Bjorn R. Watne, SVP & CISO at Storebrands Group

Today’s CyAlliance Birds of a Feather Spotlight interview is with Bj?rn R. Watne. With almost two decades of professional experience working with Information Security, he is currently employed as SVP & CISO for the Storebrand Group – delivering financial services within banking, insurance and asset management. Previous to joining the financial sector, he has held numerous positions within telecoms as well as working as a consultant with different industries. 

He has his BSc in Computer Science from Agder University in Norway, and an MBA from ESCP in Paris, France. Professional certifications include CISSP and ISSMP from (ISC)2, and CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT and CDPSE from ISACA, where he's also held numerous board positions over the last few years and currently is chair of Norway Chapter's nominating committee.

I am so excited I get this chance to bring my friend Bj?rn, from Storebrands Group, where is is located in Norway, to our CyAlliance Birds of a Feather "Aviary" and get this opportunity to share a little more about him.

So, Bj?rn - let's get started!!!

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Q:     Whether you are working virtually or at the office, what time do you start or go to work each day? 

A:     Oh a CISO really doesn't really get off work, so that's a difficult question to answer. What I've found though is that I put in a lot more hours now working from home, as it is (a little too) convenient to continue working after hours now that the workstation sits on the kitchen table. As a manager, in normal days however, most of the day would be spent being available for colleagues and subordinates, something that usually would leave me with a pile of emails at the end of the day. Given that I then (4pm and onwards) would have to spend some time responding to these, I usually don't come into the office before 9am. Working too much is very easy, so it's important to be disciplined and to keep it at a healthy and acceptable level.

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Q:    How do you personalize your office? Is there anything that is Unique? 

A:   Well, about a year ago, my current company went into a "free seating" -scheme, meaning there's no personal desks or area to sit in. We were all given a box for smaller, personal effects that we pick up from a shelf in the morning and carry to a free desk, then return it to the shelf at day's end. 

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Q:     Would you describe yourself as creative?  Why?  Why Not?

A:     I would say, yes. One of my favorite quotes is one by Hannibal Barca, as he was crossing the Alps with 3000 elephants, he's claimed to have said "I will either find a way or make one". When dealing with challenges, of any kind, I try and always make this approach and see if there is some way I can make improvements by doing it differently.

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Q:     Do you have any quirky daily rituals? 

A:     Hehe... I don't know if I would call it quirky, but to keep my form (and sanity) during these quarantine-days I've downloaded several different fitness apps and invested in a yoga mat. So, I now have both a morning and an afternoon training schedule I "must" complete for the day to be done. My neighbor below where I live has already come up once wondering what was going on when I was doing Burpees! There are certainly new things getting used to these days!

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Q:     What keeps you up at night? 

A:     Exciting TV-shows where every episode ends in suspense! Now with all these on-demand offerings it is way too tempting to hit the play button on the next episode just to see what happens and voila – another hour gone. On a general note, I tend not to worry overly much, and I know that rest is needed to perform at your best. I usually sleep very well.

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Q:    What is the characteristic you most look for and admire in those that work with you? Most dislike? 

A:     Honesty and dedication. Trust is very important in any relationship – also professional ones. And now that we are left to ourselves in a larger degree than before, trust becomes even more important. I also place high demands on my own contribution, so dedicated co-workers who's on board and pulling their weight is what I look for. Freeloaders are those I would try to get rid of.

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Q:     Do you use social media much – personally? for work? 

A:     No. Neither personally nor for work. I'm a very social person and prefer to be social in person than through social media. It's 2020 and I don't even have a Facebook account!

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Q:     What accomplishment are you most proud of?  Personally?  Work?

A:     My subordinates nominated me to the OSPA awards as "Outstanding in-house security manager" back in 2016, where I went to become a finalist. The fact that they went and nominated me, I felt was a bigger prize for me than winning the whole thing would have been. (www.theospas.com) Also, I've managed to elevate the CISO position from one within IT to a SVP-position peer with the CIO with my current employer. It took me 5 years to get there and it wasn't all smooth sailing, but slow and steady wins the race.

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK

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Q:     What is your greatest extravagance? 

A:     I love fine dining. During the week I can live without any trouble on crispbread and oatmeal, but whenever there's something new and fancy opening – or a well-known place have won another Michelin star – I'll be the first in line to make a reservation. And when first seated I am always all-in. Aperitif? Certainly. Avec? Oh yes.

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Q:     What is the most overrated security technology? Most underrated? 

A:     That's a tricky question and I am sure that is why you are asking! I would answer that in my book ALL security technology is to some extent overrated. Security isn't acquired through technology alone – there is no silver bullet. To get any organization secure you need to address its culture. While there are many wonderful technological tools available to help you do that, you need to address the business processes – how you work – and the people – those who work there, in order to be successful. That's something no security leader – or leader in general should ever forget.

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Q:     What is the soundtrack for your career? 

A:     Oh there could be many, but working in an industry that for many years have been looked at as the "department of NO" (and still is by some) I would say: AC/DC – It's a long way to the top (if you wanna rock 'n roll) would be applicable.

