Tim Wenzel, Associate Managing Director, ESRM, Kroll speaks with three young emerging leaders in security, highlighting what they want out of their careers.
In 2006, I made the decision to transition from healthcare to security via the executive protection industry. I was a combat veteran, an army medic and a paramedic.
I was advised to join ASIS International to build my network and maybe get my foot in the door.
At 25 years old and beginning my first career transition, money was scarce.
I paid for my membership, joined the Chicago chapter, then paid to attend a luncheon at Sears Tower, which was three hours from the cornfield I lived in.
When I arrived, I mingled and introduced myself to people.
As conversations turned to me, I told my story and that I was looking for an opportunity to get a new career started in executive protection.
By the end of the lunch, I was staring out of the floor to ceiling windows looking at the Chicago skyline, with another guy, who had also just separated from the military and moved to the area.
We were astonished how quickly the conversations died once it was understood that we weren’t working in the industry and didn’t know anyone.
It seems we weren’t valuable…
This is not a sob story or a dig on any group. I’ve built an impressive career filled with myriad experiences, but after that day, I resolved to never disregard someone who was new as unworthy or less than.
Today, I am highlighting three emerging leaders who have built impressive starts to their careers.
They’ve established brands for themselves, overcome adversity and criticism, and can be seen floating to the top of awards lists, LinkedIn searches and industry groups and associations.
Security Journal Americas has decided to honor these emerging leaders with this profile piece and will be setting aside time at their booth at GSX for people to come and meet them. Thank you SJA!
To those emerging leaders striving to create legendary careers in security, here are a few tips from me:
To stand out in the right way, set your North Stars. Think “who do I want to become?”
How many people build an impressive career, just to find loneliness in retirement, because they’ve alienated those who matter along the way.
Don’t sacrifice being you as you pursue your goals. You are building a life and someday, your career will end.
Regional Safety & Security Advisor, Americas & Europe – British Council
Will you be at GSX? Yes and I’m speaking!
“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” – Seneca
This quote motivates Keren as she builds her impressive brand within the security industry. Keren hails from Colombia and officially joined the industry in 2020.
Very quickly she became an emerging leader, speaking on industry stages, telling her story as motivation for women, minorities and young professionals who seek to grow their careers.
She began as an Industrial Engineer who specialized in building business processes and got involved in building Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001).
When she was working at a shipping port, her role required some security certifications which was her introduction to the industry.
As an overseer of business processes, she began to take on roles in environment, health and safety (EHS) and sustainability which ultimately prepared her to take on a full-time role in security.
Keren says this career path is very useful and sets her apart from others in security because “people coming from public service or other security roles realize they have to learn program management and other business skills if they want to grow their career.
“This made for an easy transition for me because I already knew how to design for and speak to business value.”
When asked about how she built such a powerful brand so quickly, she said “I am a diplomat at heart and very empathetic.
“I really enjoy listening to people and their story, which makes building relationships easier.
“I enjoy knowing people, I’m comfortable approaching strangers in a crowd, and of course, I love public speaking, which really helps build a brand.”
When asked about overcoming obstacles while building her career, Keren often tells the story of coming from humble beginnings, with a vision to change her fortune.
She wanted to travel the world and become an emerging leader – and she is doing those things.
“I often feel like I’m going against the current. I’ve always been in male dominated industries, which I don’t mind.
“But it takes a lot of effort to be heard and recognized for the value you bring.”
When she joined the British Council, her manager had her join ASIS and begin attending local events to build her network to become an emerging leader.
He encouraged her to attend conferences and helped her understand the value of networking.
Keren shared her advice for others who want to grow their career: “Don’t turn down opportunities to learn new things or take on new challenges.
“I’ve said yes to things that seemed not to be connected to my role. Then a year or two later, knowing how to do these things has opened doors for me to grow.
“Network, get to know people who are where you want to be.”
Security Group Supervisor – Aramco
Will you be at GSX? Yes and I’m speaking!
Over the past five years, many have begun to hear Meshal’s name around the industry. He is an obvious emerging leader hailing from Saudi Arabia.
A gentleman who is gracious, soft spoken and hungry to learn, Meshal won ASIS’ NextGen of the Year in 2023.
