Building a Global Cybersecurity Enterprise and Securing Systems Worldwide: Meet Lola Adeyemi
As part of our April STEM Leaders series, we are honored to feature Lola Adeyemi, CEO and Founder of SecureOps Solutions, whose groundbreaking work in cybersecurity and AI continues to empower women and shape the future of tech.
Tell us about your journey.
I graduated with a degree in Computer Science and earned a Master’s in Business Administration from the prestigious China Europe International Business School. Early in my career, I realized tech was missing a crucial voice—the female perspective. Determined to be part of the gender equity narrative, I built a career spanning over two decades in Digital Transformation, Cybersecurity, IT Governance, Enterprise Architecture, Scrum Agile, ISO Standards, Product Management, and Artificial Intelligence.
I began my career as a support engineer, transitioned to a database administrator, and eventually moved into managerial and executive roles. Along the way, I upskilled in project management, became a Scrum coach, and added expertise in IT Governance, Cybersecurity, and AI at the C-suite level.
Outside of my corporate work, I authored the acclaimed book Impact of Corporate Governance on Scrumban, a comprehensive guide to integrating governance frameworks into Agile methodologies. I have written over 30 tech articles as a member of the Forbes Technology Council, including “Addressing Gender Diversity In the C-Suite of Tech Companies.”
I am the founder of SecureOps Solutions LLC (USA) and SecureOps Solutions Ltd (Nigeria), and I serve as the Global President of TechStylers, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in tech through free training and mentorship. I am also a certified Google Mentor, a member of Google for Startups Women Founder and Accelerator, and an ADPList Mentor. I sit on the board of the Institute of Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IIET) and am Chief Marketing Officer at the Africa IPv6 Cybersecurity Task Force.
Throughout my career, I’ve been honored with the 2024 Community Catalyst Award from CEIBS Alumni and was nominated for the Tech Mentor of the Year by the National Information Technology Merit Award (NITMA).
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
One pivotal moment was a discouraging comment from a male colleague who told me I was in the wrong profession and suggested I shift to selling hardware or consider a more "female-friendly" field. Rather than be disheartened, I took that as a challenge. It motivated me to prove that women have a vital role to play in tech.
Another turning point was recognizing that mentorship could have made my own journey smoother. I started without clear direction or guidance, struggling to find a domain to specialize in. That experience deeply influenced my commitment to mentoring others, especially young women navigating tech careers.
Additionally, my father’s early encouragement played a crucial role. He instilled in me a love for math and problem-solving and guided me toward studying computer science instead of mathematics—a decision that turned out to be life-changing.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?
If you’re pursuing a tech career, find a mentor early—ideally during your undergraduate years—who can help guide you in choosing a domain. Tech is as specialized as medicine, and the earlier you find your path, the better positioned you'll be to build expertise.
Start networking early, be proactive in joining communities, and don’t wait to be invited—ask questions, join forums, and stay engaged. Understand that learning never stops in tech. Invest in certifications and training, and explore leadership and governance skills if you aim for executive roles.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I didn’t have a mentor when I started out, and that made the journey lonelier and more difficult than it needed to be. That’s why I’ve devoted myself to mentoring and building communities for women in tech. I want to create the support system I never had, helping others navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
My motivation also stems from the gender imbalance in tech—only 27.6% of the field is made up of women. I’m driven to shift that number upward by breaking barriers and opening doors for other women through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
Stay focused and determined. Don’t let intimidation or stereotypes stop you from doing what you love. Believe in yourself even when others doubt you. Be intentional about finding mentors and growing your network—it will accelerate your growth and confidence.
Always put forth your best effort, and never settle for less because of your gender. Take breaks when needed and prioritize your well-being. Remember, you are first a human before your gender—your gender should never limit your ambition or define your potential.
How can GlobalMindED support STEM leaders and emerging STEM Leaders?
GlobalMindED can expand its impact by creating regional networks that feed into the headquarters. These localized hubs would increase reach and accessibility while staying aligned with the organization’s mission. Additionally, hosting more conferences in Africa would help foster greater participation and representation from underrepresented regions, empowering more emerging STEM leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.
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