The Security Foundation

Kathy Lavinder, the Founder and  Executive Director of SI Placement, has had an illustrious career that spans multiple industries, ultimately leading to her niche in security, investigations, and intelligence recruitment. From broadcast journalism to private investigations and now, recruitment, Kathy’s journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Here, Kathy shares more about her work with The Security Foundation (TSF), the career achievements she’s most proud of, and her vision for the future of the security industry.

 

Can you tell us about your journey into the field of security and intelligence recruitment? 

I’ve had three distinct careers which have all drawn on specific core competencies — interviewing, analyzing information, and making informed recommendations and decisions. In my first career, I was a broadcast journalist working in television and radio newsrooms, culminating in a senior-level role with ABC News. Next, I transitioned into private investigations at a high-end boutique where I conducted interviews and did fact-finding related to complex litigation, business decision-making, and internal inquiries. While managing the firm’s headquarters office, I also took on recruiting responsibilities. I had a eureka moment when I realized there was a need in the marketplace for a niche recruiter who could identify talented investigators, intelligence specialists, and others who could manage risks and security needs. I launched my recruiting firm in early 2000 and haven’t looked back.

 

With over two decades of experience, what significant changes have you observed in the security and investigations industry?

I’ve been recruiting for almost 25 years, so clearly there have been notable changes over that time. Security, intelligence, and investigations have changed because the world was changed by the 9/11 attacks, massive corporate frauds and failures, the global financial crisis, and most recently, the pandemic. Organizations need smart, highly capable, and qualified individuals to help them manage risk. They are looking for proactive thinkers and doers, not firefighters or cleanup crews.

Standards for new hires have been raised, and individuals with impressive backgrounds are now attracted to the roles and responsibilities of modern risk management. All of this coincided with globalization, so teams became more diverse in every meaning of that word, more geographically distributed, and more valued and visible in their organizations.

 

What piece of advice was important to you early on in your career? Who shared it with you?

As a cub TV reporter, I had an assignment editor once say to me, “Always remember you’re dealing with people.” His point was that you’re just not looking for information; events, developments, and information impact people in many ways, so you need to have not only an awareness but an understanding, an appreciation, of how people will be affected. I would sum this up as, “People first,” which I think is a pretty good way to approach recruiting.

 

What piece of advice would you give to someone starting their career today?

Use your imagination. Don’t be limited by what you can envision today. The world is dynamic, full of surprises, and your career will have twists and turns. That’s okay. It’s going to be, by and large, a fun ride if you can hang on. Remain resilient and ever curious.

 

What are the most critical skills that future security professionals should focus on developing?

We are always asked to find candidates with strong critical thinking skills. Critical thinking will ensure you can respond in the moment to the unexpected, the anomalous, the worst-case scenario, the black swan event, etc. And if you can respond well in those circumstances, you’ll certainly be able to take on the day-to-day, run-of-the-mill.

Curiosity is also important. Ask “why?” when you don’t understand or don’t agree. Be comfortable with dialogue that challenges or maybe even makes you uncomfortable. Resilience is also critically important. Drive, persistence, and determination will usually be noticed and rewarded.

 

Do you have any suggestions on how/where they can grow these skills?

You develop these skills by living and doing; by jumping into the deep end of the pool occasionally; by taking on something that causes you to have butterflies in your stomach. Keep an eye out for these situations and be ready to raise your hand.

 

How do you see the role of technology evolving in the security sector, and what should professionals be prepared for in the next 5-10 years?

Artificial intelligence is going to change how many functions in our knowledge worker economy are done. Don’t get trapped in a role where AI-powered software solutions will be able to outperform you by being quicker or by producing more content or product. Critical thinking skills will be your differentiator.

 

What emerging trends or challenges do you foresee in the security and intelligence fields?

Long-established ideas about which backgrounds are desirable for security and intelligence roles are being challenged. I expect to see more nontraditional backgrounds. These groups will have strong critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. I’ve heard security and risk leaders say, “Give me a bright and motivated individual, and I will teach them the fundamentals.”

