This episode is dedicated to John Sherwood (1947-2025) who founded the SABSA Institute with David Lynas, where he was the Chief Architect of the SABSA methodology. A pioneer in his own right, John’s legacy will continue through the future efforts of the SABSA Institute.

The path from code to comprehensive security architecture rarely follows a straight line. In this enlightening conversation, security architects Steven Bradley and Bonnie Demeyer reveal how their diverse backgrounds—Steven as an electronics engineer turned software developer, and Bonnie from sales to project management—converged to create innovative approaches to Enterprise Security.

When traditional security functions operated like "police raids" on projects, Steven and Bonnie pioneered a collaborative approach that engaged teams during design phases rather than punishing them after implementation. This fundamental shift transformed security from an obstacle to a valuable service, seamlessly integrated into development processes.

Their breakthrough came through visualization. "Human comprehensibility works very well with visual media," Steven explains, highlighting how diagram-based approaches dramatically outperform text-heavy documentation. By combining The Open Group ArchiMate® modeling language with SABSA (Sherwood Applied Business Security Architecture) methodology, they created a powerful framework that bridges technical and business perspectives.

This integration yields remarkable benefits for compliance challenges. Rather than wrestling with disconnected regulatory frameworks, their model-based approach normalizes requirements into a unified data structure, enabling organizations to identify gaps through automated queries rather than manual cross-referencing. The result? Consistent, traceable security implementations that support real business objectives.

For aspiring security architects, their advice emphasizes structured thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and confidence that persistence leads to solutions—even when the path isn't immediately clear. The most effective security professionals combine technical expertise with business acumen, communicating complex concepts clearly while demonstrating tangible value.

Want to explore these concepts further? Check out "Modeling Security with ArchiMate®" in The Open Group Library, or visit the SABSA Institute website to learn how visualization can transform your security practice.

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What if the most valuable skill you could develop isn't a skill at all, but rather a mindset? Lifelong learning stands as the ultimate competitive advantage in our rapidly evolving world, and this episode unpacks exactly what it means to embrace continuous growth.

We explore how lifelong learning extends far beyond formal education into a daily practice of curiosity and openness. You'll discover the surprising cognitive benefits—how regular mental stimulation improves memory and potentially reduces risk of decline—alongside the emotional rewards of mastering new skills and connecting with fellow learners.

For technology professionals navigating constantly shifting landscapes, we offer targeted strategies: following emerging tech trends, expanding your programming language repertoire, contributing to open source projects, and building a demonstration portfolio that speaks louder than any resume. New graduates receive practical advice on balancing technical abilities with crucial soft skills, leveraging free educational resources, and establishing sustainable learning habits that compound over time.

The episode highlights must-read books that will transform your approach to growth, including Carol Dweck's mindset-shifting classic and James Clear's guide to habit formation. Throughout, we emphasize that lifelong learning isn't about perfection but progress—consistent small actions that accumulate into profound personal and professional development.

Ready to make the best investment possible—in yourself? Listen now, and discover how embracing lifelong learning can become your greatest strength in a world of constant change. What new skill will you begin developing today?

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Doron Orbach, Director of Product Management for Enterprise Architecture at ServiceNow, shares insights from his 20+ year career in product and engineering, exploring how collaboration and continuous learning drive success in technology leadership.

• Experience in aligning ServiceNow's Common Service Data Model (CSDM) with Archimate standards
• First involvement with The Open Group through the IT4IT™ standard while at HP
• Active participation in The Open Group ArchiMate® Forum to influence and develop Enterprise Architecture standards
• Collaboration requires openness, listening, and finding common ground despite different perspectives
• Enterprise Architects must continuously learn about emerging technologies like AI to guide organizations
• Influence through collaboration rather than mandates is key to effective Enterprise Architecture
• When facing career roadblocks, focus on learning new skills and following your interests
• Personal connections and informal discussions at conferences provide invaluable insights
• Setting goals and taking concrete actions toward them leads to professional fulfillment

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What drives a documentary filmmaker to capture the untold stories of marginalized communities? Award-winning filmmaker Meera Darji takes us behind the scenes of her creative journey, revealing how mentorship transformed her approach to storytelling and empowered her to document India's hidden narratives.

Meera shares the pivotal moment when a university mentor encouraged her to explore documentary filmmaking, leading to her acclaimed work on India's hijra community. This guidance sparked a career dedicated to authentic representation through cinema verité techniques – filming reality as it unfolds without staging or manipulation. Her philosophy centers on transparency with subjects and capturing their genuine experiences through long takes and minimal intervention.

The conversation explores how passion fuels authenticity in documentary work. When genuinely curious about a subject, Meera explains, filmmakers engage more deeply and produce more meaningful outcomes. She views her process as a collaboration with subjects rather than simply documenting them, allowing their voices to guide the narrative alongside her directorial vision.

Currently working on "Majoor 9195," a feature documentary following women construction workers who build luxury apartments in India, Meera is pushing boundaries through ethnocensory filmmaking techniques. By creating immersive soundscapes that transport viewers to construction sites, she aims to provide audiences with visceral experiences that go beyond traditional documentary viewing.

For aspiring creatives, Meera offers liberating advice: "Don't overthink it. Just go there and film." She encourages experimentation without fear of failure, emphasizing that breaking conventions often leads to discovering one's unique voice. Her mantra, borrowed from Albert Maysles – "stay with it" – reminds filmmakers to keep rolling even when they think they've captured enough.

