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Benjamin Menestret

Manager, Solutions Consulting
France

Career Development | Innovation & Impact

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

From Technical Expertise to Leadership: My Journey at Palo Alto Networks

Whether he’s navigating complex customer environments or a grueling mountain trail, Benjamin, a Solutions Consulting Manager based in France, relies on his core principles of preparation, adaptability, and resilience. Read on to learn more about Benjamin’s experiences.

Embracing a Culture of Trust, Continuous Learning, and Growth

I joined Palo Alto Networks in April 2015 as an individual contributor working on complex global accounts across different  industries. This experience helped me build strong technical expertise while engaging with large organizations and executive stakeholders. Over time, I was given the opportunity to grow into a leadership role, and today I manage a team of Solutions Consultants supporting Global Accounts in France. This journey reflects a culture built on trust, continuous learning, and real opportunities for growth.

How are we addressing the fast-evolving threat landscape?

In today’s fast-evolving threat landscape, organizations need a unified approach to security. Palo Alto Networks enables this through its platform strategy, integrating network, cloud, and security operations with AI-driven capabilities. This allows us to address challenges holistically — from securing infrastructures to transforming SOCs — while staying ahead of emerging risks, including AI-related threats.

At the same time, success is not only about deploying technology, but also about driving its adoption. Supporting our customers in fully leveraging these capabilities is key to unlocking their full value and achieving lasting impact.

What is it like working at Palo Alto Networks in France?

Working at Palo Alto Networks in France is both demanding and rewarding. We collaborate with highly strategic organizations, requiring strong expertise, teamwork, and adaptability. Adaptability is key: threats, technologies, and customer expectations constantly evolve. In this environment, continuous learning is essential, while maintaining a clear focus on what matters most — delivering the highest level of cybersecurity service to our customers.

We hear you have a passion for trail running — how does that influence your work?

I see a strong parallel between my role and my passion for trail running. Both require technical expertise, preparation, adaptability, and resilience. In trail running, climbing demands physical strength and endurance, while descending requires precision, technique, and constant focus.

Similarly, in cybersecurity, we must combine deep expertise with the ability to adapt quickly to complex and changing environments. Just like on the trail, there is no finish line — only continuous learning and improvement. Success comes from staying focused, working as a team, and adapting to every challenge along the way.

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