Benjamin Stephan

Pioneer
DISC Type : DSI

CISO at Sandisk

Irvine, California, United States

Overview

Benjamin "BJ" Stephan is a Chief Information Security Officer with deep technical roots as a software programmer. He has protected complex global organizations like The Coca-Cola Company, Western Digital, and Leggett & Platt. Colleagues frequently describe him as a strong, influential, and honest leader who excels at modernizing technology and aligning security with business goals.

He co-authored and published an article discussing a simplified approach to risk management, a topic he considers one of his favorites.

Personality Overview

Friendly But Fast

Driven But Considerate

Decisive But Friendly

If they are convinced, they can become very strong champions for your product  They combine a unique set of diverse traits where they are fast and friendly but can slow down to be thorough when needed They have the unique ability to win both love and respect from their team (or outsiders)

Topics They Care About

Cybersecurity Leadership
As a CISO for global corporations, he leads cybersecurity strategy and engages with executive boards to manage organizational risk.
Risk Management
He co-authored an article on simplifying risk management, a topic he describes as a personal favorite and core to his professional focus.
OT & Manufacturing Security
His role at Leggett & Platt involves a strong focus on protecting operational technology (OT) across numerous manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Media Appearances

Benjamin has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2024
CISO at Sandisk
3-2022 - 10-2025
Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Leggett & Platt
11-2023 - 10-2024
Chief Information Officer at Leggett & Platt Aerospace
4-2017 - 3-2022
Chief Security Officer (CSO) Western Digital Federal, Senior Director Global Cyber Operations at Western Digital
6-2015 - 5-2017
Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - PNNL

Education

CISO Certification Program (Certified CISO) from Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Bachelor of Science in Engineering – BSE from Arizona State University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 10 Location : Irvine, California, United States Job Level : N/A Designation : CISO at Sandisk
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Insights For Selling To Benjamin

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Mostly stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, but add some stories or anecdotes to it
  • Showcase existing customers and use case-studies to grab their attention
  • Ask them for a lunch or coffee once some rapport has been established

DONT's

  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine
  • Don't lean very heavily into providing too much information, sharing whitepapers etc.

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Benjamin is

  • Nothing less than a strong combination of proof of results, relationship and high levels of professionalism is effective with them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Benjamin

  • They can say no while staying friendly, but can also be pursuaded to reconsider

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Benjamin move?

  • They are generally fast movers and can take quick decisions
  • Can Benjamin take some risk or not?

  • They have high risk-appetite but can get ahead of themselves once in a while. Observe carefully

You And Benjamin

Personality Compatibility


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