Dr. Franco Oboni of Riskope
Tell us about yourself?
I am a veteran with over thirty years multifaceted career. I have covered many areas of business, industry and teaching in four continents.
I deliver specialized technical knowledge in tactical and strategic planning to international clients in capital intensive industries (mining, forestry, supplying, food, automotive, energy, transportation, armed forces, international organizations and insurance) with global operations, in many of their respective business areas (production and logistic risks, reliability and security, climate change, M&A, cyber, etc.).
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
That IP is key. Simply put, it is NOT! I think that accurate risk assessment, planning and willingness to pivot to adapt to emerging situations are the actual keys to success.
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Be careful not to be too much ahead of the market you are in… one can merrily starve out there!
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
Due to my many overseas missions, I lived through riots and coup d’états, in areas of conflict and I am thankful I survived so many perilous situations.
This coalesced is an undeterrable life mission focusing on ethics, respect and communication and strong multi-cultural, multi-lingual capabilities.
As a result, my actions are geared toward bringing value and sustainability not only to my clients, but to society as a whole. At each cross-road I reached, rational risk assessment and ethical values guided my decisions and I have shared this knowledge via over fifty publications, books and courses (at corporations, universities).
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Walk at least 8,000 steps a day and enjoy life, family and friends.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
The knowledge of too many avoidable business blunders, accidents, catastrophes damaging people and the environment, hearing people talking about “unprecedented” events (that were actually not that “unprecedented”) and political and societal inaction are the influencing factors in what we do and why we do it.
Where do you see your business in five years?
The business is booming in various directions thanks to our risk assessment methodology that we systematically apply to many different industries.
We think that within five years we would like to have exited the business, so we can get back to R&D in other areas.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
The market tends to go toward sophisticated technological solutions (IoT, AI, big data, etc.), while we go “thick data” (https://www.riskope.com/2017/05/24/big-data-or-thick-data-two-faces-of-a-coin/ ), “humint” and use technologies as tools, when needed.
We are perfectly aware that extreme events and truly “unprecedented” ones escape the analysis capabilities of the sophisticated technologies the markets seem to prefer at this time. It may take more than five years, and lots of sorrow, for the markets to realize that.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
I decided well before the COVID-19 pandemic to push toward remote consulting and coaching. I understood space observation analyses and other pertinent technological tools are paramount in order to dampen the effects of potential large-scale crises.
COVID-19 proved his decision correct bringing a significant increase in business volume. During these times I wrote the latest book Convergent Leadership-Divergent Exposures, Climate change, resilience, vulnerabilities, and ethics together with my partner and son, Cesar H. Oboni.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Through our publications (https://www.riskope.com/knowledge-centre/tool-box/publications-presentations/ ), blogs (https://www.riskope.com/blog-news/ ) and conferences, courses. I do not like to think I am a salesperson as my work is more the role of confidant and discrete advisor.
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Never stop studying and be ready to pivot, adapt after careful risk evaluations.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Peace, serenity and the assurance our contribution has been effective in bringing value to our clients and averting catastrophes to society.
