Learning as a lifelong mission: growth, curiosity, and impact
For me, growth is more than just a professional necessity. It is the joy of my life. The idea of stagnation is my greatest fear, and I firmly believe that continuous learning is the key to unlocking not just personal success but the potential in others. My mission is to empower people to reach their full capabilities, to inspire a culture of excellence, and to lead by example as a lifelong learner.
I approach learning with the same mindset I apply to leadership: with curiosity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. I see every challenge as an opportunity to expand my knowledge. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to embrace learning with the same passion and dedication—because a world where people continuously strive to improve is a world of limitless possibilities.
The power of lifelong learning in leadership
Every challenge I’ve faced has been met with a learning-driven solution. From teaching myself programming in high school to mastering AI-driven operations, my education is an ongoing process of growth, problem-solving, and impact.
Relocating to Saudi Arabia meant rethinking my career path, leading me to online education—a move that shaped my self-discipline, resilience, and adaptability. Over the years, I’ve built a high-impact career in operations and leadership, fueled by continuous learning.
Table of Contents
- Learning as a lifelong mission: growth, curiosity, and impact
- The power of lifelong learning in leadership
- A journey of adaptation and growth
- 🔍 A love for problem-solving: math, programming & logic (Pre-2008)
- 🌍 A new reality & the discovery of online learning (2008)
- 🎓 Rebuilding my education: laying the foundation (2011–2013)
- ⚖ Pursuing my passion for justice & law (2013–2021)
- 🔄 Pivoting to cybersecurity: a practical shift (2018 & beyond)
- 🚀 From cybersecurity to operations leadership (2021–Present)
- 🚀What’s Next?
- Degrees & certifications that shaped my expertise
- Lifelong learning: commitment to growth
- Lifelong learning as a path to leadership
A journey of adaptation and growth
My learning journey has been defined by curiosity, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of growth. From mastering math and programming to navigating criminal justice, cybersecurity, and operations leadership, each pivot was driven by a desire to solve problems, create impact, and empower others.
🔍 A love for problem-solving: math, programming & logic (Pre-2008)
I’ve always been drawn to logic and structure, excelling in math and programming (C++) early on. I thrived in challenges that required strategic thinking and precision, setting the foundation for my analytical mindset.
🌍 A new reality & the discovery of online learning (2008)
Moving to Saudi Arabia meant my educational path was no longer straightforward. Determined to continue learning, I explored online education—though skeptical at first. To test the waters, I took a Private Investigator Diploma, which sharpened my research, analysis, and investigative thinking—skills that would later prove invaluable.
🎓 Rebuilding my education: laying the foundation (2011–2013)
Unaware that I could transfer credits, I re-did my high school diploma, ensuring a strong academic foundation. Around the same time, I pursued a Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate, bridging my analytical skills with digital forensics—an intersection of technology, investigation, and structure.
⚖ Pursuing my passion for justice & law (2013–2021)
Fueled by a passion for fairness and structured systems, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with dreams of becoming a crime scene investigator (CSI). However, as a Romanian citizen in Saudi Arabia, working in law was highly unlikely (unless I pursued business law, which didn’t align with my values).
Instead, I was drawn to how law creates fairness and order—a principle that would later shape my leadership approach. While earning my degree, I balanced raising a family and part-time work, completing a MicroMasters in Cybersecurity to expand my expertise into risk management, security frameworks, and forensic analysis.
🔄 Pivoting to cybersecurity: a practical shift (2018 & beyond)
As I neared graduation, I aimed to transition into cybersecurity, where my investigative and analytical skills were a natural fit. However, breaking into the field required expensive certifications, leading me to seek a job to finance them.
🚀 From cybersecurity to operations leadership (2021–Present)
That search led me to Codeless, initially as a means to an end. But what I found was an unexpected passion for operations. I thrived in building efficient systems, streamlining processes, and driving clarity—skills I had unconsciously developed through years of problem-solving.
As I progressed, I took on leadership roles, finding fulfillment in empowering teams, ensuring fairness, and creating environments where people thrive. Operations became my way of driving structured impact at scale and a seamless connection to my passion for law, efficiency, and problem-solving.
🚀What’s Next?
My lifelong learning journey continues. I’m now focused on executive leadership, AI-driven efficiency, and scaling operations so I can ensure that I multiply my impact, optimize systems, and empower people to succeed.
Degrees & certifications that shaped my expertise
🎓 Degrees
⚖Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Penn Foster, Online – Summa Cum Laude
- Developed leadership capabilities through coursework in organizational management, strategic decision-making, and law enforcement administration.
- Gained expertise in critical thinking, problem-solving, and research-driven analysis through extensive academic projects.
- Recognized for excellence in communication, with essays frequently praised for clarity and depth.
💻MicroMasters in Cybersecurity
RiT, edX
- Equivalent to a quarter of a Master’s degree, combining theoretical and applied cybersecurity knowledge.
- Studied evolving risk landscapes, advanced risk management techniques, and data-driven security measures.
- Completed hands-on computer-based labs, culminating in a capstone project synthesizing risk analysis, security strategies, and system protection.
