Breaking Barriers: Leveraging Your Unique Leadership Style to Thrive in the Security Industry
As a woman who has spent nearly 20 years in the security industry, I will share how women can leverage unique leadership strengths to overcome barriers and excel in a male-dominated field. Speaking from my journey, I’ll highlight the power of collaboration, emotional intelligence and strategic thinking in leading high-performing teams and navigating complex challenges within security operations.
This presentation will provide strategies for managing gender dynamics, building credibility and overcoming bias while maintaining confidence. Participants will learn to harness emotional resilience and lead with empathy in high-pressure, fast-changing environments. We’ll also discuss the vital role of mentorship and networking in career advancement and how women leaders can create inclusive, high-performance cultures within their teams.
Key points:
- The power of diverse leadership styles
- Navigating gender dynamics in a male-dominated field
- Building emotional intelligence and resilience in leadership
- Mentorship and building a network of allies
- Creating inclusive, high-performing teams
- Thriving in a rapidly evolving industry
- Inspiring future generations of women leaders
Speaker
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Katherine PodolasNational Director, Employee Development and Operational Efficiency, GardaWorld SecurityKatherine Podolas, CPP, SCPM, is an innovative senior leader with nearly 20 years of experience driving business growth, operational excellence, and leadership development within the security industry. As national director of training and campus for GardaWorld Canada, she oversees training initiatives, regulatory compliance and strategic partnerships.
With a strong operations background, Podolas has managed large-scale teams, streamlined processes and optimized service delivery. She has a track record of breaking barriers, leading impactful programs and championing diversity and mentorship in male-dominated fields. Her expertise spans business development, quality assurance and emergency management.
An ASIS Certified Protection Professional, Podolas has completed leadership programs with McGill University and Disney Institute. As a mother of four, she offers a unique perspective on balancing leadership, family and career.