Matthew Burns

Pioneer

DISC Type : sid

Senior Advisor at DAIVIN! (YC W26)

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Overview

Matthew Burns is a retired U. S. Navy Rear Admiral with over three decades of leadership experience, from enlisted Navy SEAL to flag officer. He is the first to rise to this rank via the Seaman to Admiral program and now serves as a strategic advisor and a Senior Fellow at CNA Corporation, specializing in national security and innovation. He earned both bachelors and masters degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Inspired by his older brother, Matthews singular focus became joining the Navy SEALs. He was drawn to the unique satisfaction of working within an elite, cohesive team, a principle that has guided his distinguished career and leadership philosophy.

Unique fact: Matthew was the first person to rise from an enlisted Navy SEAL to the rank of Rear Admiral through the Navy’s Seaman to Admiral Program.

Personality Overview

Driven But Considerate

Decisive But Friendly

Dynamic But Sincere

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

Topics They Care About

Leadership Development

As a "Leadership Architect, " he has a unique perspective, having risen from an enlisted SEAL to a Rear Admiral, and now advises on strategic leadership.

National Security

With over 30 years in Naval Special Warfare and his current role as a Senior Fellow at CNA Corporation, he focuses on critical defense and security issues.

Defense Innovation

He advises multiple technology companies and advocates for adopting commercially driven improvements for government and military applications.

Leadership Development: As a "Leadership Architect, " he has a unique perspective, having risen from an enlisted SEAL to a Rear Admiral, and now advises on strategic leadership.

National Security: With over 30 years in Naval Special Warfare and his current role as a Senior Fellow at CNA Corporation, he focuses on critical defense and security issues.

Defense Innovation: He advises multiple technology companies and advocates for adopting commercially driven improvements for government and military applications.

Media Appearances

Matthew has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2026

Senior Advisor at DAIVIN! (YC W26)

2-2026

Senior Consultant at Touchstone Futures

2-2026

Strategic Advisor at Odin Dynamics, Inc

2-2026

Advisor at Tareyton Venture Partners

12-2025

Consultant at RDR, Inc.

Education

1-1998 - 12-2000

Bachelor of Science - BS from Naval Postgraduate School

1-1998 - 12-2000

Master of Science - MS from Naval Postgraduate School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 34 Location : Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States Job Level : Senior Designation : Senior Advisor at DAIVIN! (YC W26)

<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 : Matthew'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);">sid</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">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 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">Dominance</div>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.</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 : Matthew'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);">ace</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">Conscientiousness</div>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.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>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.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Matthew Burns

Senior Advisor at DAIVIN! (YC W26)

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Share

Insights For Selling To Matthew

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: A polite and formal approach, that doesn’t sound over-friendly or too aggressive makes it hard for them to say no to you.

Pace: Slow down a little bit, especially if you are fast usually. Sound like a 'calming break from the day' person.

Tone: Keep your tone calm and soothing, as if you are giving a stranger advice on a critical matter.

Tactics To Win: Use of social proof, FOMO, repeating their name

Mistakes To Avoid: Strong words, over-confidence, informal language

Making The Ask: Formally, respectfully request their time. They find it quite hard to say no (Compared to Dominant or Calculative types for eg)

Subconscious Driver: They are change-averse by default. Hence a FOMO laden pitch can jolt them into action.

Greeting: Good morning/evening Matthew, how are you? This is [user_fname] at [user_companynamefirsttwowords].

Opener: You are of course busy, would it be ok for me to take 30 seconds of your time to explain why I have called today?

Introduction: My company has built an AI that predicts prospect's personality and behavior so that you can start building trust from the very first second that you meet them.

Ask: Matthew, companies like [abc], [xyz] have found it to be invaluable and adopted it already, it would be ok perhaps to put 15 minutes on your calendar to share why this could be valuable for you.

Close: If you are a morning person, then how does Tues or Wed look at [time]? And your email ID is [prospect_email]?

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 Matthew is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Matthew

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Matthew move?

Can Matthew take some risk or not?

You And Matthew

Personality Compatibility

More Profiles

Nishi Kant Grover

Alexander Mathis

Kyle Lemmon

Val Steed, CPA, CITP, MAcc

Search more profiles