How do you become a security executive?

Start by evaluating your skills and strengths in security management, leadership, and decision-making. Consider what specific areas of security you are passionate about and where you want to focus your career. Set goals for your career and determine what level of leadership and responsibility you aspire in the security field. Understand the necessary qualifications and experience required for a security executive role. This may include a combination of education, certifications, and relevant work experience in security or a related field. Network with professionals in the security industry, attend industry events, and seek out mentorship opportunities to gain insights and advice on advancing to a security executive role.

Your first assessment should show if this role suits you. Consider your family, friends, self-esteem, and peace. Senior jobs can be disappointing and harmful. The jobs should be about helping others succeed and leading them to greatness, not power or influence. Understanding one's competencies facilitates targeted development, matching education and experiences to responsibilities. Celebrating security interests can boost enthusiasm and resilience, which are crucial in executive management's fast-paced, high-pressure atmosphere. Introspection is key to a successful security leadership career.

La carrera de ejecutivo de seguridad ha evolucionado significativamente desde sus inicios. Aunque antes había una percepción de que quienes trabajamos en este campo no quisimos estudiar, la realidad es muy diferente hoy en día. Ahora existen licenciaturas en Seguridad Pública, Criminología y Criminalística, además de especializaciones, diplomados y certificaciones que demuestran la profesionalización del sector. La seguridad, ya sea pública o privada, requiere una formación formal y continua, así como experiencia práctica. Este campo ha avanzado mucho y los profesionales actuales deben estar bien preparados para enfrentar los desafíos de la industria.

The success of any Senior Security Executive(SSE) is not measured ONLY by what he or she possesses, knows, or whether or not he or she has experience, but by his or her effectiveness in reducing the security-related risks faced by his or her organization and aligning his or her security strategy with organizational goals. On the other hand, the real challenge and goal of the security executive is to generate CREDIBILITY with all leaders and all other internal or external stakeholders who may be affected by the decisions made for the benefit of the company.

Professional education and accreditation is important. However, I would advise that education and experience in other areas are also important to developing your CV as a well-rounded security professional. Certification in business, IT, OH&S, and other areas of the industry will demonstrate you're an all-rounder who can add significant value ot a business.

A Senior Security Executive (SSE) is responsible to develop and implement a strategic security framework to identify, evaluate, and manage security risks in a manner that contributes to the success and resilience of the organization. Typically, a SSE works in all types of industries, is a leader of people, and has direct influence over all employees, so they generally require a college degree, and prior experience in the field of corporate security or public security. For all the reasons above, it′s very important for any SSE to have the proper training, skills, as well as prior experience in the field of corporate security to help, from their area of responsibility, make their organization safer and more resilient.

Security professionals must demonstrate success across multiple sectors and geographies at all levels from operational to managerial and beyond. Understanding the drivers of business is critical. Key to this is the realisation that security is not an end in itself - the self-licking ice cream phenomenon. Demonstrating and understanding that security exists to allow business to continue until the last safe moment. At that point having an effective plan to mitigate the risks to personnel will be a key experience to demonstrate.

Ultimately, your reputation will be based on operational excellence that has achieved significant results. Networking at industry event, presenting at professional bodies and getting involved in industry governance through professional bodies builds credibility.

In my experience, Networking can help a Senior Security Executive (SSE) build a reputation as a competent, trustworthy, supportive and professional individual. It is important to get out and build contacts with various professionals, both from the public and private sectors, so that more people know about our talents and skills, as well as to keep up with new trends in the security sector, including AI applied to corporate security. This can help us to be seen as an expert in our field or it can help us, where appropriate, to find new professional challenges, as well as become a potential business partner.

Building a robust network and reputation is pivotal for security executives. It's not just about who you know, but who knows you and your work. Engaging with the community through thought leadership and active participation not only enriches your own knowledge but also establishes you as a trusted authority. This visibility can lead to new opportunities and collaborations that might not be accessible through traditional career paths. Remember, the strength of your network can often be the deciding factor in your ability to influence and lead within the industry.

Es muy común escuchar en nuestro sector seguridad corporativa, que para ser un ejecutivo exitoso debes tener un gran sentido de la estrategia, la táctica, el entorno y los riesgos. Si embargo creo que la experiencia es la que forma el carácter y la conciencia ante lo inesperado te ense?a a adaptarte en cada situación de riesgo, emergencia o crisis en la que debas demostrar más allá de tu conocimiento técnico tu capacidad de reacción y resolución óptima. Personalmente considero que el entorno de la industria también juega un papel fundamental; si tienes un conocimiento integral de ésta serás un asesor confiable, veraz con visión estratégica y no solo técnica. Visualízate como “business manager” así tus pares comienzan reconocer tu valor.

Transitioning to a security executive requires embracing a broader vision beyond technical expertise. It's crucial to cultivate a leadership persona that aligns with the company's strategic direction. Executives must communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation and influence decision-making. Demonstrating a track record of strategic problem-solving and the ability to drive security as a business enabler is key to a successful transition.

Transitioning from operations into the executive world requires a shift in mindset. Engagement across all levels of management and into the "C suite" is essential as this is where the decisions affecting policy occur. Demonstrating that "security" is not a dirty word and can, in fact, increase bottom-line results is key. Finding relevant examples of how effective security policy saved lives and ensured business continuity can be an effective tool for educating decision-makers. Linking effective security governance to other risk mitigation measures (insurance for example) and how those costs can be reduced is also an extremely effective tool for gaining decision-maker confidence. Ultimately though, nothing succeeds like success.

I’ve had the privilege of building CISO communities for most of my career. My advice for anyone looking to be a security executive is to focus on the word “executive”, not “security”. Senior leadership is about developing + executing strategies that can scale as the business grows. Your time will be spent orchestrating consensus, hiring + retaining the best talent you can find (and afford!), advocating for your priorities, and delivering operational excellence. It’s not to say executives don’t need subject matter expertise; we do. But the application of that knowledge is vastly different in an executive role. And remember: there is no correct or “better” career path. What matters most is being happy and loving what you do! (And being kind!)

Consider that your role in business (if that is your goal) is to ensure business can continue, survive and thrive before, during, and after a crisis. There are many examples of how security professionals worked with management to overcome risk and ensure the safety and security of staff and assets. Study and understand these and be prepared to educate management on them to demonstrate the value proposition of security.