacts lives and organizations worldwide.”

Ziyad's Technical Leadership

‍“As CTO, my passion lies in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cybersecurity technology. But equally important to me is creating an environment where our engineers and technical specialists can flourish. This means providing them with the resources, mentorship, and freedom to innovate. I believe in transparent technical leadership, where challenges are openly discussed, and solutions are collaboratively shaped. My goal is to ensure that our team has the cutting-edge tools and knowledge to stay ahead of the curve, and that their technical expertise is recognized and celebrated.”

Our combined approach ensures that our cybersecurity team thrives, with every member empowered to grow, contribute, and innovate. This isn't just a philosophy; it's a practice that permeates our daily interactions and strategic decisions.

The COGNNA Growth Journey: Building Your Legacy

The cybersecurity industry is a field of immense opportunity. For those passionate about technology, problem-solving, and making a real impact, it offers a career path unlike any other. At COGNNA, we are committed to providing the platform for you to not just participate in this growth but to actively drive it and build your own professional legacy.

We understand that growth isn’t just about climbing a ladder; it’s about continuous learning, skill development, and seizing new opportunities. We’ve seen incredible transformations within our cybersecurity team, like Abdullah’s journey from sales to customer success. These stories are testaments to our commitment to internal mobility and fostering a culture where potential is recognized and nurtured.

To support this growth, we’ve invested heavily in resources like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy, providing our team with access to a vast library of courses and certifications. Continuous learning is not a luxury but a necessity in the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity.

Furthermore, our international expansion and transition to a technology provider open up new avenues for career advancement. As we grow, so do the opportunities for our team members to take on leadership roles, explore new specializations, and contribute to projects with a global impact.

We’re Listening: Transparency in Cybersecurity Leadership

No journey to excellence is without its challenges. At COGNNA, we believe true strength lies not in perfection but in acknowledging areas for improvement with honesty and action. We openly share our plans for improvement, from addressing manpower limitations to refining internal processes.

One example is our new “squad strategy” for team growth. This approach promotes agile, cross-functional team empowerment, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and stronger employee engagement and ownership. It's designed to not only enhance productivity but also to create more dynamic and engaging work environments.

This commitment to transparency and responsiveness is echoed in Omar’s testimonial “One thing I truly value at COGNNA is responsiveness. I can send a message on Slack and get a reply within 10 minutes, it shows how much we care about collaboration and supporting each other.” Quick support, open dialogue, and transparent leadership are key pillars of our cybersecurity culture in this fast-paced environment.

Highlighting Our Strengths: What Makes COGNNA Unique

While we are transparent about our areas for development, we also proudly highlight the strengths that define COGNNA and set us apart as an employer of choice in the cybersecurity realm.

• A Culture of True Collaboration: Our family-first cybersecurity culture isn't just about being friendly; it's about fostering genuine collaboration. We believe that the best solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together, and when team members feel empowered to share ideas and support one another. Collaborative projects and a strong team spirit are deeply embedded in our DNA.
• Visionary and Approachable Leadership: As leaders, we strive to be both visionary in our strategic direction and approachable in our daily interactions. We believe in open communication, actively seeking feedback, and leading by example. Our aim is to inspire, guide, and empower our team members, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.
• Unprecedented Growth Opportunities: The cybersecurity sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, and COGNNA is at the forefront of this expansion. Our international footprint and our evolution into a technology provider create a multitude of opportunities for our employees. Whether it's expanding your technical skills, transitioning into new roles, or taking on leadership responsibilities, COGNNA offers a dynamic environment for career acceleration.
• Responsiveness and Support: We pride ourselves on our quick response times and a strong culture of support. Whether it's a technical query, a professional development request, or a personal need, our team members can count on timely assistance and a network of helpful colleagues and supportive managers. This culture of employee engagement extends to acknowledging and acting upon feedback, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement.

Join Our Mission: Your Place at COGNNA

We’re on a mission to secure the digital world, and we invite you to be a part of it. Whether you are a newcomer to the cybersecurity field, a junior employee seeking growth, a senior professional looking for impact, or a remote worker valuing flexibility, COGNNA offers a unique environment where your talents will be recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.

We're actively seeking individuals who are passionate about cybersecurity, driven by a desire to innovate, and eager to contribute to a collaborative and supportive team. Your journey at COGNNA will be one of continuous learning, impactful contributions, and the opportunity to build a legacy that matters.

We encourage you to explore our Careers page, delve into our employee stories, and connect with us on LinkedIn. Hear directly from our team members about their experiences and discover how COGNNA is building a future where your career can truly thrive.

At COGNNA, we’re not just building a company; we’re building a family. And we believe that together, we can lead the charge in cybersecurity, creating a safer digital world for everyone.

Your journey, our mission. Let’s lead cybersecurity together.