TLTR
- Sophia Zaoui joined Orange Cyberdefense in 2021 and quickly built her career progression, moving from Sales assistant to Microsoft security production manager ;
- Her professional evolution was driven by internal mobility, skill development, enhancing her interpersonal skills, and close support ;
- With a dash of boldness, the trust of her managers, and the contribution of the E-Booster program, Sophia was able to unlock her potential and take on new challenges ;
- At Orange Cyberdefense, the "Hacking spirit," mutual support, and a stimulating environment enable everyone to boost their career.
"The Lift": how Sophia Zaoui became Microsoft Security Production Manager at Orange Cyberdefense
How do you go from sales support to production management in four years? In this new episode of our series "The Lift," Sophia Zaoui shares her career journey at Orange Cyberdefense. Thanks to internal mobility, skill enhancement and a stimulating environment, she built a professional path based on trust, boldness, and the "Hacking spirit," a true signature of our corporate culture.
The Lift: The floor is yours
We belong to a large Group, full of initiatives and career opportunities. You need to be proactive about your development, expand your internal network... and keep your antennas wide open , says Annabelle Ruiz, Sales Engineer at Orange Cyberdefense.
When did your paths cross? In what context?
Annabelle Ruiz, Sales Engineer at Orange Cyberdefense: "With the departure of our previous Sales Assistant, we were a bit apprehensive about the arrival of a new recruit who wasn't from the Group. And this was a key position for our sales team. We were experiencing hypergrowth, with a cybersecurity boom, and needed to catch the train as it was leaving the station! We needed someone operational and flexible. The first time we met, at a restaurant, I thought Sophia was too calm and composed for this role, and it might be complicated. I admit I was wrong! She was observing and analyzing everything."
Sophia Zaoui, Microsoft Security Production Manager at Orange Cyberdefense: "I had just finished an interim mission at Google, coordinating the 'Street View' project in pedestrian zones of over 50,000 inhabitants. I applied to Orange Cyberdefense as a Sales Assistant and started in July 2021. I had another job offer, but I was very curious to discover this sector. The interviews confirmed my skills and interpersonal qualities. I arrived on July 21st, and there was a closing on the 31st. I had two weeks to prove myself and back up our team during my colleagues' leave. I’m used to very brief onboarding periods to be effective immediately. During my first exchanges with Annabelle, I remember thinking: 'She’s impressive, very efficient, and funny.' I knew we would get along well."
When you joined Orange Cyberdefense, what what your skillset and what did you learn?
Sophia Zaoui: "I don’t come from the cybersecurity world, so I took time to self-train on the terminology and acronyms specific to this universe. However, I’ve always known how to find the right resource, maintaining an 'there’s no problem, only solutions' mindset. Another area where I really progressed was overcoming my shyness. I was quite reserved, struggled to make calls in an open space, but I became aware of the team’s kindness and mutual support, and I gained confidence. I truly learned the value of boldness. The first mission I was entrusted with was data entry of administrative commercial files for an international pharmaceutical client - a big challenge!"
Annabelle Ruiz: "It was a very large project requiring the sale of equipment across many sites worldwide. It involved managing local procurement administrative follow-up, creating the client in the database, assigning the correct quote... For the salespeople, it was difficult to follow. Sophia took charge of the project successfully."
Have you benefited from skill development at Orange Cyberdefense?
Sophia Zaoui: "A few months ago, I joined the E-Booster program, which helps identify skills and soft skills: I confirmed that I was in the right place in my current role, and that my evolution was the right choice. With a focus on business, cybersecurity, crisis management, this very rich program included a Hackathon. I worked on the topic of fake news. I proposed an idea that is currently being studied to become an Orange Cyberdefense offering, with a strong societal approach to fight the spread of false information."
Have you benefited from internal mobility within Orange Cyberdefense?
Sophia Zaoui: "Indeed, I took advantage of a great internal mobility, moving from Sales Assistant in 2021 to Project Manager Officer in 2024, and then, a year later, becoming Microsoft Security Production Manager. That was a real change! Yet the biggest challenge was gaining confidence and working on my interpersonal and soft skills."
What role did Annabelle play in your professional development?
Sophia Zaoui: "I wanted to grow, and Annabelle was very supportive: she saw my potential and encouraged me to go for it. Thanks to her, I dared! I eventually had a discussion with our Technical Director in Lyon. Things accelerated, and I was offered to be a Project Manager Officer coordinating a partnership project with Microsoft. I thought I wasn’t ready for it! It seemed overwhelming. But the sales teams, including Annabelle, motivated and encouraged me to move forward. I don’t regret it."
Annabelle Ruiz: "Sophia’s potential needed a push. Gradually, we discussed her desire to evolve. Even though Sophia is no longer in sales, she’s still with us! If she hadn’t evolved, she probably would have left. We managed to create a trusting environment where she could flourish, and we convinced her to change roles."
How do you breathe Orange Cyberdefense's Hacking spirit?
Of course, there is hierarchy, but exchanges are quite fluid. Everyone speaks quite frankly, shares Annabelle.
What hard skills and soft skills immediately standed out with Sophia?
Annabelle Ruiz: "Sophia’s flexibility. Hired in July, she was operational by September. She understands quickly and well, very rapidly. Plus, her command of English is a major asset for our clients. She integrated smoothly and effectively. My initial concerns quickly disappeared."
What is your shared vision regarding career development opportunities at Orange Cyberdefense?
Sophia Zaoui: "For someone wondering about the prospects in our subsidiary, I would say that Orange Cyberdefense is a hyper-growing company. There are many openings, as well as training and high-quality support. The Orange group has the means to meet its employees’ ambitions."
Annabelle Ruiz: "We belong to a large Group, full of initiatives and career opportunities. You need to be proactive about your development, expand your internal network... and open your antennas wide open. Don’t hesitate to make yourself known, talk about your career aspirations, because the company can create roles or foster new opportunities based on employee proposals."
And your view of our company culture, the famous "Hacking spirit"?
Annabelle Ruiz: "At Orange Cyberdefense, we have a real spirit of conquest, with a strong work culture. Our Hacking spirit requires autonomy and initiative. Every day involves a new cybersecurity topic. You need to quickly find the right people, be very curious and open. We have in-house 3,300 multidisciplinary experts. You can find answers within our community of specialists. Of course, there is hierarchy, but exchanges are quite fluid; everyone speaks quite simply."
Sophia Zaoui: "Yes, I agree. Think 'Out of the box,' and when stuck on a topic, don’t hesitate to change your angle or ask others. The Hacking spirit, which is the culture of Orange Cyberdefense employees, involves being proactive, combining boldness and autonomy. We work in an environment that supports this."
An anecdote to share? A piece of advice that left an impression? Something you’ve never dared to say before?
Sophia Zaoui: "I like to compare Annabelle to a lioness, always fighting to win! The business culture is very present here, especially in the sales teams."
Annabelle Ruiz: "And you, with your sense of observation, agility, and speed, I’d say you resemble a cat that always lands on its feet!"
Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing in cybersecurity: is it already impacting your work?
Sophia Zaoui: "Yes, we save time on time-consuming tasks, especially Level 1 support teams managing vulnerabilities. AI 'pre-chews' the work but doesn’t replace it."
Annabelle Ruiz: "In my sales role, AI is an opportunity to automate some administrative tasks. But nothing replaces knowledge and the human connection with clients. Sales is a human profession where relationships matter a lot."
Explore the other episodes of our series "The Lift: the floor is yours" at Orange Cyberdefense, by clicking below.
