Suzanna Alsayed, CEO of Hilt International Security and Founder of Evolutz tells SJA about the main considerations for organizations in 2025.

An uncertain future

Many will agree that 2024 was a year of recalibration. The world seemed to hold its breath, anticipating what would happen next.

Politically, we faced old and new challenges, and people and nations sought creative ways to navigate, survive and shield themselves from an interconnected and unpredictable world.

Security outlook for 2025

Geopolitical changes: 2025 promises significant changes, particularly with the inauguration of a new US President.

This political shift will certainly influence Canadian-US relations, which have been historically close yet complex.

We will likely see adjustments in trade policies, energy collaborations and shared approaches to border and defense issues.

The new administration’s global policies will also shape regional dynamics, sparking tensions or alliances in East Asia, Eurasia and the Middle East.

Peak of executive protection (EP): The demand for EP will rise as high-profile leaders face ongoing complex risks tied to political shifts, economic instability, the growing influence of technology and angry and frustrated consumers.

Executive protection will no longer be a luxury – it will be a necessity.

Remote workforce demands and AI integration: AI’s rapid advancement is reshaping the workforce, demanding a balance of technical expertise, emotional intelligence and adaptability.

At the same time, the demand for remote work is becoming non-negotiable for many.

The pandemic shattered the myth that productivity hinges on physical office spaces and workers now prioritize flexibility as a key factor in job satisfaction.

Companies unwilling to adapt to these expectations in 2025 will face challenges in retaining top talent. Progress is inevitable and flexibility is the new foundation.

Human expertise: To continue the above idea, 2025 will spotlight the irreplaceable value of human expertise.

In areas like EP, crisis management and high-level negotiations, trust, intuition and empathy will remain unrivaled by technology.

Businesses must invest in developing talent that can complement AI-driven tools, ensuring that human decision-making remains at the core of critical operations.

This balance between innovation and humanity will be crucial for meaningful progress.

Crisis leadership: As the world continues to become progressively volatile, the ability to lead during crises will define the most effective organizations.

Whether navigating political instability, public backlash or technological changes, leaders who can make influential, ethical, legal and forward-thinking decisions under pressure will persevere.

In 2025, we’ll see organizations prioritize leaders with a proven ability to balance risk management with innovation and shift toward proactive rather than reactive strategies.

“Stability and clarity”

Now, I wish you peace and strength to take charge of your circumstances and embrace a mindset that advances security, stability and clarity.

External professional, political, financial or personal challenges will always exist.

As I shared in my book: “Anything we choose in life will be hard. Everything requires sacrifice, commitment and staying true to the life we want to live. Life is hard – but at the end of the day, we must choose” (pg 6).

Ultimately, what we choose will reveal our path.

Suzanna Alsayed

Suzanna is a PhD Candidate and the author of “One Failure at a Time.”

She is the CEO of Hilt International Security, a recognized global security firm specializing in executive protection and emergency management services.

Suzanna is also the Founder of Evolutz, an independent agency dedicated to elevating branding and marketing standards to maximize ROI.

This article was originally published in the special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.