The Difference Makers | A Paladin Security Podcast: Recent Episodes
Paladin Security
A first-hand look into the world of security with tips and stories for everyone from industry professionals.
This month's guest is Kelvin Ng, Director of Business Operations for Global Relay. Kelvin has over 30 years experience in executive management and project leadership - but it all started in the security industry. Kelvin has carried that knowledge and experience throughout his career and leaned on it both during tough times and opportunities for growth. One area it’s also played a factor: helping Global Relay choose a security provider.
Episode topics:
- The evolution of the security industry
- What clients look for in a security provider
- Working with ASIS and in security during 9-11
- An in-depth look at the work Global Relay does
This month's guest is Amy Morse, Operations Manager for PalAmerican Security, part of the Paladin Group of Companies. Amy began her career in law enforcement, but a critical incident led her to rethink her career path. She moved into armed security—and eventually, an opportunity with PalAmerican opened up. Now, Amy proudly leads her team in Chicago, contributing her "boots-on-the-ground" knowledge to enhance the security approach within the communities they serve. In the podcast, Amy discusses law enforcement, dealing with traumatic experiences, and the importance of mentorship.
Episode topics:
- Handling trauma and making mental health a priority
- The ins and outs of law enforcement and how it connects to security
- Mentorship and the importance of motivating and leading a team
- Being a woman in security and law enforcement
This month's guest is Yvette Lacasse, Newfoundland & Labrador's Branch Manager. Before she became Branch Manager, Yvette led the largest healthcare centre in Newfoundland. She is passionate about learning and growing, which is evident when she earned the Certified Healthcare Protection Administrator (CHPA) designation through the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), making her the first person on the island to hold the designation.
Episode topics:
- What it takes to run a branch
- The power of mentorship
- The importance of training and education
- The ins and outs of healthcare security
Join Paladin Director James Blight as he talks with Connie Marciniuk, the City of Edmonton's Community Safety Liason, about the importance of community engagement and the role empathy-led security plays.
Note: this is an encore presentation of a conversation that happened during a live webinar.
Episode topics:
- Understanding the nuanced landscape of the marginalized community
- Implementing effective strategies for de-escalation and conflict resolution
- Highlighting best practices and safety considerations
- Supporting compliance with property regulations while fostering positive outcomes for all involved
This month's guest is Hi Nguyen, Director of Protection Services at the Univerisity of Ottawa. Hi is a former RCMP officer and certified leadership coach and is passionate about educating others on how to become a stronger, more successful leader. In the podcast, he provides his top tip for finding success, whether you're a new supervisor or seasoned employee, as well as touches on the importance of investing in yourself.
Episode topics:
- How to build leadership skills and gain confidence
- The art of difficult conversations
- Transitioning from policing to private security
Interested in hearing more from Hi? Check out his LinkedIn and website!
March is Women's History Month, with International Women's Day on March 8th. The theme is Women who advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Paladin Executive Vice President of People and Culture, Susan Ibach, is this month's guest and shares her experience of moving up in the workforce and the barriers and struggles she faced along the way. She also shares how she was able to have her voice be heard and provides advice to others looking to find success.
Episode topics:
- Promoting inclusion in the workplace
- Why allies are important
- Mentoring vs. sponsoring
This month's guest is former Paladin Branch Manager Cy Thompson. Congratulations to Cy, who recently retired after a 32-year career in law enforcement and a nine-year career with Paladin. In this month's episode, Cy reflects on his time with both the police and Paladin and shares his number one secret to finding success in both fields. If you're interested in law enforcement or security, this is an episode you don't want to miss!
Episode topics:
- His journey up the police ranks from officer to inspector with the Saint John Police Force
- His biggest challenge when moving from law enforcement to private security
- Building a branch from the ground up
- His number one tip for being a good leader
Every February, people across North America participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people and their communities.
To recognize the month, we've put together a special episode of The Difference Makers podcast featuring PalAmerican Regional Director of Operations Johnny Boykins and Paladin Airport Security Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Carol Markwei. Johnny and Carol put forth a captivating discussion about being Black in the workplace, the barriers many Black people face, and what they want to do to help change the way things are.
