“We within the security community are missing out on so much talent and energy that is available to us if we were just intentional about finding and welcoming this talent into our organizations.”
I just had the opportunity to read “Empowering Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Corporate Security”, a report authored by Rachel Briggs and Paul Sizemore from The Clarity Factory and funded by The ASIS Foundation.
The outcome of their survey and research once again showcases the need for real change within the security profession. We, the senior security executives and influencers within industry and associations must find new and innovative ways to fill our corporate security pipelines with diverse talent. We need to be “intentional”.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with a senior female security executive. What makes her story quite remarkable is that she progressed to this level without going down the traditional road of coming out of law enforcement or the military, where even these paths have relatively few women. This security leader had a commercial real estate background and a lot of energy, drive, and smarts. Allies along the way recognized her talent and potential and gave her opportunities which she seized and then excelled within.
Unfortunately, her story is the rare exception. Women, people of color and members of the LGBTQIA+ community don’t necessarily see the corporate security profession as a viable, welcoming career opportunity because they do not see many people that look like themselves or belong to the same communities.
We within the security community are missing out on so much talent and energy that is available to us if we were just intentional about finding and welcoming this talent into our organizations.
Dave Komendat is the recently retired Vice President & Chief Security Officer for The Boeing Company. During his 36-year career, Komendat was known within the global security community as a thought leader and policy influencer. His Boeing Security organization was consistently ranked as one of the best within industry. Dave continues to be a vocal advocate for bringing in more diverse talent within the corporate security field.
The security profession offers many wonderful career opportunities, yet we do not effectively market this career field within our high schools and universities to young people of all types who are looking to plan their future. We are missing a golden opportunity.
The time has come for the security industry and associations to work together in creating a DE&I “North Star” that promotes the industry and finds, welcomes, and develops the diverse talent waiting out there for a great career.
