On Inspirational Leadership - Interview
ISACA profiles Yuri Bobbert, 2025 Inspirational Leadership Award winner, as a leader shaped by curiosity, plurality, and daily learning. He draws energy from varied roles across academia, business, boards, and investment, and frames leadership less as goal-chasing than as embracing the journey with passion, resilience, and collaboration.
What does winning the Inspirational Leadership Award mean to you personally and professionally?
It is a great honor and privilege to receive such recognition from an industry I have been a part of for almost three decades. I enjoy working with passionate individuals, including coworkers, students, and leaders, as learning from each other is invaluable. Personally, I feel deeply touched and honored by this acknowledgment. Professionally, receiving recognition from a large jury of esteemed peers makes me proud and motivates me to strive even further.
You’ve been recognized for your substantial impact as a serial entrepreneur, business executive, and professor. Can you tell us what you find to be the most rewarding about your work?
I draw energy from passionate people. I choose to work in various environments, including academia, business, supervisory boards, and as a shareholder/investor. I’ve discovered that my energy diminishes when I’m stuck in the same environment, performing the same tasks every day. I thrive on diversity. That’s why I commit to continuous learning and have worked to enhance my proficiency in various fields, including engineering, coding, marketing, finance, teaching, coaching, sales, business development, moderating, auditing, and more. I apply this diverse, rigorous, and positive mindset everywhere to make an impact on others. I believe this also inspires others to work with and for me. When I encounter mutual love, respect, and passion, I feel rewarded—hopefully—every day.
Work should be like living life; it must be fun, inspiring, joyful, and healthy to help cope with failures and setbacks. After all, pain is also a part of life.
What has been an especially meaningful achievement or memorable moment for you during your career?
I have had many meaningful moments in my professional career, but building my own companies, earning a double doctorate degree, and becoming a professor at a Triple-accredited business school are among the most memorable. And winning this award, obviously.
What are some of your leadership goals going forward?
I found that setting goals is beneficial, but embracing the journey each day works better for me and goals will be achieved as a result of it.