Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Technical Certifications
Next Certifications
Skills
Interests
Accomplishments
Timeline
Languages
References
Product Knowledge
Frans-Dyason De Waal

Frans-Dyason De Waal

Next Generation Security Specialist
Durban

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented Cybersecurity Professional with over 25 years of experience blending technical acumen with exceptional sales abilities. Adept at transforming prospects into long-term partners through strategic insight, effective solution positioning, and an intuitive understanding of client needs. Known for a proven ability to exceed sales, revenue, and profit goals while creatively navigating complex challenges to deliver optimal outcomes for customers. Passionate about the value technology brings to clients, especially within cybersecurity, and continually driven by curiosity. In spare moments, dives deep into AI, science, and enjoys quality time with family.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
3
3
Certificates

Work History

PRISMA CLOUD SALES SPECIALIST - AFRICA

Palo Alto Networks
02.2021 - Current
  • Establish and grow the Prisma Cloud business for the Africa region
  • Increase sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic sales plans and evangelizing cloud security.
  • Expanded customer base with targeted prospecting and lead generation efforts.
  • Negotiate favorable and complex contract terms, securing long-term business partnerships with key bluechip accounts.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive bespoke solutions.
  • Develop Cloud Security channel ecosystem for Africa
  • Develop custom proposals for high-value prospects, successfully closing major deals.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Execution of solution demonstrations and technical evaluations

SYSTEM ENGINEERING LEAD

Midis (Execution Arm Of Broadcom In South Africa)
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Manage technical operations and drive business growth for English speaking Africa
  • Work with a team of engineers to deliver value to our business and customers
  • Skills development and performance management
  • Technology platform evangelization.
  • Improved end-user satisfaction by providing prompt resolution of technical issues and efficient customer support.

SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD

Symantec
05.2019 - 12.2019
  • Manage technical operations and drive business growth for English speaking Africa
  • Work with a team of engineers to deliver value to our business and customers
  • Skills development and performance management
  • Technology platform evangelization.
  • Improved end-user satisfaction by providing prompt resolution of technical issues and efficient customer support.

SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Symantec
04.2017 - 04.2019
  • Pre-sales consulting, architecture, solution design across entire Bluecoat stack post Symantec acquisition
  • Team / Partner / Customer technical training
  • Responsible for all technical sales process
  • Provided expert guidance on best practices in systems engineering, improving team performance and product quality.

SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Bluecoat
07.2012 - 03.2017
  • Manage technical operations for business
  • Technical consulting
  • Research new technologies for business growth
  • Customer relationship management and account expansion
  • Solution proof of value and implementation.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

LAYER 7 Networking
01.2009 - 06.2012
  • Increased customer satisfaction, addressing technical issues swiftly and effectively.
  • Streamlined project management processes, ensuring timely delivery of products and services.
  • Staff education and actualization
  • Conducted thorough market research to identify opportunities for business expansion and revenue generation.
  • Evaluate new technologies to provide business with competitive edge
  • First reseller to offer Palo Alto solutions in South Africa

Numerous

Varied Companies
02.1999 - 12.2008

Companies and positions held:

  • Togalabs - Lead Security Architect, IT administrator, 2006-2008
  • Fidelity Services - IT Support Consultant, 2005-2006
  • Torque IT - IT Technician, 2004-2005
  • *2 year Sabbatical in UK, 2002 - 2003
  • LanMetrix - Network Monitoring consultant, Product Manager Packeteer, 1999-2002

Education

Diploma - Hypnotherapy

QUEST INSTITUTE, United Kingdom
2002 - 2002

Cognitive Hypnotherapy And Neurolinguistic Programming

High School Diploma -

AFRIKAANS BOYS HIGH, South-Africa, Pretoria
1994 - 1998

Accounting, Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, English, Afrikaans

Technical Certifications

PECB-CDPO/ Palo Alto ACE / JNCIA-FWV / Shell Scripting

HP Openview Specialist / Packet shaper certified / Network Sniffing

BCCPA / BCCPP / ECCA / ECCP

SRD Sales Certification / Sandler Sales Methodology

Harvard CS50 - Artificial Intelligence and Python

University of Johannesburg - Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR

Next Certifications

  • CCSP - In progress
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer - ARTiBA - In progress

Skills

Cyber Security (Network, Cloud, Identity, SecOps)

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Interests

AI Enthusiast

Technologist

Nanotechnology

Science

Quantum Computing

Accomplishments

    FY'2022-2024: Attained +100% of quota

    FY'2025: Achieved 210% of annual quota

Timeline

(250AI4IR_P) Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR

10-2025

Harvard CS50 AI & Python

09-2025
PRISMA CLOUD SALES SPECIALIST - AFRICA - Palo Alto Networks
02.2021 - Current
SYSTEM ENGINEERING LEAD - Midis (Execution Arm Of Broadcom In South Africa)
01.2020 - 01.2021
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LEAD - Symantec
05.2019 - 12.2019
SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER - Symantec
04.2017 - 04.2019
SYSTEMS ENGINEER - Bluecoat
07.2012 - 03.2017
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - LAYER 7 Networking
01.2009 - 06.2012
QUEST INSTITUTE - Diploma, Hypnotherapy
2002 - 2002
Numerous - Varied Companies
02.1999 - 12.2008
AFRIKAANS BOYS HIGH - High School Diploma,
1994 - 1998

Languages

ENGLISH
AFRIKAANS

References

On Request

Product Knowledge

Palo Alto Networks / Bluecoat / Symantec / Microsoft / Juniper

Fortinet / HP / VMWare / Expand / Exinda / Riverbed

Checkpoint / Lacework / Aqua / Orca / Checkmarx / Veracode

BridgeCrew / Dig

Frans-Dyason De WaalNext Generation Security Specialist