A Visionary Leader in Sales, Cybersecurity, and Growth Strategies

Adaptability and strategic thinking are key to thriving in today’s
ever-evolving business world.

By Zulfunar Yavuzkan-Rasin
With over two decades of international experience in sales leadership, cybersecurity, and business strategy, Semra Eriskon has established herself as a powerhouse in driving revenue growth, developing go-to-market strategies, and scaling global businesses. Having played a pivotal role in startups and multinational corporations alike. She is known for her expertise in strategic planning, digital transformation, and market expansion. We had the opportunity to sit down with Semra and gain insights into her remarkable journey.

Semra, you have a strong academic background spanning multiple disciplines and institutions. Can you tell us about your educational journey and how it shaped your career?
My academic journey began at Istanbul University, where I studied business administration. My passion for strategic decision making and business development led me to pursue strategic marketing at the University of Greenwich in the UK. During this time, I gained hands-on experience in the hospitality sector, working at The Grand Hotel Tralee and later at Conrad Hotels (Hilton Group). These early experiences were instrumental in refining my customer relations and business acumen, which would later become crucial in my leadership roles.

Your career spans multiple industries, from hospitality to finance and ultimately cybersecurity. What inspired your transition into sales and technology?
My ability to adapt and identify growth opportunities has been a defining aspect of my career. After my time in hospitality, I stepped into the financial sector with Garanti Factoring, where I honed my skills in corporate marketing and product management. This experience laid the foundation for my entry into technology-driven sales with companies like Tradesoft (Microsoft Dynamics), Gantek (Oracle solutions), and Teradata, where I helped businesses leverage data analytics and cloud solutions to optimize performance. At Teradata, I focused on strategic account management and successfully expanded the company’s footprint in Türkiye, scaling revenues significantly. This experience helped me recognize the growing need for cybersecurity solutions, leading to my pivotal transition into the cybersecurity industry.

You have been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape. What motivated you to focus on this field?
The digital era has introduced unprecedented challenges, and cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses worldwide. I saw a gap in cyber threat intelligence and proactive security strategies, which led me to join Innovera, then Cofense, and later SOCRadar, where I took on leadership roles in sales and business strategy.
At SOCRadar, I spearheaded market expansion and revenue growth, scaling ARR from $600K to over $20M within a few years. I built strategic partnerships with MSSPs and VARs, developed go-to-market strategies, and led global teams. My goal has always been to drive sustainable growth while democratizing cybersecurity solutions for businesses of all
sizes.

Beyond your corporate success, you have been actively involved in advising
startups. Can you tell us about this aspect of your work?
Absolutely! Over the last nine years, I have been working with startups—helping them build sales teams, develop market entry strategies, market expansion, go-to-market strategies and optimize business models. Startups often face challenges in finding the right product-market fit and scaling operations efficiently. I have helped numerous early-stage companies navigate these challenges by implementing data-driven strategies and growth frameworks.
One of my key focuses has been helping startups secure funding and scale internationally. Having worked across multiple regions—LATAM, APAC, Europe, and the Middle East—I understand the nuances of market penetration, which is crucial for startup success.

Leadership roles are demanding. How do you balance your professional and personal life?
I believe in structure, discipline, and prioritization. Being a mother while leading global sales teams and advising startups requires a clear work-life integration strategy. My family has always been my anchor, and I have learned to delegate effectively, set boundaries, and maintain a strong support network.
Leadership is not just about growing businesses; it is also about empowering people—both in professional environments and within our personal circles.

As someone who has navigated multiple industries and led transformative initiatives, what advice would you give to young professionals?
My key advice would be:

  1. Be adaptable – The business landscape is ever-evolving; staying ahead requires a willingness to learn and pivot when needed.
  2. Develop strategic thinking – Every decision should align with long-term goals, whether in sales, marketing, or leadership.
  3. Invest in relationships – Networking is crucial. Success is often about who you know and how well you nurture those connections.
  4. Embrace failure as a stepping stone – Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Do not fear setbacks—learn from them and come back stronger.

What is next for you? Any upcoming projects or ambitions?
In the future, I will continue to empower women and young talents/students. Through mentorship programs, I aim to guide the next generation of leaders, helping university students shape their careers and navigate the business world. Additionally, I will remain actively involved in organizations and charities that support women entrepreneurs, ensuring that women have a stronger presence in leadership and decision- making roles. At the same time, I plan to focus on new projects in cybersecurity, technology, and innovation, supporting startups and businesses in their global expansion. My ultimate goal is to help more individuals unlock their full potential, create sustainable business models, and drive impactful change in the industry. Seeing people grow and thrive has always been my greatest motivation, and I look forward to continuing this journey.

Final Thoughts
Beyond her outstanding professional achievements, Semra Eriskon is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for the next generation of leaders. She actively works with university students, mentoring them in their career journeys, guiding them through business strategies, and participating in university conferences to inspire young professionals.
Moreover, Semra is a strong advocate for women empowerment in business. She frequently participates in women’s leadership panels and conferences, sharing her insights to help women become more confident, powerful, and influential in the corporate world. She firmly believes that every woman should trust in her own potential and never stop believing in herself.
Her career is a testament to resilience, strategic vision, and innovation, making her an inspiring leader in business. Looking ahead, she aims to continue supporting startups in technology, cybersecurity, and innovation, empowering women entrepreneurs, and mentoring the next wave of global business leaders.
Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews with inspiring leaders! ■