In the present globalized world, where technology is the driving force behind growth, cybersecurity is the most crucial aspect in the game of trust. All internet-related activities, be it financial, social, or industrial, rely on invisible caretakers that shield systems against daily attacks. These are not just technologists, but visionaries who bring foresight, flexibility, and stability to make innovation safe, even in the rapidly shifting digital environment.
One of such leaders is Mile Jelic, a cybersecurity strategist who has had a life filled with an interest in technology since childhood, and a powerful influence as the Cyber Security Executive at Comtrade System Integration. His philosophy of being first among equals has earned Mile a reputation for hands-on leadership, commitment to prevention, and the ability to see the future of cyber threats. In addition to his career success, he finds strength and equilibrium in his passion for music, allowing his technical knowledge to take on a human dimension.
Early Sparks of Curiosity
For Mile Jelic, the roots of cybersecurity reach back into childhood. Long before he held a professional title, he was a curious boy drawn to the mysterious inner workings of machines and technology. He was fascinated, but he was never reckless. He approached systems with the instinctive caution of someone who understood, even then, that every action carried consequences.
“There is an old saying,” Mile recalls with a smile, “‘First jump, then say hop.’ He thinks being good in cybersecurity is not just about technical skills; it’s a mindset, almost like DNA. It’s about living with what we now call ‘zero trust.’
This balance of curiosity and caution became a defining thread in his life. After finishing high school, he enrolled at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering. The timing was fortunate. The internet was just emerging, fragile yet full of potential. For many, it was a novelty. For Mile, it was love at first sight.
“I fell in love with it instantly,” he says. “It was like opening a door to a new universe.”
He dove into networking, virtualization, and every technical discipline he could get his hands on. These were the building blocks of a digital future that few yet understood. Cybersecurity, he realized, was not an afterthought but the very foundation that allowed technology to be trusted.
He says security became the cherry on top, and as digitalization grew, it was clear that without it, nothing else mattered.
Steering the Cybersecurity Ship
Today, Mile is the Regional Security Business Development Manager at Comtrade System Integration. His work is not limited to technology, it is about vision.
He explains that his main responsibility is to answer a simple but vital question: Where is cybersecurity headed?
That question guides everything he does, from selecting technologies to designing services to helping clients navigate their most challenging cyber issues. He often compares his role to being a navigator at sea. The waters are vast, the weather is unpredictable, and no two journeys are the same.
He believes the real reward comes when clients feel safe, supported, and successful, an outcome that makes every challenge worthwhile.
At Comtrade, Miles’ leadership has contributed to a culture where cybersecurity is not viewed as a separate function, but as part of the business itself. His forward-looking approach ensures the company not only keeps up with industry changes but also helps shape them.
Leadership: First Among Equals
When describing his leadership style, Mile does not cite management theories or textbooks. Instead, he speaks from lived philosophy: “first among equals.”
To him, leadership is not presented by a title. It must be earned. Authority is not about being in charge; it’s about proving, through action and knowledge, that you deserve trust.
For him, action means rolling up his sleeves and working alongside the team, showing commitment to shared goals rather than just talking about them.
His approach is deeply collaborative. He views his team as partners, not subordinates. This mindset creates an environment where communication flows openly, where respect is mutual, and where innovation thrives.
This model of leadership also reflects broader European values, where inclusivity, dialogue, and shared responsibility are seen as strengths. In cybersecurity, where the stakes are high and the threats relentless, Mile believes that only cohesive teams can deliver resilient solutions.
Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving World
Cybersecurity is a battlefield where yesterday’s defenses are obsolete today. Mile knows that complacency is the enemy. For him, staying ahead requires a relentless commitment to learning, experimenting, and anticipating.
He and his team invest heavily in certifications and education. They use multiple threat intelligence platforms to stay ahead of attackers. Mile himself enjoys keeping up with news and emerging trends, often diving into hands-on experimentation in his free time.
He admits it is not always easy, but says it is necessary. Curiosity is his engine, and even beyond managerial duties, he dedicates time to testing new technologies to stay sharp and connected.
This mindset has allowed him to not only understand existing technologies but also anticipate where the next challenges may arise.
Recognition and Milestones
Mile’s career is marked by moments of recognition that carry both professional and personal significance.
One of the proudest achievements was Comtrade’s Security Operation Center being recognized as one of the top 250 Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) worldwide. For him, this was not just an industry accolade but a validation of years of hard work by his team.
He says the recognition felt like a personal victory and showed that their hard work was noticed globally.
