Andrew Obadiaru, CISM, CRISC, MCP

Collaborator

DISC Type : is

VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt

New York City Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Andrew Obadiaru is the VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt, bringing over 20 years of experience in managing and mitigating risk across diverse platforms. He emphasizes aligning security strategy with organizational goals and holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Benin and a cybersecurity certificate from Harvard University.

Growing up in Benin City, Nigeria, Andrews early curiosity led him to cybersecurity, which he views as having a "detective component. " He is involved in community initiatives such as Race in STEM and advises practicing a true work-life balance to recharge and maintain focus.

He believes the best way to sell security to a CISO is to "start with proof" and show how a solution reduces real risk.

Personality Overview

Fair-minded

Appreciative

Consensus Builder

They are more likely to go for proven solutions. Win-win scenarios can appeal strongly to them. Unlike D or C types, they are calm as well as friendly and can give the impression of being more receptive than they actually are.

Topics They Care About

AI in Security

Believes security programs must adapt to the technical shift brought by AI and closely follows AI's role in cybersecurity, having participated in industry surveys and panels on the topic.

Evidence-Based Pitches

Values vendors who bring evidence from real testing. He wants to see proof of how a product reduces risk, not just hear theatrical promises.

Business-aligned Security

Stresses that for a CISO to be successful, they must deeply understand business objectives to align and execute an effective security strategy.

AI in Security: Believes security programs must adapt to the technical shift brought by AI and closely follows AI's role in cybersecurity, having participated in industry surveys and panels on the topic.

Evidence-Based Pitches: Values vendors who bring evidence from real testing. He wants to see proof of how a product reduces risk, not just hear theatrical promises.

Business-aligned Security: Stresses that for a CISO to be successful, they must deeply understand business objectives to align and execute an effective security strategy.

Media Appearances

Andrew has no verified media appearances

Work History

8-2021

VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt

6-2020 - 8-2021

CISO, NYB, BBVA Corporate & Investment Banking at BBVA

11-2018 - 6-2020

Senior Director and Head of Information Security at General Assembly

6-2020

Senior Director Information Security at General Assembly

6-2018

Advisory Board Member at Rutgers Cyber Security

Education

Cybersecurity: Risk in the Information Age from Harvard University

Bachelor Of Science from University Of Benin

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 9 Location : New York City Metropolitan Area, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Andrew's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">is</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Steadiness</div>Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Andrew's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">aon</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Openness</div>Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Emotional Stability</div>Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Andrew Obadiaru, CISM, CRISC, MCP

VP and Chief Information Security Officer at Cobalt

New York City Metropolitan Area, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Andrew

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Informal style, where you are talking in a friendly & casual manner, with a big smile on makes them want to speak to you.

Pace: Don't be too fast or too slow, stay in the middle. Sound like a 'brings happiness to others' person.

Tone: Speak with high energy and in a personal manner, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time.

Tactics To Win: Giving social proof, personal rapport, usage of superlatives, repeating their name.

Mistakes To Avoid: Information overload, use of negations

Making The Ask: Use positivity and/or humor to make the ask. It appeals to them, as if you are bringing a cheer to their day. (Avoid doing this with Dominant or Calculative types)

Subconscious Driver: They are driven by emotion more than any other type. Hence a proposition that excites them will immediately get their attention.

Greeting: Hey Andrew, [user_fname] here at [user_companynamefirsttwowords] calling you this morning/evening!

Opener: Now I know how much people love cold calls, so how about 30 seconds to tell you what I have for you?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what will build a solid relationship with each prospect before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Andrew, leaders just like you at companies like [abc], [xyz] have been blown away with what they have seen, why don’t we put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you if what I am saying is actually real, yeah?

Close: So morning at around [time] next [tuesday], shall we say? And is it [prospect_email]? Don't want to get that wrong you know!

When Writing An Email

Subject: Personalized, clear

Salutation: Yes (Something formal)

Greeting: Yes (Say something usual)

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Avoid

Closing Line: Close on a positive note

Complimentary Close: Unique, pleasant

Tone of Words: Friendly, exciting

Overall Messaging: Focused on social proof

Length of Mail: Medium

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Andrew is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Andrew

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Andrew move?

Can Andrew take some risk or not?

You And Andrew

Personality Compatibility

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