Security Sales & Integration June 2021 - 61

Secure Perspectives
Presented by
Duo Disclose Industry Trends
This column is brought to you by the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Women in
Security Forum, supporting diversity through programs, professional development
and networking events. Here's a sampling of the complete perspectives posted
monthly at securitysales.com/tag/secure-perspectives.
ERICA MCBRIDE-RAPP
Logistics Manager,
Allegion
▶ What job functions do women fill in
your company? Is there diversity of roles?
Erica McBride-Rapp: Historically, in our industry,
women were in the minority and, as with
many other industries, gravitated toward job
functions like human resources and marketing.
Since starting with Allegion, I have seen our commitment
to promote and encourage diversity. In
addition, skill requirements are continuously
evolving; for supply chain management, the top
six skills in the field are analytical, operational,
people development, problem solving, strategic/
critical thinking and leadership/strategic project
management. This evolution also opens the area
of opportunities that were not previously available.
There are many advancement opportunities
within Allegion for women; you will see this in
all teams inclusive of supply chain and up to our
executive leadership team.
AISHA TURNER
CEO, Integrity Global
Security Services
What would you say to new upcoming
women in the industry?
EM: It's a truly momentous time to join the
security industry. There is an abundance of innovation
and diversity to develop an exciting
career. Ensure you do your part in continuing
to promote the industry and encourage other
women in the workforce. William H. Danforth
wrote the book, I Dare You, where he urges
readers of any age to take chances and fulfill
their full potential, " One enkindled spirit can
set hundreds on fire. "
What do you see as important trends in
the industry?
EM: There are a wide variety of important trends
breaking through in our industry. Two main
ones come to mind for me. First, is the idea of
" seamless access, " which is actually core to Allegion,
as our vision is " seamless access and a safer
world. " Second, is having an operational model
that is customer-centric. Seamless access encompasses
the idea that door hardware and solutions
securitysales.com
are not just about security anymore - they are
also about convenience.
That's a tough balance, but when done well,
you create a frictionless experience for users. Another
important trend that could not be more
important in today's world is simply being customer
focused. Driving focus from a customer's
purchasing to install to using experiences - for
both commercial and residential applications - is
something we all must aspire to accomplish.
What do you hope the SIA Women in
Security Forum can achieve for
the
security industry?
Aisha Turner: I hope the SIA Women in Security
Forum can help bring more awareness to
the security industry of what women can bring
to the table if given the opportunity. I feel that
we can achieve much more together than we can
working against each other.
What do you see as important trends in
the industry?
AT: The important trend in this industry that
I have noticed is women leading instead of following.
We have been in the background long
enough helping to guide our leaders, and now it's
time for us to come from the shadows and lead.
Women seem to be more structured than men,
but I have come to understand that working together
in unity, leveraging each other's strengths,
makes the possibilities endless!
Who or what was the strongest influence
in your career?
AT: My husband is my strongest influence in
this industry; he caused me to face life and what
it brings, which ultimately brought me to this
place. I got into the security industry by means
of my husband; he owned a security company
prior to us meeting, and then eventually I
joined him. After deciding to go our separate
ways, I opened up my own security company
since I had dedicated so much time towards
learning and running the company, and he provides
assistance when needed. We can choose to
run or face life head-on. You will never know
what you can achieve or accomplish living in
fear or regret.
JUNE 2021 Security Sales & Integration
61
http://www.securitysales.com/tag/secure-perspectives http://www.securitysales.com
Security Sales & Integration June 2021

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