Albert Rooyakkers, the CEO and Founder of Bedrock Automation, joins Derek Harp today for another episode in the Security Leaders series. Albert is a well-known technologist in the cyber security industry. He is also an inventor, a motorhead, and a keen outdoorsman. 

Albert was born and raised in Canada. After finishing high school, he went to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to learn about instrumentation and process control. After completing his studies, he spent sixteen years working at Foxboro, where he went from Sales to Applications to Projects and eventually into management. Foxboro later became Invensys and sent Albert to the Middle East. He loved that because the Middle East is a fascinating place!

Albert once described himself as a future enthusiast because the future excites him so much! In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, he discusses his background, education, and career path. He talks about his early work experiences, dives into the founding of Bedrock Automation, and discusses the exciting transition to run Bedrock. He also shares some nuggets of advice for getting ahead in your career and talks about the exciting changes we can look forward to seeing in the future.

If you have spent most of your career working for one or two companies and are thinking about starting a business of your own, you are sure to gain a lot from today’s inspiring conversation with Albert Rooyakkers. Listen in to hear more!

Show highlights:

• Albert worked on big projects while at Foxboro and often traveled internationally. (3:01)
• Albert grew up with family businesses, so he knew starting a business would involve a lot of hard work. (4:10)
• Why did he become a young workaholic while working in their family businesses in Canada? (5:29)
• Albert talks about the best and most rewarding years of his life while starting Bedrock. (7:35)
• What Albert believes is the most comprehensive learning experience imaginable. (8:55)
• Jumping from Invensys to Maxim and then jumping from Maxim to Bedrock. (9:28)
• Some advice for actualizing an idea or design that relates to the company you are in. (13:18)
• Cyber violates the premise of automation. Albert explains how we can solve that right here in the USA. (18:29)
• Building and maintaining relationships is vital. (25:14)
• Great technology moves beyond technology and becomes art. When presented in the right way, that inspires people to use it. (28:31)
• Some advice for overcoming challenges, growing, and evolving along your career journey. (32:57)
• What excites Albert about the future? (38:51)