Youssef El Maddarsi, CEO, Naoris Consulting
The path to leadership often begins long before the title, in the quiet moments where dreams are born, challenges are faced, and resilience is nurtured. For Youssef El Maddarsi, Group CEO of Naoris Consulting, this journey began in an industrial family rooted in agriculture. His upbringing, far removed from the world of cutting-edge technology, instilled in him a deep understanding of resilience and value creation.
“My grandfather built his wealth from nothing,” Youssef recalls. “That journey of resilience and value creation inspired me to aim high and persist, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.” These early lessons would lay the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit, where determination, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace the unknown became key principles in his life.
Education as a Launchpad
Youssef’s educational journey was instrumental in shaping his global perspective. Starting at a French high school, he developed an early interest in exploring the world beyond his immediate environment. Higher education in the UK broadened his horizons, and executive courses at top universities further sharpened his ambitions. These experiences taught Youssef that success is not only about acquiring knowledge but about applying it effectively—a mindset he carried with him into his leadership at Naoris Consulting.
Meeting the Visionary: The Birth of Naoris Consulting
A defining moment in Youssef’s career came when he met David Carvalho, the visionary chairman of Naoris Group of Companies. David’s passion for technology and decentralization deeply resonated with Youssef, and together, they co-founded Naoris Consulting, the commercial arm of the Naoris Group. Through their collaboration, they have revolutionized cybersecurity and digital transformation.
“David’s genius and vision inspired me,” Youssef shares. “It gave me the platform to channel my entrepreneurial drive and help build solutions that are redefining trust and innovation on a global scale.”
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
No entrepreneurial journey is without its challenges. Youssef’s greatest hurdle was convincing stakeholders of the value of complex technologies like blockchain, decentralized AI, and post-quantum solutions. Many were hesitant to adopt these innovations, preferring ready-made solutions over custom R&D processes. Rather than being discouraged, Youssef and his team chose to gain people’s trust by developing disruptive platforms like the first sovereign AI model tool, and a decentralized healthcare platform for secure patient management or a full 360 cybersecurity tool. These innovations bridged the gap between skepticism and understanding, demonstrating the tangible value of Naoris’ technologies.
“The key to overcoming skepticism is to show—not just tell—the transformative potential of our technologies,” Youssef explains. “We focus on building trust by delivering measurable impact.”
A Decentralized Revolution
At the core of Naoris Consulting’s success is the Naoris Protocol, a decentralized protocol designed to eliminate single points of failure and embed trust by design. This protocol powers tools across industries, from healthcare to critical infrastructure, enhancing security and fostering transparency. For Youssef, it is not just about solving today’s problems but about shaping the future of cybersecurity and digital transformation.
“We are creating systems that are not only secure but also resilient,” Youssef notes. “This is about building trust for the long term, ensuring organizations can thrive in an increasingly digital world. We are building today what will be considered tomorrow the new normal”
Leadership Rooted in Purpose and Global Vision
Youssef’s leadership style is as transformative as the technologies he champions. He believes in empowering his team through collaboration, transparency, and shared purpose, creating an environment where innovation thrives. “Leadership is an opportunity to inspire others,” he explains. “By celebrating contributions and promoting accountability, we foster an atmosphere where ideas flourish and teams excel.”
This approach extends beyond the boardroom. Youssef is deeply committed to strengthening Morocco’s ties with regions like the Middle East and Asia. Leveraging his international connections, he works to attract foreign direct investments, foster balanced trade partnerships, and promote Morocco’s socio-economic development. “Morocco’s strategic location and dynamic economy make it a vital bridge between continents,” Youssef says. “Under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, the country has made remarkable strides in infrastructure, trade, and technology.”
For Youssef, leadership is about creating value on multiple levels—advancing global innovation through Naoris Consulting and supporting Morocco’s emergence as a global leader. “I am proud to modestly contribute to advancing the King’s vision and positioning Morocco as a hub of progress and opportunity,” he shares.
Balancing Ambition and Life
Balancing the demands of a CEO’s role with personal life is no small feat, and Youssef is candid about the challenges. He describes his personal life as “a future project,” emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in personal connections. “Success is a marathon, not a sprint,” Youssef advises. “Taking care of yourself ensures you have the energy and focus to keep moving forward.”
A Vision for the Future and Words of Wisdom
Looking ahead, Youssef envisions Naoris Consulting as a global leader in decentralization and post-quantum, with the Naoris Protocol at the center of this revolution. The protocol provides a foundation for secure, scalable, and transparent systems, transforming industries across the globe.
“Our goal is to lead the adoption of decentralization across industries,” Youssef explains. “By fostering trust and innovation, we’re not just solving today’s challenges—we’re shaping the future.”
For aspiring innovators in AI, blockchain, or cybersecurity, Youssef offers simple but profound advice: “Start by deeply understanding the problems you want to solve. These fields are complex, but great solutions come from clear focus and creativity. Stay curious, prioritize trust and scalability, and don’t fear failure—it’s often the first step to success.”
Leaving a Legacy
Youssef El Maddarsi’s journey is a story of ambition, perseverance, and the transformative power of innovation. From his early influences in an agricultural family to his role as Group CEO of Naoris Consulting, he has consistently pushed boundaries and embraced challenges. His leadership not only drives the future of digital transformation and cybersecurity but also inspires a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and act boldly. His legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and the unyielding pursuit of trust in an increasingly digital world.