The Security Circle

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Quitting big corporate and the comfort that comes with that to set up your own crisis management consultancy is a brave and gutsy move. We understand here talking to Alexandra, what motivated her and we learned about the challenges she had along the way including covid not long after she quit her big corporate role.

Alexandra is so interesting and knowledgeable to listen to and she even provides great information on 5 key identifiers that companies need to deploy to stay strong during a crisis.

Alexandra Hoffmann is the CEO of Crisis Ally, which helps Crisis Leaders and their teams build the right capabilities to thrive through crises. Crisis Ally serves clients internationally.

Thanks to a career with the French government and large international corporations, Alexandra has a rich operational and multicultural experience with strong expertise in Business Resilience, its boosting factors, and best practices to manage it.
Alexandra is regularly interviewed in the print media to discuss corporate resilience topics, including Authority Magazine, Business Insider, or Thrive Global. She also writes for ASIS Security Management Magazine and the Crisis Response Journal, and regularly presents at events (virtual and in-person).
Alexandra has an LLB in Criminal Law from Paris University, France, an M.Sc. in Corporate Security from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Alexandra is also a Certified Coach, trained in Neurosciences, and a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Last but not least, Alexandra is a mom of two!

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Seetan Varsani MSc, BA (hons) – Divisional Director: London, Corps Security UK Ltd 

Seetan is an experienced security professional, he has worked within the security industry for more than nineteen years, holding a number of senior positions.  

He is Divisional Director for Corps Security’s London business.  Seetan uncovers smarter ways of working and contract efficiencies is a key area of expertise for Seetan and within his contract portfolio he works with management teams to evolve security operations and constantly improve what we do.Seetan is supported by experienced managers who report to him along with a delivery, administration and support team that assist. Within his role Seetan oversees key partnerships and relationships across the Division, including active involvement in a group of prestige accounts including Warner Bros Discovery, Canary Wharf Management Ltd, BNP Paribas, Royal Opera House, Somerset House and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).With a background in the hospitality industry, Seetan is passionate about customer service and care and has a full understanding of what high quality service should look like. He instils this understanding within his own teams which translates into the service and experience enjoyed by Corps customers.  In 2020 Seetan created the award-winning initiative ‘Corps Together’, he brought together a team of guardians to work with and he is committed to working across all Corps communities to drive change.  Corps vision is to bring each other closer, build stronger bonds and enable everyone to succeed in the future.

Lucy Grimwade (she/her) is a freelance ITSM & Improvement Consultant and ICF Accredited Coach. With over 15 years in corporate, she has worked in global teams as well as developed and implemented ITSM processes across multiple industries. Lucy’s work is dedicated toidentifying and applying improvements and ITSM change across people, process and technology enabling shifts in mindsets and delivering value that empowers people and business success.  

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Lisa talks about the evocative moment during the week of Sarah Everard's death that things changed for her, and why women's safety needs stronger focus for the night time economy. Women and girls continue to face sexual harassment and are subjected to the highest reported figures for their drinks being spiked. Lisa talks about her involvement in the bigger much needed solutions.

Prior to starting 2nd Line of Defence, Lisa had a 20-year career in B2B media, specialising in publishing, tv, online and mobile advertising. She left advertising in 2014 to pursue her passion for property development. Lisa set up and continues to run her own property business buying, renovating and selling period properties in the UK.

As part of a commitment to serving her community, Lisa has been a serving Magistrate for 10 years; she sits as a Presiding Justice in both the Adult and Youth Magistrates Courts in Sussex.  In October 2021, Lisa was appointed by Lady Justice Simler, Chair of the Judicial Diversity Committee, to be one of 7 newly appointed regional Inclusion and Diversity Magistrates (IDM). She represents the SE of England. IDM’s contribute to a range of diversity work within the judiciary to provide a source of good equality and diversity practice for their colleagues. 

Lisa became a qualified Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed door supervisor in September 2021. Since then she has worked as part of security teams covering special events at the Hilton Brighton Metropole and The Grand Brighton hotel, including the Labour Party Conference (September 2021). 

Most recently, Lisa has been named as one of 100 most influential businesswomen in the UK.The f:Entrepreneur #ialso100 campaign highlights, champions and celebrates 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs across the UK who are wearing many hats and doing many inter-connecting roles, with a specific focus on community and sustainability.

