The Difference Makers Podcast - PalAmerican Security

Welcome to The Difference Makers Podcast

You can check out all our episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review, and share.

Have a topic you’d like to see discussed on The Difference Makers? Email us at communciations@palamerican.com.

Episode 17 – Professionalizing Healthcare Security with V.P. of Healthcare Anjanette Hebert

This month, we had an incredible chat with PalAmerican’s Vice President of Healthcare, Anjanette Hebert, where she talks about how we are professionalizing Healthcare Security. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare security, she spent much of her career building an effective and successful security program that started with one midsize hospital and grew to a seven-hospital system of now the largest medical center in the region.

Episode topics:

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

Episode 16 – Changing Lives Through Security with Employee Care Coordinator Alycia Campbell

This month, we had an amazing chat with Employee Care Coordinator Alycia Campbell, where she talks about how we are changing lives through security. Alycia fell in love with security very quickly because she loves working with people. She started as an Airport Security Guard and moved up the ranks to get where she is today. She even explains how her career in security gave her “a new meaning to life.”

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

Episode 15 – Portfolio Resource Coordinator Jad Boussi on Mixing Passion with Professionalism and Seizing Opportunities

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 us. 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

Episode 14 – Director of Operations Kevin Bissoondyal on the Power of Mentorship, Culture, and Diversity in the Security Industry

We had a great chat with Director of Operations Kevin Bissoondyal about the power of strong mentorship, culture, and diversity in the security industry. Kevin 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 the 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 security 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

Episode 13 – Director James Blight on the Evolution of the Security Industry

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.

Episode topics:

How the industry has changed over the last 20 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

Episode 12 – Security Supervisor Diana Drazek on How to Stand Out in the Security Industry

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 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

Episode 11 – Palamerican Director of Healthcare Training and Support Sean Marvel discusses the importance of Emergency Management

Sean started his career in security as a part-time Security Officer with the goal of becoming a Police Officer. While in Emergency Management, he’s dealt with gas explosions, bomb threats, and crisis interventions.

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: Paladin Director Steve Eely on How to Transition from Security into Law Enforcement

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 Gold 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
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: PalAmerican Director of Operations Heather Beasley on Pushing the Security Industry forward

We are very happy to have PalAmerican Director of Operations Heather Beasley join The Difference Makers. 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.

Episode 8: Paladin Director of Operations Damian Radcliffe on empathy and leading in uncertain times

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 passionate about mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

In this 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.

Episode 7: Paladin Training and Development Manager Carol Markwei on Diversity and Inclusion within the workplace

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

Episode 6: Healthcare Security with Tony York

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 5: Training 101 with Paladin’s National Training and Development Manager Jason Magallanes

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.

“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?”

-Jason Magallanes

Episode 4: Paladin Officer Onkar shares what it’s like to work Healthcare Security and deal with mental health patients daily

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

Episode 3: Operations Manager Tom Taggart gets raw and real about his struggles with mental health

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.

Episode 2: How security experience could lead to a career in law enforcement

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. In the second episode of 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.

Episode 1: Security Misconceptions

Our first episode features Blair Davenport, Executive Vice President of Eastern Canada, who discusses common misconceptions people have about the security industry and what being a security officer actually entails.