This month's guest is Paladin Director Matthew Garcin. Matt was instrumental in the creation of Paladin’s first Joint Venture in Alberta and provides a behind-the-scenes look at what the partnership with the Fort McMurray First Nation includes. He also discusses what’s involved with camp work in the Oil & Gas sector and why connecting with the community is so important. It's an episode you won’t want to miss!
Episode topics:
- The importance of connecting with the community
- A look inside Paladin’s latest Joint Venture
- Security in the industrial and oil & gas sectors
This month's guest is the Paladin Group of Companies Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Alexandra Lowe. Alex shares her rise up the ranks to become the company's youngest VP, along with battling imposter syndrome along the way. She also dives deep into the inner workings of the marketing team, discussing everything from disruptive campaigns to a positive employee experience. It's a behind-the-scenes look that you don't want to miss!
Episode topics:
- What is marketing and communications and how it helps shape a brand
- Why creating a disruptive campaign can lead to positive results
- The importance of providing a good employee experience
Join us on this eye-opening security conversation with Director Aaron Kolarcik, where we uncover some of the extraordinary and fascinating work behind the success of Aviation Security programs, Event Security programs, and more. Get ready to be inspired by his exemplary security journey moving up the ranks as he shares invaluable career advice to succeed in the security industry.
Some of the topics:
- Aviation Security, specialized training, and people-first roles
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The winning formula for Event Security operations
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Your roadmap to success in a security career
As Paladin’s East Director of People & Culture, Nancy Tavares is a true HR powerhouse. Her outstanding achievements in talent acquisition and labour relations got her recognition as one of the Top 50 Woman Leaders of Toronto for 2023. Get ready to be inspired by Nancy's remarkable journey filled with valuable lessons and insights from the HR world.
Some of the topics:
- How to overcome challenges and obstacles in the workplace
- Sponsoring and mentoring women in the workforce
- How to supercharge your career and get where you want to be
Join us as we dive into the ever-evolving world of security with Client Service Manager, Natalia Russ. With her 14+ years of experience, she uncovers unique insights into what a security career can be and explores new approaches that can shape the way security programs are being developed today.
Some of the topics:
- What to expect when joining security
- Tackling property security challenges
- The evolution of security training
- Creating and adapting a successful security program
- Physical Security and technology working together
- Security approach with property managers
- Directing and taking care of a security team
- How to get the most out of your security experience
Join us as we sit down with Director of Operations Shane MacDonald as he takes us on a captivating journey from security to policing and back again.
Some of the topics:
- Security as a steppingstone to Policing
- Parallels and similarities
- Key transferable skills and specialized training
- How to build a fulfilling career in security
- Expert tips for joining the police force
Director James Blight and VP of Operations Mark Forward take over the podcast to showcase an eye-opening and engaging property security conversation.
Get the latest insights from our security experts, download free resources, and sign up for future webinars!
Listen to People & Culture Specialist Robyn Beach talk about their own struggles with mental health illness and impactful ways to break the stigma. Click here to learn more about mental health awareness.
We're thrilled to have Senior Trainer/Facilitator Norm Bettencourt share his expertise on The Power of Proper Security Training.
Three facts about Norm:
- Norm is a highly accomplished martial artist with a Black Belt from the All-Japan Karate Federation and numerous medals under his belt
- After surviving an attack on the streets, he created his own self-defense system and tested it by working as a bouncer, bodyguard, and more
- Before joining the security industry as a trainer, he worked at a rehabilitation centre & halfway house
Among many other exciting topics, Norm shares:
- The truth about self-defense and survival methods
- The most important skills security professionals need to have and the biggest challenges they are facing in today’s world
- How proper training can help you save lives, including your own
Regional Director of Operations for PalAmerican Johnny Boykins had quite an adventure as an "undercover" Healthcare Security Officer and recently shared his experience. Get ready to be inspired by his story and learn from his journey!
Among many other topics, he talks about:
- The full scope of working in healthcare security
- How to build a team-driven work environment and community
- Why all healthcare security leaders need to spend time on the front line
In this Women's History Month special, we bring a mix of outstanding women in security who will be diving into topics like leadership and even motherhood. Our panel includes Security Manager Maxine Emery, Safety Officer Simone Guthrie, and Senior Client Service Manager Shannon Miles. Get ready for an engaging and inspiring conversation!
We are incredibly proud to announce our first episode of 2023 and our big 20th episode of "The Difference Makers.” And guess what, we have a very special guest joining us in the celebration!