Lisa relocated from South East London to Hove in February 2021 with her 2 children; Eva and Jack.

https://2ndlineofdefence.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-baskott-116398241/

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Adriaan is a vastly experienced executive in Physical Security, Loss Prevention and Risk Management helping organisations become more resilient to complex threats. Around the campfire, he entertains others with accounts of adventure and adversity from a life boldly lived. With a career spanning two decades in safety and security, he lives out his passion for people by bringing together and leading teams of professionals, developing turnaround security strategies for multinational companies trading in complex environments. 

He is an independent thinker with a global perspective and a working background across four continents. Grounded by a military background and a pedigree of taking a hands-on approach he combines conventional security knowledge with real-world applications to deliver unique security risk management solutions. 

His ability to strategise, formulate and implement solutions that deliver tangible results in challenging operating environments is legendary. In 2022 he was named the 4th most influential security executive globally by IFSEC global as well as being featured in the International Security Journal special Influencers Edition of the industry’s 30 most celebrated individuals. He doesn't have a degree, he hasn't written any books and he sits on no committees, what he does have are results. If you like to get in touch you can reach out to him at www.linkedin.com/in/adriaanbosch.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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I was thrilled to be able to speak to Jay Jay Davey,  super knowledgeable, very interesting to hear his views on both Cyber Security and his journey to mental health strength.

The Cyber security threats we face are real and we take a deep dive into all the things you should know from those on the front line of cyber security.

Jay Jay Davey is a developing leader in the field of security operations, with extensive experience in helping businesses build and optimise their SOCs. With a strong background in incident response and security incident management, Jay Jay is a trusted advisor to organisations seeking to improve their security posture and protect their digital assets. He has a proven track record of establishing effective maturity frameworks and incident response plans and has conducted extensive research into the best practices for improving SOC effectiveness.

Outside of his work in security operations, Jay Jay is a passionate advocate for fitness and mental health. He firmly believes that physical fitness and mental well-being are critical to personal and professional success and works tirelessly to support individuals in pursuing these goals. In addition, he volunteers his time to support mental health initiatives and is an active advocate for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. 

Jay Jay is poised to become a valued and influential leader in the field of security operations; looking to the future, he is working to take on a leadership role where he can leverage his extensive experience in security operations and maturity to help a SOC succeed.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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We were thrilled to have Philips time to get an understanding of the global security issues around the world, from the Ukraine, to Eco terrorism, Data terrorism, Hacking serotonin and Nuclear escalation. We could have talked to him for hours.

Philip Ingram MBE BSc MA is a journalist specialising in the cyber, security, counter terror, defence and intelligence arenas. His knowledge is built from a long and senior military career as an intelligence and security officer, a strategic planner (who has helped take over a couple of countries or regions) with business experience at board level in the steel industry and now media industry; he maintains a close interest in global events.  Philip runs his own media company, Grey Hare Media, and specialises in delivering informed content.

A keynote speaker on Cyber, the power of information, the threat landscape, leadership and mental health and more, Philip is frequently asked to comment for Sky News, BBC TV News and Radio, ITV news and other global networks including, CBC, ABC, CNN, Euro News, Turkish TRT World TV, RTE radio and has given content in the past to BBC Mundo and Japanese NTV.   He has presented INTERPOL World TV in Singapore in 2015, 2017 and again in 2019. 

Philip writes for a lot of Security trade press and is a frequent commentator in Forbes and is often quoted in the Times, Telegraph, Daily Mail, Sunday People, Sunday Mirror and many other papers in the UK and across the globe.  He has also had by lines in many. He has co-authored a chapter in the book Blockchain Impact, written a chapter in a book on Afghanistan and just published a novel called The Committee.

Philip gives a little back as a mentor with an Institute of Directors (IoD) organised scheme helping business students at a local university in their 3rd year and as a member of the not-for-profit Global Terrorism Information Network (TINYg) board as well as the West Midlands Cross Sector Safety and Security Communications (CSSC) board.  He is a member of the IoD, RUSI, and is member of the National Union of Journalists. 

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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‘Let's come off mute and speak‘ says Lee Doddridge about how we are struggling with Mental Health and PTSD.
We were delighted to speak to Lee and hear his story about his journey from the Military to Security, and his struggles with Mental Health and PTSD and why the Security Industry needs to do more to support colleagues with their Mental Health.

As a former Counter Terrorism Security Officer and member of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) , Lee holds both Licentiateship and Graduateship in Counter Terrorism Security Management, licensed and accredited by the Centre for Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI) NaCTSO national training program within the Security Service MI5. Lee has worked at a strategic level within many national boards to ensure the protective security and counter terrorism work streams are aligned to government strategies and business preparedness and continuity.

