For me, the most rewarding part has been shaping and nurturing a positive, collaborative culture at NSI. Culture underpins everything — from how we support our clients to how we work together as a team. When I joined, I was clear that I wanted to create an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute ideas.
We’re fortunate to have a team full of expertise and passion, and by fostering openness, collaboration, and accountability, people genuinely want to do their best work — not just because it’s their job, but because they care about NSI, our reputation, and the service we deliver to the industry.
It’s also been incredibly rewarding to see how that culture shift has strengthened our relationships with our approved companies and the wider industry. When you have a team that’s engaged, aligned, and proud to represent the organisation, it’s reflected in every interaction – there is still work to do but that’s something I’m really proud of.
Without question, AI sits at the heart of both the biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity facing the security industry.
On the one hand, the rapid development of AI-driven technology offers incredible potential. The ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real time, spot patterns humans might miss, and respond more intelligently to potential risks will fundamentally change the way security systems operate. For NSI and our approved companies, embracing this innovation and ensuring we evolve our standards to keep pace with new technologies is a fantastic opportunity.
However, with innovation comes complexity. The challenge is ensuring these AI systems are deployed responsibly, ethically, and with proper oversight. There’s a fine line between efficiency and intrusion, and between automation and accountability. Ensuring AI complements — rather than replaces — professional judgement and expertise is key.
The industry also needs to work together to develop clear guidance and best practice around AI deployment — from how systems are trained, to how bias is avoided, to how data privacy is protected. If we can get that right, AI could be one of the biggest drivers of positive change the industry has ever seen.
3. Regulation and compliance are crucial to maintaining high standards in security. Where do you see the biggest gaps, and what more can be done to raise the bar across the industry?
One of the biggest gaps we see is consistency — both in the interpretation of standards and in how they’re applied across the industry. While there are many businesses doing the right thing and going above and beyond to meet high standards, there are still those who view compliance as a tick-box exercise rather than a commitment to best practice. That mindset is something we need to shift.
Education and transparency are key. The more we can demystify standards — showing businesses not just what they need to do, but why it benefits them and their clients — the more we can build a culture where high standards aren’t seen as a burden, but as a badge of professionalism and trust.
Technology also has a role to play. With the rise of remote auditing tools, AI-powered analysis, and data-driven insights, there’s a real opportunity to raise the bar on compliance monitoring, making it more proactive, targeted, and efficient.
Finally, collaboration across the industry — between certification bodies, trade associations, end-users, and regulators — is crucial. We all have a role in promoting high standards, and if we work together to celebrate best practice while shining a light on poor practice, we can drive the whole industry forward.
4. Many suppliers and service providers in security are SMEs. What advice would you give to business owners looking to scale and succeed in a competitive market?
First and foremost, never lose sight of your core values. In such a competitive industry, reputation is everything — and that reputation is built on trust, reliability, and consistent delivery. Whether you’re a small company with a handful of employees or a growing operation, maintaining high standards and a customer-first mindset will set you apart.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to invest in your people. Your workforce is your biggest asset, and companies that create a positive culture, offer ongoing training, and support career development will find it easier to attract and retain talent — which is a huge advantage as you scale.
Certification can also open doors, not just as a requirement for certain contracts but as a powerful differentiator. When clients see an SME fully committed to achieving and maintaining high standards through independent certification, it sends a clear signal that you’re serious about quality and professionalism.
Finally, embrace innovation. Technology is evolving rapidly in our sector, and the businesses that stay curious — whether it’s AI-driven solutions, remote monitoring, or integrated systems — will be best placed to offer clients something fresh while staying ahead of the competition.
Ultimately, the most successful SMEs tend to combine strong values, high standards, innovation, and a commitment to their people — those ingredients together can build a reputation that opens doors and supports long-term growth.
5. What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you’d known sooner? long-term vision?
The biggest lesson — and one I wish I’d embraced much earlier — is that you don’t need to have all the answers yourself. When you step into a leadership role, especially early on, there’s a temptation to feel like you need to solve every problem and make every decision alone. But real leadership comes from trusting the people around you, creating an environment where ideas flow freely, and empowering others to take ownership.
Some of the best solutions — and the biggest breakthroughs — come when you step back and let your team shine. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for input or admit you don’t know everything. In fact, it’s often a sign of strength.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself to listen more, delegate more, and remember that leadership is about building trust and confidence across a whole team — not just in yourself, but in each other. One of my favourite quotes is by Steve Jobs: ‘‘It doesn’t make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do, we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.’’
6. Security is a high-pressure industry. What’s your approach to decision-making under pressure?
In a high-pressure environment like security, staying calm is half the battle. My approach is to always focus on the facts first — stripping away the noise and emotion to get a clear understanding of the situation. From there, it’s about trusting the expertise around me, leaning on the team for insight, and making sure we’re aligned on the key priorities before acting.
I also believe that the best decisions under pressure come from preparation. If you’ve built strong processes, fostered open communication, and created a culture where people feel confident speaking up, then even under stress, you can make measured, informed choices — because the groundwork is already in place.
Finally, I remind myself that no decision is ever perfect. It’s about making the best call with the information available, being transparent about the rationale, and learning quickly if something needs adjusting.
7. If you weren’t working in security, what do you think you’d be doing?
That’s a great question — and probably one my family asks me now and then! I think I’d most likely still be working somewhere that’s people-focused, whether that’s building teams, driving change, or helping organisations improve how they operate.
But if I’m being totally honest, I do have a soft spot for sports and events — something where you can bring energy, personality, and a bit of humour into the mix. I’ve always enjoyed being in the thick of the action, working with great people, and trying to make a positive difference — so I’d probably find a way to do that wherever I landed.
8. What’s one book, podcast, or piece of advice that has had a lasting impact on your career?
One piece of advice that has really stayed with me comes from Steve Jobs, who famously said, ‘‘The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’’ It’s a powerful reminder that innovation and success come from bold thinking, taking risks, and challenging the status quo.
I’ve always tried to embody that mindset, whether it’s in how we approach challenges at NSI or in how we build the future of the security industry. Sometimes, it’s about having the courage to think differently, even if it feels a bit daunting at the time.
Also, a book that has really influenced my career is ‘Legacy’ by James Kerr, which examines the All Blacks rugby team’s culture. Their focus on humility, shared purpose, and high standards aligns perfectly with Steve Jobs’ philosophy: success starts from the inside out — with a strong culture, vision, and belief in what you’re doing.