None other than President of Paladin Security, Chad Kalyk. Chad shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise as a leading figure in the security industry. Get ready to be inspired by Chad's leadership and experience. Let's make this episode count!
Episode topics:
- Chad Kalyk: a remarkable promotion-from-within example
- Drinking the Paladin “Kool-Aid”
- From mentee to mentor
- No secret sauce for success
- Using corporate values as a compass
- DEI as a requirement for frontline employers
- How to grow, engage, and celebrate employees even outside of Paladin
- Why Paladin’s training is so far ahead of the industry standard
- Security trends that will impact the future of the industry
- How to be the employer of choice in a difficult staffing market
- Paladin as a recession-proof company
- Steering Paladin in the right direction as President
3 facts about Josh:
- Like many others, Josh originally joined security with the goal of getting into policing
- He discovered a world of opportunity and growth at Paladin and rose through the ranks
- His mentors were the ones who inspired him to explore a career in security
In this episode, Josh talks about:
- Moving up the ranks of security
- Gaining an additional perspective on a security career
- The power of Paladin’s training
- Core security skills that stick with you
- Security as an incredibly dynamic career
- Josh’s advice: be willing to take a risk and gamble on yourself
- How to improve and expand the security industry Championing Paladin’s CARE culture
3 facts about Ian Henderson:
- Ian has promoted over 100 security professionals to leadership positions
- In his 23+ years of experience, he has held many roles ranging from Security Officer to Field Operations Manager
- He is involved in martial arts and looking to compete in Judo tournaments
In this episode:
- The impact of mentorships in a security career
- Professionalizing the industry through security networks
- Inclusive leadership training & selecting the right people for leadership positions
- What it takes to be a leader
- Ian’s advice for young security professionals
- The importance of embracing company and personal values to become a leader
- Having different experiences can make you a stronger leader
3 facts about Ian Henderson:
- Ian has promoted over 100 security professionals to leadership positions
- In his 23+ years of experience, he has held many roles ranging from Security Officer to Field Operations Manager
- He is involved in martial arts and looking to compete in Judo tournaments
In this episode:
- The impact of mentorships in a security career
- Professionalizing the industry through security networks
- Inclusive leadership training & selecting the right people for leadership positions
- What it takes to be a leader
- Ian’s advice for young security professionals
- The importance of embracing company and personal values to become a leader
- Having different experiences can make you a stronger leader
This month, we had an incredible chat with PalAmerican's (our American sister company) Vice President of Healthcare, Anjanette Hebert, where she talks about how we are professionalizing Healthcare Security.
In this episode, Anjanette talks about:
- Growth opportunities in a healthcare security setting
- Adapting Paladin in the US to become PalAmerican
- A day in the life of the VP of Healthcare
- Finding your purpose in a security career
- How to be successful in a hospital environment
- How to stand out as a woman in security
- Anjanette’s advice on how to join and grow in the security industry
- The “Cajundome City” mega-shelter example
- The importance of recognizing security professionals at all levels
This month, we had an incredible chat with PalAmerican's (our American sister company) Vice President of Healthcare, Anjanette Hebert, where she talks about how we are professionalizing Healthcare Security.
In this episode, Anjanette talks about:
- Growth opportunities in a healthcare security setting
- Adapting Paladin in the US to become PalAmerican
- A day in the life of the VP of Healthcare
- Finding your purpose in a security career
- How to be successful in a hospital environment
- How to stand out as a woman in security
- Anjanette’s advice on how to join and grow in the security industry
- The “Cajundome City” mega-shelter example
- The importance of recognizing security professionals at all levels
This month, we had an amazing chat with Employee Care Coordinator Alycia Campbell, where she talks about how we are changing lives through security.
In this episode, Alycia talks about:
- The importance of a family-like team environment
- Focusing on a people-first culture
- A promotion-from-within legacy
- A typical day in Aviation Security
- The impact of customer service in a security role
- Alycia’s advice for people looking to join security
- Being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry
- The world of opportunities for women in the security industry
- Changing lives (including her own) through security
This month, we had an amazing chat with Employee Care Coordinator Alycia Campbell, where she talks about how we are changing lives through security.
