Commercial Integrator + Security Sales October 2024 - 58

SECURE PERSPECTIVES
We are reminding our customers that that product business
has always been about the product, people, partners and purpose.
This isn't changing with the divestiture. Still, this creates a
season of uncertainty until a new owner is announced in Q4/24.
SIA: What are the biggest opportunities your company -
and the industry - are seeing?
Bales: The announcement of the sale of the product business
is also our greatest opportunity. We will no longer be a small
segment of a global enterprise. Instead, we are looking forward to
a season of investment, speed and innovation.
It's an exciting time to be part of the product business!
SIA: What do you hope the SIA Women in Security Forum
can achieve for the security industry?
Bales: I hope that we can educate more women about our industry
as a whole. Security is not something they teach in school,
and unless you know someone in the business, you have no idea
what it is all about.
We need to start telling our stories to girls in high school and
get more involved at job fairs. We need to start a " bring a girlfriend
to workday " or something that lets women understand that our
field is exciting, on the cutting edge of technology and inspiring.
SIA: What is your best advice for women in the industry?
Bales: Don't be intimidated! When I started in the industry, I was
the only woman in the room sometimes, which could be intimidating;
however, I quickly realized that I would not have been
invited if I weren't needed or weren't qualified.
Also, don't be intimidated that you aren't technical. Many of the
people in this industry are not. However, everyone can learn the
features and functionality of the equipment.
SIA: What are the top challenges your company has faced
in the last year?
Bales: Specific to Bosch, we have faced many challenges with
the announcement that our division is up for sale. Although this
is a great opportunity for us to grow further and have a new company
invest in more research and development, the uncertainty
caused some challenges.
SIA: Who or what was the strongest influence in your career?
Bales: I have been fortunate to have a few great mentors in my
career. I have yet to meet anyone who wakes up and says, " I want
to sell security " - and that certainly wasn't me.
Two specific mentors took time to introduce me to hundreds of
people in the industry and every person shared information with
me that kept me interested to learn more. Once I understood the
evolving technology, the need for different forms of security and
how I really could make a difference, I was hooked.
SIA: How do you define success?
Bales: Success, to me, is accomplishing your goals. If a certain
salary is your goal and you achieve it, that's success. If you want
Bales suggests that women shouldn't be intimidated by being
the only female in a room. She notes they wouldn't be there if
they weren't needed or wanted as part of the conversation.
a new logo and you land it, that's success. Success to me is also
helping others secure what matters the most to them. I feel successful
when I can provide solutions that target a security threat.
SIA: What would you say to new, up-and-coming women in
the industry?
Bales: I would tell new, up-and-coming women in the industry
to remember that we all started at the same spot - not knowing
anything or anyone. With every new opportunity, it takes some time
to gain the knowledge necessary to feel comfortable.
Also, talk to everyone; get insights, thoughts, best practices and
advice; and join organizations that will provide you with training
and allow you to network. The security industry is relatively
small; the more you network, the more comfortable you become;
and definitely join the SIA Women in Security Forum! SSI
SECURE Perspectives is a column by the Security Industry
Association (SIA) profiling women in the security industry. This
column is part of SIA's Women in Security Forum (WISF), an
initiative to support the participation of women in the security field.
58 Commercial Integrator+Security Sales & Integration | October 2024
SDECORET/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
Commercial Integrator + Security Sales October 2024

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