Another milestone was his decision to “switch sides”, transitioning from the role of a customer to that of a system integrator. This move reshaped his view, teaching him to think differently and act more strategically. It broadened his professional outlook in ways he could not have imagined earlier in his career.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
Cybersecurity is a field defined by challenges. Mile acknowledges that each project brings unique complexities, often under intense pressure. Success, he insists, lies in meticulous preparation, a strong team, and disciplined time management.
He says that even the best plans must allow for the unexpected, advises always having backup plans B and C, and adds that predictive thinking comes only with experience.
The most difficult cases he has seen involve ransomware attacks. He shares that the toughest situations happen when companies face ransomware due to neglecting security, and adds that it proves prevention is always better than a cure.
These challenges, though difficult, have also strengthened his resolve. Each lesson learned has deepened his expertise and his belief in proactive security strategies.
Finding Balance Through Music
In the high-stakes world of cybersecurity, stress is constant. For Mile, the key to maintaining balance lies in his lifelong love: music.
He says softly that music is his greatest love and that listening to and collecting it helps him heal from everyday chaos.
To him, music is more than entertainment; it is therapy, meditation, and a mirror to the soul. The rhythms calm him, the melodies re-center him, and the act of collecting music gives him a sense of continuity amid change.
He reflects that music has a therapeutic effect, reminding him of who he is beyond his professional role and keeping him grounded.
This personal connection to music also influences his professional leadership. Just as music is built on harmony and rhythm, Mile strives to create teams that work in sync, balancing individual talents to produce something greater than the sum of its parts.
Advice for the Next Generation
When asked for advice on what to do as an aspiring cybersecurity professional, Mile is clear: stay determined, find your inspiration, and commit to lifelong learning.
“The world of cybersecurity is ever-changing,” he says. You cannot stop learning. But more than that, you must stay true to what inspires you. That passion is what will sustain you through the challenges.
He encourages young professionals to see cybersecurity not just as a career but as a calling, one that requires resilience, creativity, and humility.
Looking Ahead: Embracing AI and Beyond
Looking forward, Miles’ eyes are firmly set on the future. At the center of his vision is artificial intelligence.
He warns that hackers are already using AI and says we must do the same, as AI will become part of daily routines in protecting clients.
But AI is just the beginning. He is preparing for new attack vectors arising from large language models and the looming disruption of quantum computing.
He predicts that things will move even faster and says we must be ready to adapt at the same pace.
Technology Trends Shaping the Future
Mile sees the next three to five years as a period of profound transformation across industries:
- Agentic AI: AI will evolve into autonomous systems capable of complex decision-making, reshaping industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics.
- Massive Energy Demand: As AI and data centers multiply, energy consumption will skyrocket. He foresees renewed global interest in nuclear energy as a sustainable solution.
- Quantum Computing: Once theoretical, quantum breakthroughs will solve problems beyond the reach of classical computing, particularly in drug discovery and cryptography.
- Blurred Reality: Generative AI will create hyper-realistic content that challenges our ability to distinguish truth from fabrication, raising both opportunities and ethical dilemmas.
Mile emphasizes that these trends will require new regulations, stronger security, and completely new ways of thinking.
The Evolving Role of Cybersecurity Leaders in Europe
Quoting Heraclitus, “The only constant is change”, Mile reflects on how cybersecurity leadership in Europe is being reshaped.
Cyber leaders are no longer simply defenders; they are becoming strategists, innovators, and policy influencers. With the EU’s expanding regulatory framework, the AI Act, Cyber Resilience Act, NIS2, and DORA, the role of CISOs will expand beyond IT into boardrooms and policy discussions.
He says they will not only secure systems but also shape corporate strategy, mergers, supply chains, and product design, making cybersecurity a competitive advantage rather than a cost.
He believes Europe has the opportunity to set global standards in responsible and ethical technology, and cybersecurity leaders will play a pivotal role in ensuring compliance, building trust, and driving sustainable innovation.
Building Trust, Leading Change
At the heart of Mile Jelic’s journey lies a single, powerful idea: cybersecurity is about trust.
Trust in systems. Trust in teams. Trust between organizations and their clients. And ultimately, trust in the leaders who guide them through uncertainty.
With his vision, his philosophy of “first among equals,” and his unwavering curiosity, Mile has become a leader not only of systems but of people. His story is one of strength, innovation, and human connection, qualities that are essential for Europe’s digital future.
As the world accelerates toward AI-driven transformation and quantum disruption, Mile remains grounded by the constants in his life: a love of technology, the harmony of music, and the belief that teamwork is the greatest force in overcoming challenges.
He is not just safeguarding systems. He is building bridges of trust. And in doing so, he is helping shape the future of cybersecurity for Europe and beyond.