EXCLUSIVE: Redefining our story

Clayton Evoy, CPP, Principal and Physical Security Consultant at Agile Security Consulting, explores how the security industry can breakdown negative stereotypes to embrace its full potential.

The security industry is a strange beast that has an identity crisis on its hands.

We are noble at the core but often seen in a negative light. We are an industry that has grown organically and while some areas of expertise have claimed their own identity, such as cybersecurity, most of the industry has never taken a pause to reposition itself in the market and challenge the negative stereotypes associated with our industry.

Negative stereotypes about the security industry can include:

1. Overzealous and power-hungry: some people perceive security personnel as being overly strict, authoritarian or power-hungry. This stereotype suggests that they may use their authority inappropriately or unnecessarily, leading to feelings of intimidation or discomfort
2. Ineffective: there is a perception that security measures and personnel may not always be effective in preventing or responding to incidents. This can arise from instances where security breaches occur despite the presence of security measures
3. Lack of sophistication: some individuals may believe that security personnel lack professionalism or proper training. This stereotype may stem from encounters with security personnel who do not demonstrate adequate communication skills or appear professional in their conduct
4. Racial or ethic profiling: unfortunately, there have been instances where security personnel have been accused of engaging in racial or ethnic profiling, unfairly targeting certain individuals. This stereotype suggests a bias in security practices and undermines trust and inclusivity
5. Negative interactions with the public: in certain cases, security personnel may be perceived as confrontational or unhelpful when interacting with the public. This can arise from isolated incidents but negatively impact overall perceptions
6. Physical force dominates our industry: this can be a taboo subject in some circles. However, the industry arose from our ability to physically protect people and assets and physical force will always play a role in the industry, but intelligence is what drives most of our expertise today. Whether it is accurate or not, the stereotype that our industry is built upon physical strength is one that creates a limiting belief surrounding the depth of expertise within the security industry

The impacts of negativity

Let’s be brutally honest. The lack of effective storytelling and challenging of these negative stereotypes has and will continue to take a significant toll on our industry until we collectively redefine our story.

If we are to reflect in an authentic way, we can see these negative opinions and beliefs are impacting us in the following ways:

• Portraying a limiting view of our capabilities: whether we are portraying it or others are making assumptions, there is an uncomfortable opinion that we lack sophistication. It is an opinion that I have heard consistently over the past ten years and is often a reflection of an over-simplified view of what we do, which does not recognize the depth of expertise, knowledge and skills that reside within the industry
• Preventing engagement in larger markets: another uncomfortable truth, within larger markets such as proptech, we are seen as outsiders that have limited value. I would go so far as to say that we are seen as a solution to specific problems rather than a partner that deserves a seat at the table
• Creating barriers to authentic conversations: the stereotypes hit us hard here. We are often seen as being an industry that lacks the ability to be vulnerable and authentic. If we are unable to openly lead with empathy and kindness and be brave enough to be vulnerable, how can we expect our clients and partners to be genuine and open with us?
• Restricting internal voices: this one in my humble opinion is the most debilitating. Many are hesitant to enter our industry and those that do can find it an intimidating environment for new voices and those that challenge the status quo. It is a place that sometimes hasn’t welcomed diversity. While this remains prevalent, this aspect is changing

An equal viewpoint

Now that I have humbled you, I need to build you back up, because I believe there is far more positive than negative when it comes to our industry.

To me, the security industry is like an iceberg. What is visible is but a fraction of the depth that encompasses the industry. We are far more than what we have been and we are far more than what we are perceived to be.

We have a story to tell that showcases our depth of knowledge, precision, attention to detail and most of all our underlying “WHY”.

Our story

The story we need to tell is one that is rooted in caring, empathy and kindness. These are all drivers that we have in common, even if it isn’t what we wear as a badge of honour. They are the key drivers that show up if you are paying attention, for example:

• when we are performing a threat assessment with a client who is shaken to their core after receiving death threats
• when we tuck our kids in at night before heading out for a night shift
• in the quiet moments when we are alone with our thoughts

However, this is just the foundation of our industry. Our story also includes a sustained effort to evaluate, identify and mitigate risks. To protect and serve. To develop and refine products and services that empower us to safeguard our clients.

We may be seen with a different lens by others, but at our core we are a driven and devoted group of professionals that have been all doing our part to evolve and meet the changing needs of our clients.

Moving forwards

The biggest challenge we face in changing perceptions is a lack of a collective story. The good news is that the movement to tell this story has already started. I am certainly not alone in my thoughts on this.

There are professionals among us transforming the narrative, such as:

• The Kindness Games, which is a movement that recognizes the power of kindness and empathy, elevating professionals that make a difference in our community
• The Executive Brief, a community of sorts, but also an awareness campaign that highlights we are far more than what we have been, placing a spotlight on opportunities
• The door hardware nerds (DOORKS) are an inclusive and welcoming group of security professionals that lead with positivity and the fundamental need to openly share knowledge and expertise

Then there is my story too. A story of a seasoned professional that recognizes the time has come to use his voice to contribute positively to a fractured industry. To use his voice to amplify the voices that are not heard and need to be heard. To create a safe place in the industry to have the conversations we have avoided, like the ones around mental health, inclusivity and diversity and around negative stereotypes.

A story that also includes an overwhelming need to create a consulting firm that provides a level of expertise and client centred services that were missing from the Canadian market. Above all though, the story of a professional that leads with empathy and kindness and believes that being vulnerable is a superpower.

Then there is your story… how will you tell it?

Your story is a part of our story, which we collectively need to discuss and debate. It isn’t about what has been, or the biases and stereotypes. It is about what is and will be. It is about our collective future.

Clayton Evoy is the Founder and Principal of Agile Security Consulting, a firm that is bringing a new client-centric model of security consulting to the Canadian market. He has over 28 years of technical expertise and is known for his collaborative approach and drive to elevate and engage the industry.  

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