Editor’s note: Yuri Bobbert, CISA, was recognized this year with the ISACA Inspirational Leadership Award for substantial impact as a serial entrepreneur, business executive and professor, excelling in both business and academia. Find out more about Yuri in this Q&A with the ISACA Now blog below, and learn more about ISACA’s Global Achievement Awards here.
ISACA Now: What does winning the Inspirational Leadership Award mean to you personally and professionally?
It is a great honor and privilege to receive such recognition from an industry I have been a part of for almost three decades. I enjoy working with passionate individuals, including coworkers, students, and leaders, as learning from each other is invaluable. Personally, I feel deeply touched and honored by this acknowledgment. Professionally, receiving recognition from a large jury of esteemed peers makes me proud and motivates me to strive even further.
ISACA Now: You’ve been recognized for your substantial impact as a serial entrepreneur, business executive, and professor. Can you tell us what you find to be the most rewarding about your work?
I draw energy from passionate people. I choose to work in various environments, including academia, business, supervisory boards, and as a shareholder/investor. I’ve discovered that my energy diminishes when I’m stuck in the same environment, performing the same tasks every day. I thrive on diversity. That’s why I commit to continuous learning and have worked to enhance my proficiency in various fields, including engineering, coding, marketing, finance, teaching, coaching, sales, business development, moderating, auditing, and more. I apply this diverse, rigorous, and positive mindset everywhere to make an impact on others. I believe this also inspires others to work with and for me. When I encounter mutual love, respect, and passion, I feel rewarded—hopefully—every day.
Work should be like living life; it must be fun, inspiring, joyful, and healthy to help cope with failures and setbacks. After all, pain is also a part of life.
ISACA Now: What has been an especially meaningful achievement or memorable moment for you during your career?
I have had many meaningful moments in my professional career, but building my own companies, earning a double doctorate degree, and becoming a professor at a Triple-accredited business school are among the most memorable. And winning this award, obviously.
ISACA Now: What are some of your leadership goals going forward?
I found that setting goals is beneficial, but embracing the journey each day works better for me and goals will be achieved as a result of it.
ISACA Now: What does being part of the ISACA community mean to you?
A global family of like-minded professionals provides an international perspective, and I appreciate how cultures and regions unite in polarizing times.
ISACA Now: What else might you like to add?
I enjoy collaborating on future improvements in our profession. I am establishing a research-driven leadership working group between the EU and North America that focuses on collaboration in the following areas: cyber insurance, risk quantification, audit automation, security operations, tech regulations, research and development, and education. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to me via LinkedIn.
