“Cybersecurity is much more than a technical necessity—it’s a fundamental enabler of trust, innovation, and business growth.”
For Michaloliakos Michalis, cybersecurity is not just F about protecting systems; it’s about safeguarding people, businesses, and the digital world they rely on. He is committed to building a secure, resilient, and forward-thinking technological environment to enable the business.
With a passion for innovation and a people-centric approach, he seamlessly integrates security into business operations, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders productivity. His leadership is defined by collaboration, continuous learning, and strategic risk management—empowering organizations to navigate the evolving cyber landscape with confidence.
Passion for Cybersecurity
Michalis’s journey into the field of technology and cybersecurity has always been driven by a deep passion for connecting with people—helping, protecting, and empowering them while ensuring they can rely on the digital world safely to enhance their daily operations. From an early stage, he recognized that technology is not just about systems; it is about the people who utilise the systems.
For him, the digital world is a place where innovation and transformation take place—this has always been and continues to be, his driving force. In the early years of his career, he was drawn to cybersecurity after witnessing the significant impact cyber threats could have on individuals, businesses, and communities. His eagerness to be part of the solution led him to create safer digital spaces where people feel secure, and their experiences are enhanced.
Over time, his career has evolved from mastering the technical aspects of cybersecurity to focusing on integrating security seamlessly into everyday operations without disrupting productivity. He has worked closely with teams, organizations, and individuals to build security awareness, implement user-friendly policies, and foster a culture where cybersecurity is a shared responsibility rather than a burden. One of the most rewarding aspects of his journey has been seeing non-technical users become more confident in handling digital risks and actively engaging in security practices.
Today, his work remains shaped by a people-first approach—bridging the gap between technology and human behavior. He ensures that cybersecurity is not just a technical necessity but a fundamental part of how people interact in the digital world.
Driving Secure & Innovative Growth
As the Group Head of ICT and Cyber-Security at TMS, his primary responsibility is to create a secure, efficient, and innovative digital environment where colleagues can work seamlessly and confidently. He views cybersecurity and technology as enablers of business growth, ensuring that security measures protect people while fostering a culture of trust and productivity.
His focus is on aligning technology with business objectives, implementing user-friendly security solutions, educating teams on best practices, and proactively identifying risks before they become threats. Recognizing that collaboration is key, he works closely with business leaders, employees, and stakeholders to integrate security into every aspect of daily operations.
By building a culture where cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, he safeguards the organization and empowers individuals to make informed decisions in an evolving digital landscape. Ultimately, his role extends beyond managing technology—it is about driving innovation, resilience, and long-term success with a human-centric approach to digital and cybersecurity.
Building a Motivated & Aligned Team
Michalis’s believes that a motivated team is the backbone of any successful organization. To ensure his team remains engaged and aligned with business goals, he focuses on three key pillars: purpose, growth, and collaboration.
First, he ensures that every team member understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture, as recognizing their impact naturally increases motivation. Second, he invests in continuous learning and professional development by introducing new technologies, providing opportunities to work on challenging projects, and encouraging ongoing skill enhancement. He fosters an open environment where team members can share ideas, experiment with new solutions, and take ownership of their initiatives.
Finally, he prioritizes trust and collaboration by recognizing achievements, encouraging open communication, and ensuring that every voice is heard. By aligning personal growth with organizational success, he cultivates a team that is not only motivated but also resilient, innovative, and committed to excellence.
Essential Leadership in Cybersecurity
Michalis’s believes that effective leadership in the Cyber Security domain requires a balance of technical expertise and strong, soft skills to manage diverse teams successfully.
Empathy and adaptability are crucial enablers, allowing leaders to understand different perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and working styles. Clear and transparent communication ensures that both technical and non-technical stakeholders grasp the importance of security and remain engaged in the process.
Trust and accountability play a vital role in empowering teams to take ownership while knowing they have the necessary support. A strong cybersecurity leader must also have a strategic vision, aligning security initiatives with business goals to drive innovation rather than hinder it. Resilience and a learning mindset are essential in this fast-evolving field—embracing change, fostering continuous development, and staying ahead of emerging threats.
Balancing Innovation & Risk
Michalis’ views security as an enabler rather than a barrier to innovation. By embedding security by design, he ensures that risk management is integrated early, allowing teams to move quickly without compromising safety.
Continuous risk assessment helps align new technologies with business goals while staying ahead of emerging threats. Instead of enforcing rigid controls, he fosters a risk aware culture that empowers teams to innovate securely.
Cross-functional collaboration and shared information are key to keeping security, IT, and business teams aligned. With this approach, he ensures that security fuels innovation rather than limits it, driving progress with confidence.
Balancing Leadership & Well-Being
Michalis believes that maintaining a work-life balance in a demanding role requires prioritization, delegation, and setting clear boundaries. To lead effectively, he focuses on high-impact tasks, practices efficient time management, and trusts his team to take ownership of their responsibilities.
Rather than strict separation, he embraces work-life integration, ensuring that professional demands do not overshadow personal priorities. Regular exercise, quality time with family, and moments of reflection help him stay grounded.
He also fosters a “healthy” team culture, where flexibility and mutual support enable both professional and personal growth. By leading by example, he demonstrates that success does not have to come at the cost of well-being.
Staying Ahead in Cybersecurity
Michalis stays updated in the field of cybersecurity by actively engaging with industry thought leaders, research institutes, technology providers, and cyber communities. Attending conferences, cybersecurity summits, and be a part of peer discussions helps him stay connected to emerging trends.
He emphasizes hands-on learning and experiments with new technologies to remain proactive rather than reactive. Additionally, he fosters a knowledge-sharing culture within his team, ensuring continuous growth. For him, staying updated isn’t just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about strategically applying it to drive innovation and resilience.
Keys to Success in Cybersecurity
Michalis advises aspiring cybersecurity professionals to cultivate curiosity, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset. Mastery in cybersecurity goes beyond technical expertise—it requires continuous learning, effective communication, adaptability and a proactive approach to emerging threats. Building a strong foundation in security principles and risk management is essential, but real growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones. Developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking is just as critical as technical knowledge.
He encourages professionals to seek mentorship, engage with security communities, and embrace innovative thinking. Above all, he emphasizes that cybersecurity is about protecting people and businesses—approaching it with passion and purpose leads to meaningful success and impact.
Future of Cybersecurity at TMS
He envisions a resilient, proactive, and business-aligned cybersecurity framework at TMS—one that not only protects the organization but also fuels growth and innovation. He believes cybersecurity should be seamless, effective, and empowering rather than restrictive.
His strategy focuses on three key areas: proactive threat management using advanced technologies, fostering a security-first culture where every employee plays a role, and developing agile, scalable security strategies that evolve with the business. By continuously enhancing security posture and fostering cross-team collaboration, he aims to create a cyber-resilient environment that safeguards both digital assets and people.