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Q:     What book are you currently reading? Why did you choose that book? Would you recommend it?

A:     I'm currently on the 4th volume of "Malazan Book of the Fallen" which is a ten-volume spanning epic fantasy series by Canadian novelist Steven Erikson. Educated as both an archeologist and anthropologist, Erikson is blessed with both intellect and insight, and he writes very well. Having a job where I'm dealing with real world problems on a daily (sometimes round the clock) basis, I enjoy escaping into fantasy books. I have been swallowing books from an early age and continued to this day even with the competition from digital media. I do have a kindle for long travels, but I prefer paperbacks for reading. Perhaps these imaginary escapes into fantastic worlds is what makes me more creative?

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Q:     Are there any things, through your career, you’ve been especially glad to no longer do? 

A:     That's an easy one! Early on in my career I was working as a Security Analyst. Being an analyst working in a 24/7 Security Operations Center means you're included in the rotation for the night shifts. Showing up at the office at 7pm and leaving at 7am for one week straight is something I'm especially glad I no longer must do – and to all those who's currently in the position: Stay vigilant! You're doing a very important job, being a very important cog in the big machine. Do your job well, and you will also not stay there forever lest you want to.

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Q:     What was your favorite job and why?

A:     This is a tough question, and I don't think I could name one specific job here. I would rather like to mention what to me makes going into work pleasant: my colleagues. You could have unfair challenges, you could have periods of boredom, but nothing is unbearable or too much once you've got a good team in the boat with you. There's also a saying that goes "people join a company but stay for their manager" and I agree there is a lot of truth to that. Beside that my favorite jobs have always been the ones where I was able to make a difference and a change for the better.

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Q:     How do you like to relax after work? 

A:     Like I mentioned earlier, I enjoy reading books, but as I'm also a very social individual I like hanging out with friends talking about anything and everything. The past few months with lockdowns and quarantines hitting the world has further shown me how important human interaction is for personal well-being. They say introverts are enjoying the current situation, but I am not sure. As an extrovert I certainly am not.

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Q:     How do you create Work/Life Balance?  Is there such a thing?

A:     There's absolutely such a thing, but you must be disciplined to manage it. "Logging out" your brain when leaving the office is a skill you can teach yourself, but it gets increasingly more difficult when the office is in your kitchen. Personally I admit I probably work more than I should overall, but I don't see the harm in it as long as it's something I like doing and not something I loathe and feel I HAVE to be doing. If you don't like what you do you should find something else to do. 

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Q:     Which would you choose for lunch? Tacos, Salad, Burgers or Sushi?

A:     Another easy one – Sushi 10/10 times! A salad wouldn't fill me up, and tacos and burgers make you drowsy. Sushi is healthy, tasteful, and leave you with enough energy to continue at full speed until dinner.

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Q:     Which words or phrases do you use too often? 

A:     I try not to overuse words or phrases but, in a world, that's moving ever faster, with ever more requirements, I find myself often quoting Voltaire on the importance of not making the best the enemy of the good. 

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Q:     Planes, Trains and Automobiles -- What is your favorite way to travel?  Do you have a favorite destination?

A:     I love flying, and in such I've been hit especially hard with the current situation. Usually I'd be in the air at least every other week for work or recreation, but this spring there was a 12-week gap for me without wheels-up. Traveling is the first of my hobbies and having been to more than 120 countries and all seven continents I have many favorite destinations. Answering this question could become a whole interview, so this time I'll leave it with my favorite destination is one where I haven't been to yet.

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Q:     If you could try out any job for a day, what would you choose and why?

A:     POTUS! Because someone need to lock that place down and get the pandemic under control. The current situation is worsening, and in its wake putting a spark to all sort of anger and frustration. 

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Q:     What would you say to your 18-year old self? 

A:     Have patience.

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Q:     What is your Superpower and why?

A:     I manage to always stay positive, I seldom loose my cool, and I never give up. Why that is I do not know, but it might be genetics as people say I'm a lot like my late grandfather who was the same.

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Q:     If you could share one tip with the world, what would it be? 

A:     Make every day matter. Be nice to people and do the things you like - you only live once. 

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Thank you so much for your time today - we really got to know you a little bit more. I enjoyed your candid answers and you openness for sharing! It is always great to get to know the personal side of people a little bit more - especially since we are all quarantined in one way or another due to COVID. If you want to learn a little more about Bj?r's work background, here is his Linkedin Profile:

I appreciate your desire for travel - as I am also usually on the road every week - or should I say "in the air" every week. I really miss my trips to the Nordics and miss my colleagues, friends, peers worldwide! And the food - did I mention I miss the Food??? :)

Let's make the second half of 2020 a more positive place to live, work, play and learn. I am raising my glass to - Peace in the World, Pandemics to go away, and for everyone to stay happy, healthy and safe.

Until next time everyone ! Thank you!

Tammy Moskites, CEO/Founder CyAlliance & President, Cyberturity, a CyAlliance partner

If you are interested in being a part of the CyAlliance Birds of a Feather Aviary - just message me or email me at [email protected]

#DoWhatYouLove. #LoveWhatYouDo