The latest entry in our Best Advice Q&A series comes from Lee Odess, the chief executive officer for The Access Control Collective and a Security Industry Association (SIA) board member. He shares the best advice he’s ever heard, how he helps young people in the security industry and his inspiration from the sector.
Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Lee Odess: Early in my career, my father told me, “Say yes to the opportunities presented to you.” That simple piece of advice has been the through line of my entire career. I can see how one “yes” twenty years ago can still pay out in a today opportunity.
Early on, when you have less to lose, being known as the person who will take on challenges sets you apart. Too many people overthink or let self-doubt, insecurity, imposter syndrome, or (insert here) hold them back. My advice? Say yes, jump in, figure it out. And then do it again.
On the flip side, the worst advice I ever got was from a boss at a well-known industry company who told me to “stop chasing the yellow bouncing balls.” To him, those balls were distractions. To me, they were opportunities to rethink how things are done. Many of those so-called distractions ended up driving major industry shifts. Sometimes the best advice is knowing when to ignore bad advice.
SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?
Odess: There has never been a better time to be in the security industry. We’re in the middle of a full-scale digital transformation, not just in products, but across every part of the business. That kind of disruption means opportunity for all – that do something about it.
Go all in. Online and in person. Engage with the community, say yes to a project, the committees, the conversations. Join SIA, but don’t just be a name on the list; get involved. Don’t let the “old truths” from the old guard define what’s possible for you. Know your values, stay driven and you can shape your own path and along the way make an impact.
Where would I start? First, SIA and join the young professional group RISE. Get involved and get active. Second, join the SIA TIME mentoring program. The access you’ll get to top leaders in the industry is unlike anything else. It’s protein for your career.
SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure to listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?
Odess: Wow. One person is tough. I feel lucky to have a lot of great people around me, but there is one person who has more of an impact on my career and that is Steve Van Till, CEO of Brivo. He’s smart, sees what’s coming before most and is incredibly approachable, especially to young professionals.
Every time I talk with him, I walk away a better version of me. He was early, he stayed committed and he’s been proven right. There’s a lot to be said about what he’s done many would have given up a long time ago
Click here to check out the entire Best Advice series!
https://www.securitysales.com/insights/lee-odess-access-control-collective-best-advice/614080/