Cassey Wright

My success is rooted in a lifetime of discipline, awareness, and a deep commitment to serving others. Growing up in my father’s dojo shaped the foundation of who I am—learning Ti Quan Do, mastering precision, and understanding the importance of situational awareness from a young age. Those early lessons taught me confidence, resilience, and the value of being prepared, and they continue to guide me as a leader.

I also attribute my success to the people‑centered mindset I developed during nearly a decade in Human Resources. Understanding people—how they think, what they need, and how to support them—has been essential in my transition into the security industry. Leading in a male‑dominated field requires both strength and empathy, and my HR background gave me the tools to build trust, develop teams, and create a culture grounded in integrity and purpose.

Another major source of my success comes from the way I’ve carried my skills forward into my personal life. Teaching my daughter self‑defense and awareness, and supporting women through difficult or unsafe situations has reinforced my belief in empowerment. Helping others find their voice—especially when they feel unheard or unsure—has strengthened my own sense of purpose and sharpened my instincts as a leader.

Ultimately, my success comes from a combination of early discipline, continuous learning, and a commitment to protecting and uplifting others. Every chapter of my life—from the dojo to HR to working in the security and protection field  —has shaped the leader I am today.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is to build systems, not heroics. Anyone can put out fires, but the people who grow are the ones who create structures that prevent the fires in the first place.”

My advice to young women entering this industry is to stand in your truth and be confident in your skills. The advice I would give to young women entering the security industry is to trust their voice and use it with confidence. This field can be intimidating, especially when you’re often the only woman in the room, but timidity serves no one—not you, not your team, and not the people you’re responsible for protecting. When you know you’re correct, stand firmly in that truth. Stand on business. Your expertise, your instincts, and your perspective are valuable, and you should never shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

I’ve always believed in doing what feels right and what needs to be done. In this industry, hesitation can cost time, clarity, or even safety. If you act with integrity and purpose, you don’t need to wait for permission to lead. And if you make a misstep, own it, learn from it, and move forward—sometimes asking for forgiveness afterward is part of the growth process.

Another essential piece of advice is to find a like‑minded female mentor—someone who understands the unique challenges women face in male‑dominated environments and can guide you with honesty and experience. A strong mentor can help you navigate difficult situations, build confidence, and stay grounded in your values.

Above all, remember that your presence in this industry matters. Your strength, your awareness, and your leadership bring balance and depth to a field that needs diverse voices. Step into your role boldly, stay committed to learning, and never underestimate the power of your own resilience.

Several challenges and opportunities are shaping the security industry right now, and they’re deeply connected to the work you do and the leadership you bring.

Major Challenges

1. Talent Shortages and Workforce Readiness

Finding qualified, reliable security professionals is becoming increasingly difficult. The industry demands individuals who are not only trained but also emotionally intelligent, observant, and committed to service. Ensuring guards are properly vetted, supported, and continuously trained is a constant challenge—and one that directly impacts community safety.

2. Rising Expectations for Safety and Accountability

Businesses and communities expect more from security teams than ever before. They want professionalism, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to risk. Meeting these expectations requires strong leadership, consistent training, and a culture that values integrity.

3. Navigating a Male‑Dominated Environment

For women, the challenge is twofold: proving expertise in a field where assumptions can run deep, and simultaneously working to shift the culture toward inclusivity. This requires confidence, resilience, and a willingness to use your voice even when it feels uncomfortable.

4. Increasing Complexity of Threats

Security threats are evolving—physical, digital, and behavioral. Staying ahead requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding both human behavior and emerging risks.

Major Opportunities

1. Elevating Standards Through Leadership

Strong leaders—especially those with people‑centered backgrounds like HR—have the opportunity to reshape the industry. By setting high expectations, prioritizing training, and building teams rooted in integrity, leaders can raise the bar for what security service looks like.

2. Empowering Women and Diversifying the Field

There is a tremendous opportunity to bring more women into security roles and leadership positions. Women often bring heightened awareness, strong communication skills, and a unique perspective on safety. Mentoring, training, and supporting women entering the field can transform the industry from the inside out.

3. Expanding Community‑Centered Security Models

Security is no longer just about presence—it’s about partnership. Companies that focus on community engagement, education, and proactive safety strategies are positioned to make a meaningful impact.

Several core values guide everything I do—both in my work and in my personal life—and they all tie back to the way I was raised, the training I received from a young age, and the purpose I’ve found in serving others.

Integrity:

Acting with honesty and consistency is non‑negotiable. Whether I’m hiring security professionals, supporting my team, or helping someone through a difficult situation, I believe in doing what’s right even when it’s not easy or convenient. Integrity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of both safety and leadership.

Awareness:

Growing up in a dojo taught me that awareness is a form of protection. Staying observant, grounded, and mindful helps me make better decisions, support others effectively, and navigate challenges with clarity. Awareness isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and relational too.

Courage:

In a male‑dominated field, courage shows up in many forms: speaking up, standing firm in your knowledge, and not shrinking yourself to fit expectations. I value the courage to use my voice, to advocate for others, and to take action when something needs to be done.

Empowerment:

Empowering others—especially women—is central to who I am. Teaching my daughter self‑defense, training female friends, and guiding women through difficult or unsafe situations has reinforced how important it is to help others find their strength. Empowerment creates ripple effects that last far beyond a single moment.

Service:

Serving the community, supporting businesses, and protecting people is at the heart of my work. I take pride in building teams that reflect that same commitment. Service is not just a job—it’s a responsibility and a privilege.

Growth:

No matter how much training or experience I have, I believe in staying teachable. Whether it’s refining my skills, improving my leadership, or learning from the people around me, growth keeps me sharp and grounded.

These values shape how I lead, how I parent, how I show up for my friends, and how I contribute to my community. They’re the thread that ties together every chapter of my life—from the dojo to HR to directing a security team—and they continue to guide me forward.