Subscribe to Open Comments for more inspiring conversations with creative innovators who are reshaping how we understand and engage with the world around us.

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Collaboration isn't just a buzzword—it's the engine that powers innovation in complex technical environments. Huub Streng, OSDU® Data Platform Advisor at Total Energies, joins us to unpack what makes teams truly successful.

From his remarkable journey starting in mechanical engineering to becoming a data management leader, Streng shares how adaptability and continuous learning shaped his career trajectory. The conversation reveals practical wisdom about creating environments where people genuinely enjoy working together toward common goals. At the foundation? Trust, clear decision-making processes, and well-defined objectives that everyone understands.

Streng offers fascinating insights into the delicate balance between individual accountability and collective responsibility. "Without individual accountability, team members would be looking at each other rather than taking ownership," he explains. We explore how mentorship accelerated his professional development and why he considers achievements as never standing alone—always building upon the contributions of others.

The discussion takes a deep dive into conflict management strategies, with Streng revealing that most workplace tensions stem from miscommunications rather than fundamental incompatibilities. His approach involves acknowledging conflicts directly, understanding individual perspectives, and facilitating productive dialogue. We also tackle the unique challenges of maintaining team cohesion in virtual environments, where deliberate community-building becomes essential.

Perhaps most compelling is Streng's passionate advocacy for diversity in collaborative settings. Through examples from the OSDU Forum's working groups, he demonstrates how diverse perspectives lead to more innovative solutions and more efficient problem-solving. Ready to transform how your teams collaborate? This conversation offers the blueprint you need.

Don't miss The Open Group Summit in Amsterdam (May 19-22, 2025) featuring OSDU Forum sessions, success stories, and collaborative working group meetings where these principles come alive. Learn more here.

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Journey through the evolving landscape of technology and energy as Einar Landre shares his remarkable career path from computer scientist to an Oil and Gas industry veteran. Dividing his professional life into two distinct chapters, Einar takes us from his early days maintaining software in Oslo through an exciting consultancy phase—where he developed solutions for the European Space Agency's space module and Olympic security systems—to his current two-decade tenure with Equinor (formerly Statoil).

What makes this conversation particularly illuminating is Einar's philosophy toward problem-solving and continuous growth. He describes recurring seven-year cycles throughout his career, points at which he naturally seeks new challenges to avoid stagnation. His childhood fascination with building models and experimenting with physics evolved organically into a professional approach characterized by curiosity and resilience.

Perhaps most valuable are the hard-earned insights Einar offers to those in technical fields: master something to the level of peer recognition, never stop learning, and practice being "egoless" by detaching your identity from the products you create. His reflections on mentorship—supporting others' growth while honoring their unique strengths—reveal the deeply human side of technical leadership.

Whether you're navigating your own career in technology or simply fascinated by how four decades in rapidly changing industries shapes one's professional wisdom, this episode offers both practical guidance and thoughtful perspective on successful adaptation in complex environments.

Further reading: https://blog.opengroup.org/2024/11/26/sitting-down-with-einar-landre-operator-representative-the-open-group-osdu-management-committee-omc/

Coming up on Season 2: Lifelong Learning (Mini Episode), Insights from Huub Streng (TotalEnergies) on effective collaboration, and lots more!

Subscribe to Open Comments for more conversations featuring industry veterans sharing their unique journeys and lessons learned along the way and much more.

Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.

Ever wondered how diverse marketing roles can be within dynamic organizations? Join us as we explore this vibrant landscape with our hosts, Ash, Oliver, and Irene.

From the excitement of event planning to the challenge of marketing across sectors like healthcare and electricity, our guests share their unique journeys and insights. Hear Oliver's story of transitioning from business management in sports to embracing the ever-changing role of a marketing manager. Together, we uncover the secret sauce to thriving in a supportive environment that values teamwork and adaptability at The Open Group.

We get personal about creating dedicated workspaces and managing time effectively to maintain a healthy balance. Our conversation also dives into the power of lifelong learning and skill development, as Ash shares his passion for writing and Irene discusses her love for marketing strategy.

Tune in to discover how aligning personal growth with professional passion can create memorable experiences and advance your skills in the ever-evolving field of marketing.

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Experience the journey of Roberto Severo, whose passion for programming at the tender age of 13 set the stage for a distinguished career in IT and Enterprise Architecture. As the Country Manager for The Open Group in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, Roberto takes us through his transition from the corporate world to leading the charge in adapting global strategies for local contexts. Discover how a chance encounter steered him towards The Open Group, where he has thrived for over a decade, honing invaluable skills such as resilience and empathy. Through Roberto's narrative, we explore the cultural nuances and language barriers that shape the unique challenges of working in Brazil, offering a compelling glimpse into his enduring commitment and happiness in his role.

Explore the evolution of the values of The Open Group, as we focus on its transformative impact within the oil and gas industry. The shift from humble beginnings to a collaborative community is highlighted through personal stories that reflect professional growth and the acceptance of diverse opinions surrounding The Open Group.

Learn how Open Standards and cooperative Forums like The Open Group Open Footprint® Forum and The Open Group OSDU® Forum have revolutionized data sharing and automation, and hear how working with different leaders has shaped professional values.

The conversation introduces stoicism as a powerful tool for overcoming professional setbacks, illustrating how this ancient philosophy can equip us to face challenges with resilience and grace. Join us for an enlightening discussion on collaboration, leadership, and the art of navigating an ever-evolving industry landscape.

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Copyright © The Open Group 2023-2025. All rights reserved.