Lawal Muyideen Olakunle has been named as the 244th Certified Global Tech Hero in recognition of his transformative impact on information security, risk management, and governance across multiple industries and continents.

Over a career spanning more than fifteen years, Muyideen has emerged as a strategic architect of cyber resilience, pioneering end-to-end audit and compliance programmes that have fortified organisations against evolving threats while aligning security initiatives with overarching business objectives.

From his early days providing first-line IT support in Nigeria, Muyideen’s aptitude for quickly diagnosing and resolving complex technical challenges established a foundation of trust among users and managers alike. His transition into governance, risk, and compliance roles showcased a rare blend of hands-on technical mastery and strategic vision. At Swiftcertfy and later at Isleridge Consulting, he led comprehensive cybersecurity maturity assessments, leveraging internationally recognised frameworks, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, CIS CSC, PCI-DSS, and the EU’s GDPR and DORA regulations, to design robust controls tailored to each organisation’s unique risk landscape. His ability to test IT general and application controls, conduct gap analysis, and translate audit findings into actionable roadmaps earned him a reputation as both a meticulous auditor and a forward-thinking advisor.

Most recently, in his role as Information Security Analyst at Isleridge Consulting, Muyideen has guided leading enterprises through the intricate demands of digital operational resilience. He has overseen compliance reviews against ISO 27001 and the EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act, performed privacy risk assessments against NIST SP 800-30 and ISO 27701, and implemented continuous-monitoring strategies that bridge the gap between technical safeguards and high-level policy mandates. His leadership has enabled clients to achieve demonstrable improvements in their security posture, reducing residual risk through MATA-driven remediation plans and embedding a culture of proactive risk management.

Beyond project delivery, Muyideen has been instrumental in mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. He has shared his expertise with cross-functional teams, fostering data-driven audit practices and upskilling colleagues in tools such as Archer GRC, AuditBoard, and ServiceNow. His commitment to knowledge sharing extends to boardrooms and industry forums, where his insights on aligning IT controls with strategic objectives have influenced policy discussions and inspired peers to elevate their own governance practices.

In announcing Muyideen’s certification as the 244th Global Tech Hero, Qazeem Oladejo, founder of The Connected Awards, said, “Muyideen embodies the spirit of innovation and integrity we seek to honour. His unwavering dedication to safeguarding critical systems, his strategic foresight in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and his mentorship of emerging talent reflect the highest standards of excellence.”

Muyideen’s distinguished career is underpinned by a Master of Business Administration from Anhalt University of Applied Sciences in Germany and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria. He holds the CISA designation, serves as an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Certified in Cybersecurity, and is pursuing CRISC accreditation to further enhance his enterprise risk management expertise.

As organisations face an increasingly complex threat environment, leaders like Lawal Muyideen Olakunle stand at the forefront of technological stewardship. His recognition as a Certified Global Tech Hero not only honours past accomplishments but also signals a commitment to continuous innovation and collective resilience. In immortalizing him as the 244th recipient, The Connected Awards celebrate a trailblazer whose influence resonates across sectors, empowering businesses to navigate uncertainty with confidence and integrity.