🎯 Internship
📊 Business Analyst
Brainnest, Remote (Germany)
- Provided actionable insights into corporate strategy by conducting SWOT and PESTLE analyses, enhancing strategic decision-making processes.
- Contributed to strategic planning initiatives by analyzing external business influences and offering recommendations for optimizing organizational positioning.
- Developed analytical skills and strategic planning expertise by evaluating internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
- Delivered comprehensive reports that informed strategic initiatives, supporting the organization’s long-term growth and planning goals.
🏅Certifications
🔍 Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate
Penn Foster, Online
- Built foundational skills in digital forensics, including identifying, preserving, and analyzing electronic evidence, applicable to operational troubleshooting and auditing processes.
- Enhanced technical problem-solving capabilities by mastering tools and techniques for recovering data and ensuring system integrity.
🧠 Diploma in Education, The Psychology of Criminal Justice
University of Queensland, edX
- Explored psychological principles behind criminal justice processes, including decision-making biases and behavioral analysis, applicable to leadership and stakeholder management.
- Developed critical thinking and interpersonal insights by understanding the motivations and perspectives of individuals in high-pressure environments.
🛡 Diploma: Education, Cyberwar, Surveillance, and Security
University of Adelaide, edX
- Gained knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and surveillance tactics, emphasizing strategies for protecting systems and managing operational risks.
- Strengthened awareness of ethical and legal considerations in digital security, fostering a compliance-driven approach to operations.
🕵 Diploma: Private Investigator
Penn Foster, Online
- Developed advanced research and analytical skills through coursework in evidence collection, public record searches, and fraud investigations, ensuring precise data gathering and informed decision-making.
- Strengthened resourcefulness and attention to detail by mastering surveillance techniques, investigative reporting, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Enhanced communication and organizational abilities by preparing detailed, actionable reports for stakeholders, emphasizing clarity and accuracy in operational contexts.
Lifelong learning: commitment to growth
📂 Operations & process optimization
- Six Sigma Black Belt (LinkedIn Learning) – Process efficiency, waste reduction, and cost-saving strategies.
- Driving Measurable, Sustainable Change (LinkedIn Learning) – Scaling impact while aligning with organizational goals.
- Learning Minitab (LinkedIn Learning) – Statistical process control for data-driven decision-making.
- Statistics Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) – Applying statistical analysis for continuous improvement.
- Operational Excellence Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) – Lean methodologies and process optimization.
- Operational Excellence Work-Out and Kaizen Facilitator (LinkedIn Learning) – Practical approaches to operational improvements.
- Root Cause Analysis (LinkedIn Learning) – Identifying and solving critical business inefficiencies.
📝 Project management & Agile leadership
- Atlassian Agile Project Management Professional Certification (LinkedIn Learning) – Agile frameworks, sprint planning, and backlog prioritization.
- Scrum: The Basics (LinkedIn Learning) – Implementing Scrum for iterative improvement.
- Project Management Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) – Managing scope, resources, and stakeholder alignment.
- Software Project Management Foundations (LinkedIn Learning) – Agile and Waterfall methodologies for project execution.
- Agile Methods for UX Design (Interaction Design Foundation – IxDF) – Integrating Agile methodologies into design and operational workflows.
- Agile Foundations (IxDF) – Building Agile principles for team collaboration and iterative improvements.
- UX Management: Strategy and Tactics (IxDF) – Managing cross-functional teams and aligning UX strategies with operational objectives.
- User Research – Methods and Best Practices (IxDF) – Using research to drive user-centric improvements in processes and tools.
🤖 AI & automation for operations
- AI Specialist (BotBuilders) – AI-driven solutions for marketing, automation, and growth.
- AI Powered Profits (BotBuilders) – Using AI for revenue generation and automation in sales funnels.
- AI Marketing Helper (BotBuilders) – AI-driven marketing strategies for customer engagement.
- Meta Ads Crash Course (BotBuilders) – AI-optimized ad targeting, campaign management, and performance tracking.
- Building Your Brand (BotBuilders) – AI-enhanced brand consistency and operational coherence.
- Writing to Convert (BotBuilders) – AI-powered content strategies for optimizing conversions.
- Prompt Engineering Mastery (Creator School) – Optimizing AI-generated outputs for efficiency.
- ChatGPT Mastery (Creator School) – Automating internal documentation, customer service, and team communications.
- Get Your First Sponsor (Creator School) – AI-driven sponsorship management and partnerships.
- AI Profit Booster Bundle (Creator School) – AI strategies for PR, brand visibility, and scalable communication.
- AI Content Amplifier (Creator School) – AI-powered content automation and distribution.
- AI LinkedIn Content Factory (Creator School) – Automating LinkedIn content and internal communications.
- AI List Building Booster (Creator School) – AI-driven email list growth and CRM optimization.
🎨 UX design & design thinking
- Design for a Better World with Don Norman (IxDF) – Designing systems with sustainability and inclusivity in mind.
- Design for the 21st Century with Don Norman (IxDF) – Adapting operational models to technological and societal changes.
- Design Thinking: The Ultimate Guide (IxDF) – Applying iterative, user-centered problem-solving techniques.