 

What educational background or certifications do you recommend for someone aspiring to enter the security profession? 

I’m more focused on aptitude and interest in the sector than traditional fields of study or certifications. I’m still a proponent of liberal arts degrees because they are broadening, but I think it’s important to not overlook those who didn’t have that advantage. My advice for hiring managers is to look for strivers who want to make a difference.

 

Are there any specific soft skills that you believe are particularly important for security professionals to possess?

Emotional intelligence is critically important. As a key skill, it leads to better teamwork, a mission focus, and enhanced problem-solving. I’ve encountered brilliant people in various work settings over the years, but their brilliance was often of limited value if they lacked emotional intelligence.

 

How important is networking in the security industry, and what strategies would you recommend for effective networking?

Networking is essential. Stop thinking of networking as a chore; it should be fun. Meeting people via LinkedIn and at in-person events should be a part of every person’s career game plan. You’re  shortchanging yourself if you only talk to people you already know. Bring curiosity with you as you walk into a room. Listen more than you speak unless you need to put the other person at ease.

 

Can you share any success stories of professionals you’ve placed who have made significant impacts in their roles? What can we learn from their journeys?

The most successful placements we’ve had are those where the individuals have staying power. Their organizations have not only benefited from their fresh perspectives and strategic capabilities but by the individuals being there for the long haul. My takeaway is that tenure and longevity matter. I know there are good reasons to change jobs, but don’t change without thoughtfully considering what you’re leaving undone. Recently, a candidate withdrew because, upon further reflection, he realized he had not completed several key objectives. I respect his decision because it’s the mark of a professional.

 

What qualities do you look for when recruiting top talent in the security and intelligence sectors?

I’m always looking for adaptability, dedication, and self-awareness. When speaking with candidates, I’m evaluating how well they will adapt and fit into a new environment and culture. I have to consider how they will adapt to a new sector, a matrixed organization, or an environment where they will be expected to lead via influence and education.

I’m gauging their dedication to the mission, the program, and the employer. I’m extremely wary when they focus on compensation, title, size of the team, or in-office versus remote or hybrid.

Additionally, I’m looking for self-awareness. Don’t try to convince me you know it all, or an aspect you haven’t done “won’t be a problem.” My clients will be the judge of that.

 

What are the best interview tips you can offer?

Be prepared to speak knowledgeably and in-depth about the organization and/or sector you’re discussing. In other words, do your homework.

Listen – to what the recruiter shares, what you hear in interviews — about how the team works and what will be expected, and then be prepared to ask smart questions that demonstrate you have been listening and considering how your experience aligns with their needs.

Always write a thank you email and do it promptly. Interviewers want to receive them!

 

On the flip side, what common mistakes should candidates avoid during the job application and interview process in the security field?

Don’t do any interviews to simply kick the tires. No one wants you to waste their time so respect the process and take it seriously or don’t engage.

Don’t try to make the job what you want it to be. The role is described in the position description and in interviews. It’s what they want; not what you want.

Avoid using “we.” Use the first person to describe your impact.

Demonstrate grace and professionalism if you’re not moving forward. It’s not personal.

 

What role do you see for diversity and inclusion in the future of security and intelligence professions?

Diversity and inclusion are vitally important. I was the beneficiary of affirmative action as a young reporter when I was the only woman in a newsroom. I’ve never forgotten the support my male colleagues provided and appreciate our friendships that continue to this day. We all grew, learned, and changed as the composition of teams changed. I think that experience has widely played out across all sectors, including security and risk. From my perspective as a recruiter who has worked on searches around the world with organizations in many sectors, the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce are well established in the security/risk arena. Yes, there’s work still to be done but it’s in the DNA of most recruitment processes these days.

 

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your journey and vision! This piece is part of our ongoing series, My Security Journey. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the individuals shaping the future of security.