Cybersecurity Professional Advocates Mentorship for Fostering Talent, Driving Industry Growth

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Cybersecurity professional, James Mobolaji Adebayo has advocated continuous mentorship as a panacea for talent development and driving industry growth.

Mentorship has become a vital force in the world of cybersecurity, bridging the skills gap, nurturing talent, and inspiring the next generation to take up careers in tech. Through James flagship program, Zero to Hero with Moe, he has dedicated efforts to help individuals navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, especially those from neurodivergent backgrounds or underrepresented communities. Here’s how mentorship plays a pivotal role in cybersecurity, and the tangible impact the program is providing.

According to James, cybersecurity is a field with a significant talent shortage, where the rapid evolution of technology continually raises the bar for entry. Mentorship serves as a bridge, helping aspiring professionals build essential skills, understand industry demands, and gain confidence. Through Zero to Hero with Moe, individuals have gained the foundational knowledge required to break into cybersecurity, with specific focus on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) principles.

Also, mentorship addresses the need for skilled professionals by guiding them through hands-on learning and contextual understanding. Zero to Hero with Moe program tackles complex cybersecurity concepts, ensuring that mentees understand the “why” behind security measures, not just the “how.” For many, having a mentor makes a daunting field accessible, especially for those without a traditional tech background.

Through Zero to Hero with Moe, the first-hand impact that mentorship has in fostering talent and growing community knowledge is visible.

“My Instagram account, @zerotoherowithmoe, has grown significantly achieving nearly 4 million views on content related to cybersecurity. This reach has increased awareness about cybersecurity best practices and the importance of compliance, resonating with a wide audience. Our content reaches an average of over 1 million unique users, with 105,885 active engagements over the past 90 days. Through posts, educational videos, and articles, we’ve built a community that’s eager to learn and stay informed. Over 40 people have successfully launched careers in cybersecurity through my mentorship. This includes career changers, recent graduates, and individuals from non-technical backgrounds who, through tailored guidance, have landed their first cybersecurity roles. I manage an email list with over 2,000 subscribers, where we share free resources, insights, and updates on industry trends, further nurturing the community’s growth,” James narrated.

He explained that, “being neurodivergent (with ADHD and dyslexia) has shaped my journey in cybersecurity. Growing up, limited awareness of neurodiversity meant that I faced unique challenges in navigating educational and professional spaces. Today, I use my experiences to inspire others, particularly neurodivergent individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or minority communities, to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Through storytelling, empathy, and tailored mentorship, I help them understand that their unique perspectives are assets in a field that values diverse ways of thinking.”

Cybersecurity benefits from the problem-solving abilities, creativity, and perseverance that

neurodivergent individuals bring. Mentorship provides neurodivergent mentees with a structured path into the field, helping them understand how to leverage their unique strengths and overcome perceived limitations. For those from underrepresented communities, mentorship offers guidance on navigating both the technical and professional challenges of a cybersecurity career.

Zero to Hero with Moe program is designed to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring neurodivergent individuals feel supported and understood. The documented journey of James as a neurodivergent cybersecurity professional helps mentees see that success is possible, even when facing obstacles.

The tech industry’s rapid expansion has outpaced the availability of skilled talent, making mentorship essential for sustained growth. Mentorship addresses this gap by creating a pipeline of qualified professionals who are prepared to tackle industry demands.

By passing on knowledge, mentors play a role in building resilient talent as cybersecurity is a field that demands continuous learning and adaptation. Mentorship helps mentees build resilience by showing them how to learn, pivot, and tackle challenges. Through mentorship, knowledge gaps are closed as new entrants gain direct insight into best practices, current challenges, and emerging threats—knowledge that might otherwise take years to acquire independently. Mentorship fosters inclusion in tech by opening doors for underrepresented groups in tech, encouraging a more inclusive and diverse industry.

The feedback from mentees and community members has been overwhelmingly positive. Mentees appreciate the tailored guidance, practical advice, and personal insights that come from working with someone who has walked a similar path.

Mentees who have secured positions in cybersecurity often attribute their success to the clarity, confidence, and skills they developed through Zero to Hero with Moe program as mentored by James. The program’s community is highly engaged, with an average post engagement rate of 25% is a testament to the value that the content provides to those eager to break into cybersecurity.

Through Zero to Hero with Moe, James continues expanding reach of the community, equipping even more individuals with the skills, confidence, and motivation to enter cybersecurity. The journey doesn’t end with a job offer, mentees are encouraged to keep learning, stay curious, and give back to the community as mentors themselves one day.

Mentorship is about more than skills; it’s about creating a lasting impact, inspiring new talent, and fostering an inclusive, diverse cybersecurity landscape. By providing a supportive space, mentorship paves the way for a future where everyone, regardless of background, can find their place in cybersecurity.