- Journey Mapping (IxDF) – Mapping user experiences to optimize operational workflows.
- Perception and Memory in HCI and UX (IxDF) – Understanding human cognition to design intuitive systems.
- The Brain and Technology: Brain Science in Interface Design (IxDF) – Applying cognitive science to operational tool design.
- Accessibility: How to Design for All (IxDF) – Ensuring operations and workflows are accessible to diverse teams.
- Emotional Design: How to Make Products People Love (IxDF) – Creating emotionally engaging systems to improve team satisfaction.
- User Experience: The Beginner’s Guide (IxDF) – Establishing UX principles for stakeholder and system efficiency.
🛠 Operational tools & CRM systems
- ClickUp Expert Certificate (ClickUp) – Optimizing workflow automation and team collaboration.
- Learning HubSpot (LinkedIn Learning) – Using CRM tools to streamline customer engagement and operations.
- Salesforce for Admins (LinkedIn Learning) – Configuring Salesforce to enhance team productivity and automate processes.
💡 Critical thinking & leadership
- Critical Thinking Certificate (Toggle Hire) – Enhancing analytical and decision-making abilities.
- Leadership Management Certificate (Toggle Hire) – Structuring and leading high-performing teams.
🛡 Cybersecurity & risk management
- IT and Cybersecurity Risk Management Essential Training (LinkedIn Learning) – Understanding key cybersecurity risk factors.
- Risk Management for IT and Cybersecurity Managers (LinkedIn Learning) – Implementing risk mitigation strategies.
Lifelong learning as a path to leadership
At the core of my journey is a vision of inspiring excellence by striving for mastery myself and by creating systems, processes, and environments that empower others to reach their highest potential. Through clear structures, smooth operations, and well-designed workflows, I believe that everyone can operate at their best, whether it’s an individual striving for career growth or an organization scaling to new heights.
My mission is to drive operational excellence, not just for efficiency, but as a tool for empowerment—helping teams thrive, removing unnecessary friction, and creating clarity that allows people to focus on what they do best.
Lifelong learning is not just something I believe in. It’s something I live by. I see growth as a daily pursuit, a commitment to continuously improving my skills, leadership, and ability to drive impact at scale. As I evolve, I aim to set an example of what lifelong learning looks like, sharing my journey and encouraging others to do the same.
What’s next? My growth roadmap
🎯 Optimizing health & efficiency for peak learning
This year, my priority is optimizing my health and body to accelerate learning, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall efficiency. I believe that true excellence starts with a well-functioning mind and body, and by refining these areas, I can set a higher standard for personal and professional performance while continuing my lifelong learning journey.
- 📚 Learning mastery (February, 2025 – Mindvalley) – A deep dive into accelerating the learning process, understanding how to absorb, retain, and apply knowledge faster, and adopting high-performance learning habits.
- 🥗 WildFit (March, 2025 – Mindvalley) – A transformational approach to health and nutrition, focusing on breaking food habits, understanding body optimization, and creating sustainable well-being practices.
- 🤖 Advanced applied AI (August, 2025 – Mindvalley) – A strategic program on AI implementation in business, covering how to use AI for automation, operational efficiency, and leadership decision-making.
- 💪 Health & body mastery (November, 2025 – Mindvalley) – A holistic approach to health, fitness, and longevity, ensuring optimal energy, strength, and mental clarity to perform at my best.
Since joining Mindvalley in 2022, my growth has accelerated like never before. It’s been one of my best decisions and investments, helping me learn faster, optimize performance, and evolve continuously.
Affiliate disclosure: This is a referral link. If you sign up, you’ll get $100 off, and I’ll receive $100 in credit at no extra cost to you. I only recommend what I truly believe in!
🚀 Investments in growth (goals for my next leadership roles)
As I step into my next leadership roles, I aim to be in companies that invest in the growth of their people. My focus will be on deepening my leadership capabilities, refining executive decision-making, and strengthening my ability to build thriving teams and organizations. These are the next areas of growth I plan to explore:
- 🏢 MGMT accelerator program – A structured executive leadership program designed to refine decision-making, team management, and high-level strategic execution.
- 🗣 Coaching for hard conversations – Developing the ability to navigate difficult discussions, strengthen conflict resolution skills, and lead with clarity and confidence in high-pressure situations.
- 🌍 Advanced leadership development – A deeper dive into leadership, covering areas like culture-building, executive leadership, and high-impact coaching to expand my ability to scale and lead effectively.
🌟 Long-term vision: expanding my influence & network
Over the next five years, my goal is to not just grow individually but also expand my network and learning experiences on a global scale:
- 🎓 Attend Mindvalley University – A transformational experience bringing together high-achievers and thought leaders to immerse in cutting-edge leadership, business, and personal growth strategies.
- 🏆 Attend global leadership conferences & summits – Engaging in elite executive programs, networking events, and high-level leadership summits where I can learn from top industry leaders and share insights.
- 🧭 Continue refining my mentorship plan & board – Building a structured mentorship network, continuously refining who I learn from and how I integrate their insights into my leadership journey.
Alex Gita | Driving Efficiency, Empowering Teams 