Andy Robson, CISO - Bentley Motors
Tammy Moskites
Career CISO - CIO - F50 - Author - Executive Board Advisor International Keynote Speaker | I Love What I Do!!! My Views are My Own
Today’s CyAlliance Birds of a Feather Spotlight interview is with Andy Robson! Andy has been involved with information security since 1987 when he was enlisted into the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a telecommunications operator a role. This role laid the foundations of his future career.
Andy has worked in every facet of Security; from logic access administration, to systems management, IT Risk to Head of Security Operations. Over the years, Andy has held a number of senior roles in LloydsTSB, Barclays, The COOP Bank and most currently, he holds the position of CISO at Bentley Motors.
So Andy - Let's get started...
Q: Whether you are working virtually or at the office, what time do you go to work each day?
A: I am up early and I am usually in the office or start work by 7:30ish every day!
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Q: How do you personalize your office?
A: I don’t really personalize my office in any special way. Over the years I have moved around way too much, so I do not have it personalized in any way. It does, however, fit my work style.
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Q: Would you describe yourself as creative?
A: I have had to be creative... No university degree yet I have successfully worked in technology for more than 30 years... My thinking is not that of a graduate, but that of someone who is always learning... Someone who gets that he doesn't need to be the smartest person in the room!
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Q: Do you have any quirky daily rituals?
A: I do have some quirks for sure. Once thing I like to do, I like to sing in the car. The other thing that is quirky – but I try to smile at everyone I meet!!!
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Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: Some people have things that keep them up at night (work) - but for me – nothing keeps me up!
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Q: What is the characteristic you most look for and admire in those that work with you? Most dislike?
A: One thing I look for and admire in others that work with and for me has to be self-drive and motivation! It really takes individuals AND teams to take things to the next level! Having drive and motivation not only keeps them going but it drives the team to want to be better as well. However, one thing I truly dislike, is Negativity. Negativity is a killer for team spirit!
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Q: Do you use social media much – personally? for work?
A: I use social media for work, mostly, but some pleasure. I use Linkedin, but not the mainstream sites like Facebook, etc.
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Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of the fourteen (14) years I was in the Royal Air Force.
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Q: What is your greatest extravagance?
A: My greatest extravagance…. it is my Omega watch.
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Q: What is the most overrated security technology? Most underrated?
A: The most overrated security technology, in my opinion, is Darktrace. The most underrated – NESSUS.
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Q: What is the soundtrack for your career?
A: Things can only get better ??
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Q: What book are you currently reading?
A: I am not reading any books at the moment.
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Q: Are there any things, through your career, you’ve been especially glad to no longer do?
A: Without a doubt, it goes back to when I worked in a garage… I am so glad that is over!
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Q: How do you like to relax after work?
A: The best way to relax has to be with my Family and great food!
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Q: How do you create Work/Life Balance?
A: I find that it is important to have great routine. I have a routine that works for me and my family.
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Q: Which words or phrases do you use too often?
A: The phrase I use the most is “on the fly”. I use it way too much.
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Q: If you could try out any job for a day, what would you choose?
A: I would love to be the CEO of Bentley. This is such a great company.
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Q: What would you say to your 18-year old self?
A: I would tell me to Stay Fit...
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Q: What is your Superpower?
A: My superpower is my Sense of Humor!
Tammy: Why of course it is! ?? He is a funny guy – just sayin’
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Q: If you could share one tip with the world, what would it be?
A: The best tip I could give the world is “Don’t sweat the small stuff”
*****
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my time with Andy. Funny, smart and an awesome person - it is the Trifecta! I keep asking him for my Bentley discount - haven't gotten that yet - but then again, I probably cannot afford one if I need to ask for a discount...
Thank you again Andy for your time and candor. #YouAreAwesome
For those wanting to know more about him - here is his Linkedin profile.
https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/andrew-robson-cisa-22ba9036
Hope you all have an amazing summer - and look out for more CyAlliance Birds of a Feather folks coming up next week!
#DoWhatYouLove #LoveWhatYouDo
Cheers!
Tammy Moskites, CEO/Founder CyAlliance