He is further distinguished by obtaining the ASIS Triple Crown (CPP, PSP, PCI).
In 2007, he began an apprenticeship program at Aramco, one of the largest energy companies in the world.
As he concluded the apprenticeship in 2010, the company designated him to the security career track.
He has worked at many facilities all over Saudi Arabia, holding seven roles as he has worked his way up to Security Group Supervisor.
When asked how he grew his career to become an emerging leader, Meshal revealed: “It all started with a company mentorship program.
“My mentor was an HR professional and asked me about the certifications pertinent to the security industry.
“He told me that I needed to understand the best practices, be on top of the industry trends and to excel, I needed to participate within the industry, rather than just work within it.
“Join the biggest association in your industry.”
In 2021, Meshal opened his LinkedIn account and began to get involved in ASIS communities and attending industry events.
This also set him on the path to obtaining his certifications and becoming an emerging leader.
Meshal believes in cultivating a broad network with people in all regions of the world. “This helps you understand the bigger picture,” he said.
“Find mentors who can help you achieve your goals and accomplishments. You can have a variety of mentors who each focus you on a specific thing. Attend conferences.
“This is where you meet all the people who are where you would like to be. This is where you have time to create true connections and have experiences with others.
“Conferences also help you understand the latest industry trends and technology,” Meshal commented.
“As you enroll in education programs, look for those which place you with mentors. This is very helpful in meeting people you might never know. This also helps you achieve recognition.”
When asked where he would like to see his career go, Meshal would like to be a recognized leader in the industry and at his company.
He loves learning and taking on new challenges. He’s even considering pursuing a Phd in Business Management.
Regional Sales Manager, New England – Axis Communications
Will you be at GSX? Yes and I’m an OSPA Finalist… come see if I win!
“In life, you either win or you learn. Both are good” – Kelsey Carnell
Kelsey hails from the Boston area and is known as one of the most engaged, energetic and generous emerging leaders in the security industry.
She is a Co-Founder of The Kindness Games and is a four-time OSPA Finalist, hoping that 2025 is her year…
When asked about the importance of winning an OSPA, Kelsey said: “Just being a finalist is prestigious and has been great!
“I’ve received a lot of recognition from around the industry. Just look at the people who have won an OSPA. I would love to have my name next to these leaders in our industry.
“Why do I want to win? It’s really a testament to the work I’ve put in and to everyone who has invested in me along the way.”
Kelsey started her career in security straight out of college, being hired by Axis Communications after an internship. “My degree was in Marketing and Communications,” she said.
“I was interviewing with all these marketing firms but the roles were not what I was looking for. My college advisor had always told me, ‘Kelsey, you’re a salesperson.’
“I always told her that I was emphatically not, but as my internship came to a close, Axis offered me a role in sales and I’ve never looked back!”
Getting into sales, she has always been mindful of the stigma surrounding salespeople.
“People don’t like to be sold to. There is an inherent distrust which has been cultivated by salespeople for generations.
“I ensure a different experience. I listen really closely to my clients. I’m empathetic and I ask them what they want from this relationship – the relationship with me and the relationship with Axis.
“If you listen, they will tell you how to be successful,” Kelsey said.
“I’m a problem solver. I will help solve people’s problem, even if it’s not directly with my product. This is how you build trusting relationships and give people an excellent sales experience.”
As a sales leader in the security industry, Kelsey found that she had a few disabilities to overcome.
She was young, female and had no technical security expertise or background.
“People would act like I didn’t know anything and they would disregard my advice and sometimes tell me I didn’t belong in this industry.”
She overcame this perception to become an emerging leader by getting involved in SIA and ASIS, finding high profile mentors and targeting her networking at other industry leaders.
For those looking to grow their career, she added: “Your greatness happens outside of your comfort zone.
“Embrace the discomfort! Maintain mentors within and outside of your company. This gives you a larger perspective. Be intentional. Pursue your interests. These interesting things set you apart and open doors.”
Join the team from Security Journal Americas, Tim Wenzel and these emerging leaders for a networking session at GSX!
When: Septemver 30, 2025
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: Booth #3954
This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.