In this episode, Alycia talks about:
- The importance of a family-like team environment
- Focusing on a people-first culture
- A promotion-from-within legacy
- A typical day in Aviation Security
- The impact of customer service in a security role
- Alycia’s advice for people looking to join security
- Being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry
- The world of opportunities for women in the security industry
- Changing lives (including her own) through security
We had a great talk with an extraordinary Paladin Portfolio Resource Coordinator, Jad Boussi. Jad’s biggest passion is to help people and give back to the community. He had no idea what security was all about until he joined Paladin Security. Initially, he wanted to become a Police Officer but decided to stay in the security industry because he realized he was in the best position to fulfill his passion for helping others.
In this episode, Jad talks about:
- Taking fast-growth opportunities head-on in the security industry
- Mixing passion with professionalism
- The importance of “above and beyond” management support
- How good mentorship can take your career to the next level
- The power of working in a diverse team
- Security training as life training and becoming the best version of yourself
- Connecting with your team through experience
- How to get to where you want to be professionally
We had a great chat with Director of Operations Kevin Bissoondyal about the power of strong mentorship, culture, and diversity in the security industry. Like most of Paladin’s leadership team, Kevin also started his career in security as a Security Officer. He talked about how his passion for the industry soared moving through the ranks and how he is helping the next generation of security professionals achieve their career goals. Ever since he was a little boy, Kevin wanted to be a Police Officer. He later found his knack in developing, mentoring, and finding the best suitable candidates for Law Enforcement, helping them achieve their dream in policing.
In this episode, Kevin talks about:
- The world of opportunities within security
- Why good mentorship is key for professional growth
- How Paladin’s Promotion-from-within philosophy and culture helped Kevin’s development
- The “WOW” factor in helping others achieve their career goals in Law Enforcement
- The three pillars learned in Paladin’s training
- The advantages of working with a diverse and inclusive team
- “Continuing a legacy of greatness” and cultural pride
- The importance of knowing your team as a security leader
This month, we had the honour to talk to Director James Blight about the evolution of the security industry. James is a 30-year security veteran who started as a part-time bike patrol guard at a very young age. He fell in love with the industry when he was in high school during an “unofficial” security gig. He is extremely passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals and leaving an impactful legacy for future leaders.
In this episode, James talks about:
- How the industry has changed over the last 30 years and the new options for security professionals
- Where the security industry is headed, and the improvements to look forward to
- Why mentoring the next generation of security professionals is important
- How Paladin is playing a role in the evolution of security
- The key factors to succeed and lead in the security industry
- How to leave a positive legacy for the next generations of security leaders
- James is also a Voice Over Artist. He talks about the connection between his creative side and his security career
This time around, we had the privilege to talk to one of the most passionate women in security. Diana Drazek is a six-year Paladin veteran who has an exceptional drive for people, customer service and making a difference in her community through The Paladin Difference. She knew she wanted to protect the public since she was eight years old and she’s also looking to pursue a career in law enforcement. She shared some of the most valuable experiences and lessons you can learn in a security career, transitioning into policing, and how to stand out in the security industry.
In this episode, Diana talks about:
- Her first role as a Security Officer and her experiences while moving up within Paladin
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How Paladin’s Promotion-From-Within philosophy has helped her pursue a career in Law Enforcement
- Getting the best out of Paladin’s industry-leading training and mentors
- The positive outcomes of owning your mistakes
- Diana’s advice for people looking to move up within the ranks in security and transition into policing
Have a topic you’d like to hear on The Difference Makers? Email us at communciations@paladinsecurity.com.
We are thrilled to have Sean Marvel as this month’s guest. Sean started his career in security as a part-time Security Officer with the goal of becoming a Police Officer.
In this episode, Sean talks about:
- How his passion for Healthcare Security blossomed while on his first day on the job
- What is Emergency Management and how it relates to Security
- Why he chose to return to PalAmerican
- How he’s working to make training for officers more relatable
- The changes he’d like to see made for Healthcare Officers dealing with traumatic incidents
Episode 10 is live now! We are thrilled to have Paladin Director Steve Eely as this month’s guest. After a 32-year career, Steve led over 400 sworn and civilian members for the Vancouver Police Department’s Operations Division. He was responsible for systemic improvements like mass-casualty training and significantly improving the equipment for members on the frontline. He also assumed goal command on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic
In this episode, Steve talks about:
- Similarities and differences between the security industry and police industry
- The many ways a career in security can help candidates qualify for law enforcement
- How Paladin's industry-leading training is highly recognized in the law enforcement community
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Best practices to apply to different policing agencies and what to expect from the process
- Things you should know before joining a Police department.