In addition owning and directing Covsec Ltd (T/N Covenant) Lee is also a Director of Revuit Ltd, specialising in Risk Assessments, he is also the External Events Director as a board member of the Association if Security Consultants (ASC).

Thank you to our sponsor who sponsored this episode TI Digital Solutions
www.theinsightsolutions.com

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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We couldn't wait to speak to Claire Humble to find out why transformation in the UK Security Industry is so important.  It's fair to say,  there is a lot of great content here around real progressive security leadership, and Claire is a wonderful advocate when it comes to singing about the best that the Security Industry can offer. 

Claire say's "We've got to really cast off those shackles of being a legacy security service where we just look at buildings, walk around buildings, lock some doors and close windows with so much more than that and we can add so much more value" 

About Claire Humble

Advancing to senior leadership level in Cleveland and New Zealand Police, Claire has transitioned over to the corporate world, co-founding a Safety & Security Consultancy, Learning and Development and SMART business, Nuxform. As an accomplished transformational change agent, Claire has positively impacted many organisations' culture, people, and processes, nationally and globally. 

An engaging speaker who captivates multicultural audiences, presenting on topics that resonate with others, such as ‘Transformational Change within Security Sector’, she is frequently invited to attend webinars as a panel member. She holds a Master’s in International Security that complements her vast experience in security, risk and resilience. Advocating Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Claire sits on multiple ED&I working groups in renowned international security institutes.

• A versatile senior executive with over 30 years’ experience blazing a trail for advancement of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I), transformation and cultural change within global safety and security agendas. Passionate and ethical leader, well versed in speaking across multicultural and global landscapes, building resilience and enriching lives.
• Transforms business cultures and delivers modern and contemporary results. Spearheads transformational change spanning people, process and technology. Introduces smarter ways of working and embraces innovation.
• Advises senior level stakeholders and influences decision-makers. Provides a wealth of knowledge and insight relating to security, risk and resilience. Imparts strategic and operational guidance to protect people and assets.
• Leads by example, resolves conflicts, remains impartial and highlights importance of diverse talent. Coaches and mentors individuals of all levels, encourages effective decisions and communication, and instils core values.

Claires Linked In profile
https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?fetchDeterministicClustersOnly=false&heroEntityKey=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_profile%3AACoAABH8eKwBrN33Le0o5yQoM5LL4CJwRl9RKoA&keywords=claire%20humble%20(mlntlsy)&origin=RICH_QUERY_SUGGESTION&position=0&searchId=da97867f-c57a-409e-b60a-fba0a1e52d9f&sid=3s2

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Creator of the OSPA's Professor Martin Gill, tells us why awards are so beneficial for individuals and businesses in the Security Industry.

The UK OSPAs, now being held in 16 countries, takes place on 23 February in London. The gala dinner will be attended by leaders across the sector: https://uk.theospas.com/attend/. In the afternoon the 5th Security Thought Leadership Summit will be held which building on the Thought Leadership webinars Martin has hosted in recent years: https://theospas.com/thought-leadership-webinars/

Professor Martin Gill ([email protected]) is a criminologist who has published extensively on security issues and pioneered the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (the OSPAs: www.theospas.com), the Cyber OSPAs (www.thecyberospas.com), and the Tackling Economic Crime Awards (the TECAs: www.thetecas.com). From his research work in prisons interviewing robbers, burglars, fraudsters and murderers, amongst others, he learnt that being prolific and successful at committing crime without being caught was dependent on security not being effective. This finding and the need to respond to it has driven his professional career.

He has published widely (15 books and over 100 articles) including the third edition of the 'Handbook' of Security' in 2022. Martin is a Fellow of The Security Institute, a member of the Company of Security Professionals, and a Trustee and Secretary of the ASIS Foundation. In 2010 he was recognised by the BSIA with a special award for ‘outstanding service to the security sector’. In 2016 he was awarded the Imbert Prize by the Association of Security Consultants. In 2016 ASIS International awarded him a Presidential Order of Merit for distinguished service. In 2022 he was recognised by Security Magazine as one of the ‘Most Influential People in Security’ and also received the Mervyn David Award from the ASIS UK Chapter ‘for his significant contribution to the security profession’. Martin is a Chartered Security Professional, a conference chair, a presenter and after dinner speaker.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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David Rubens talks to Yolanda and Ash about Global Crisis Management and why there are so many of the same problems all around the world.

He talks about his new book Strategic Risk and Crisis Management,  A handbook for modelling and managing complex risks.

David never disappoints. This half an hour sped by for us.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers