Security Sales & Integration July 2022 - 80

On the RISE
In Partnership With
Ernie Velayo Preaches for More DE&I
▶ What first got you interested in security
and safety as a career choice?
Ernie Velayo: My first job out of high school was
as a customer service agent at Nordstrom, where I
learned about the importance of customer service
and how to sell. It was also the first time I ever
stepped into a loss prevention room. It was awesome
getting a chance to witness the loss prevention
team use security technology to capture theft,
shoplifters, etc.
Ernie Velayo, Business
Development Manager,
West, AMAG Technology
I was always interested in working with technology
and computers, so when the opportunity
to work for a security distributor came along, it
provided a chance to enter the technology space
with a stable schedule that allowed me to simultaneously
pursue my degree in health science. From
there, security and safety became my career path,
and I've never looked back.
What are some challenges and advantages
of being a young professional in security?
EV: In early roles, it was difficult to gain the confidence
from senior experts in the field. The advantage
of being young in this industry is that I was
brought up with technology and computers, so
learning about networks and technical things has
always been easy. Security technology was something
I could grasp quickly.
On the RISE is a column
by the Security Industry
Association (SIA) in
partnership with Security
Sales & Integration profiling
the next generation of
security industry leaders.
This column is part of SIA
RISE, a community that
fosters the careers of young
professionals in the security
through networking and
career growth events,
education and professional
development offerings and
scholarship opportunities.
What advice do you have for young
professionals just starting out in the
industry?
EV: Learn discipline, and be open minded and
flexible. As a young person, you should invest in
yourself - whether it's learning a new skill or getting
better mentally and psychologically. Learning
how to build good habits for yourself will go a long
way. This means learning how to win - and lose.
Learn to take risks in your career path, and
do not be afraid to reach for a position you may
not be qualified to do. This is where you do the
most growing as an individual - and rely on
your intuition.
Network and connect with people in your industry
- it's a great way to know the names and
players in the field and get your name out there.
How do you think the SIA RISE
community can help foster the careers of
young people in the industry?
EV: The SIA RISE programs are a great start to help
foster a young professional's career in the security industry.
The scholarship programs are a fantastic way
to help young professionals obtain more education
about certain fields and topics. I encourage everyone
to check out all of the SIA RISE programs, and that
includes the webinars, networking events, scholarships,
mentorships and of course the AcceleRISE
event, which is right around the corner in August.
What are some ways in which you think
the security industry could foster more
diversity, equity and inclusion?
EV: All organizations within the security industry
need to recognize and take action to foster
more diversity, equity and inclusion. This could
be as simple as having company events to celebrate
DE&I topics throughout the year. SIA has
made an effort to include young professionals in
their organizations. My older colleagues would
have loved this 20 years ago.
Education and training would be a great start
for individuals and leadership to challenge themselves
to foster a more inclusive workplace. This
is not done alone and requires commitment from
the top and for all parties to participate in order to
succeed as a company.
You have a session coming up at
AcceleRISE - with Kami Dukes -
on authentic leadership and excellence.
Could you give us a little sneak peek of this
conversation?
EV: Kami I are both super excited to speak at
this upcoming AcceleRISE in Austin, Texas.
The session will be a fireside-type chat about the
dynamics of our real-world manager/employee
relationship from both viewpoints sharing the
positive and negative aspects of demanding vs.
demeaning leadership. The goal of our session is
to coach and motivate young professionals to set
high expectations from their leaders and, more
importantly, for themselves.
SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION (USPS 511-590) (ISSN 1539-0071), Vol. 44, No. 7, is published monthly by Emerald X, LLC., 100 Broadway, 14th Floor,
New York, New York 10005, 800-440-2139. All reproduction, including photocopying, is prohibited without written permission. Periodicals Postage Paid at New York, NY
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Security Sales & Integration, PO Box 297, Lincolnshire, IL 60069-0297.
80
Security Sales & Integration JULY 2022
securitysales.com

http://www.securitysales.com

Security Sales & Integration July 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Security Sales & Integration July 2022