- The evolution of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in policing and the importance of mental health in a law enforcement career.
Episode 9 is live now! We are glad to have PalAmerican Director of Operations Heather Beasley as this month’s guest. Heather spent 13 years in corrections prior to joining the Security Industry and even went undercover as an inmate in jail to help improve the system.
She talks about being a woman in the Security Industry, her passion for making change happen, and taking the industry to the next level.
We are glad to have Director of Operations Damian Radcliffe as this month’s guest. Damian has a military background, joining the Armed Forces in 1999 and he is super passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals.
In this relevant episode, Damian explains what empathy-led security is and talks about what he brings from his military background to security, why it is important to lead in uncertain times, and his piece of advice to those looking to enter the Security Industry.
Paladin Training and Development Lead Carol Markwei joins The Difference Makers to discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace and where improvements are needed. She also talks about covering, which is when a person hides who they truly are in order to not be judged.
Episode topics:
- The role Diversity, Equity,& Inclusion play in the workplace
- How time spent in the hospitality industry led to a passion for inclusion
- How one video changed her outlook on life
- What is covering and why we all do it(including herself)
- Her takeaways from diversity movements
- Tips on how workplaces can improve
PalAmerican Executive Vice President Tony York is this month’s guest where he discusses the role of a healthcare security guard as well as some of the biggest challenges the industry is currently facing.
“We’re seeing a lot of people who are getting hurt inside of healthcare, and frankly, that means people are leaving the healthcare industry, and what is such a valiant profession, where people are there in training, to help others, which is really their entire mission, so the goal is, how do we create an environment so they can stay safe?"
-Tony York
Episode topics:
- The evolution of healthcare
- What is involved in training for healthcare security officers
- How to create and maintain a safe environment
- Some of the biggest issues healthcare security is facing
- The role PSG plays in influencing healthcare security at a global level
- How to become a healthcare security leader
National Training and Development Manager Jason Magallanes is this month's guest and talks about everything training, from what makes Paladin’s training unique to why continuous education and training is so vital.
Episode topics:
- What makes Paladin’s training unique
- The difference in training from province to province
- Specialized training
- The importance of knowing the law
- Why continuous education and training is so vital
“Training isn’t a one-stop-shop. So, from the very beginning until now, it’s always about how much more can we learn how much better can be we as an individual, as an organization, as an entity that represents the security industry, so there’s always room for improvement. That gives me the ability to look at what we have, not sit still and say, okay, what can we do next, what can we do better?”
Taking care of your mental health and well-being is so important in this day and age as we have a lot of stressors in our everyday life – from work – to family – and even money. That’s why we are doing a two-part series on the subject to help encourage people to talk about it.
In part two, we talk to Healthcare Security Officer Onkar who works in an emergency room, and shares his experience working with patients who are dealing with mental health.
“You just got to remember that at the end of the day, they are a patient, they could be dealing with some illness, and you got to try to put yourself in their shoes and be patient with them and do your best with helping them out until clinical staff can see them.”
-Security Officer Onkar
Taking care of your mental health and well-being is so important in this day and age as we have a lot of stressors in our everyday life - from work - to family - and even money. That’s why we are doing a two-part series on the subject to help encourage people to talk about it.
Tom Taggart is this month’s guest —and he knows a thing or two about the topic. He is an Operations Manager in Halifax for Paladin Security, and today, he gets raw and real, sharing his struggles with mental health. Over the years, he’s found a way to manage it, and even has a few tips for others.
Ever wondered where a career in security could lead you? There are so many options, like moving up within the industry or taking your skills into law enforcement. Today on The Difference Makers, Paladin Director of Innovation and Transformation Jeff Peng explains his desire to join the RCMP, and how that dream led him to his current role.
In the first episode of The Difference Makers, a Paladin Security podcast, we take a look at common misconceptions people have of the security industry and what being a security officer or guard actually entails. Paladin Executive Vice President of Eastern Canada, Blair Davenport, joins us to provide his insight.