Tashyra Royal

I attribute my success to a combination of strategic positioning, authentic leadership, and commitment to community. Early in my career, I realized that making myself indispensable—by mastering systems others avoided and solving problems proactively—opened doors that credentials alone couldn't. I became a leader early on because I didn't wait for permission; I just started leading. But I've also learned that authenticity is non-negotiable. In a world where everyone tries to fit a formula, I've succeeded by bringing my full self to work—my experiences, my perspective, my voice—even when it makes people uncomfortable. My value isn't diminished because I don't fit the "picture-perfect" mold. And perhaps most importantly, I've invested in people. From building talent pipelines with HBCUs to growing BEN-BOLD into a 500+ member organization, I've learned that real success means creating space for others to thrive. Each day is an opportunity to do better—to lead more authentically and lift others as I climb.

The best career advice I've ever received came at a pivotal moment in my career: find what works for you to quiet the internal doubts. I realized that everyone faces imposter syndrome and self-criticism, but successful people develop strategies to push through. For me, it's reflecting on the problems I've solved and the people I've lifted along the way. The second part of that advice was equally transformative: one person's negative opinion of you does not define your value or the impact you have on others. As a Black woman in physical security and data center operations, I've encountered people who doubted my capabilities or questioned my presence in leadership spaces. But I've learned that their perspective doesn't diminish my value. My worth is measured by the results I deliver, the teams I build, and the doors I open for others—not by someone else's narrow view of who I should be.

I would advise young women entering this industry to confidently claim their space and shine, even in a male-dominated environment. Being a woman does not make you any less capable or deserving of success. Early in my career, I learned that making yourself indispensable—mastering the systems others avoided, solving problems proactively, and building strategic relationships—opens doors that credentials alone cannot. Above all, stay authentic. Letting your true self guide your work and interactions will always serve you well. Don't try to fit a formula or become a curated version of yourself. The industry doesn't need more people who look and sound the same—it needs your unique perspective, your voice, and your leadership.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is AI, but it is also one of our biggest opportunities. Many in physical security worry that AI will replace human roles, but I believe that's a misunderstanding of what security truly requires. Completely removing the "human" element will never work—our field demands judgment calls, relationship building, crisis response, and the ability to read situations that no algorithm can fully replicate. What AI can do is handle the repetitive, data-intensive tasks that drain our time and attention, freeing us to focus on strategic decision-making and human-centered security challenges. As security specialists, we have a duty to keep up with the times. Embracing our past experiences, common knowledge, and new technologies such as AI will only benefit you personally and professionally. Those who resist change will be left behind; those who adapt will lead.

Loyalty and authenticity are the most important values to me, both personally and professionally. I value commitment—showing up for people and principles even when it's difficult or unpopular. Every day I strive to show up authentically as myself, even if it makes some people uncomfortable, because I believe that's where real leadership begins. In a world where everyone tries to be something or someone they're not, I've learned that my value isn't diminished just because I don't look like or sound like what the "picture-perfect" person might be depicted as. Through my work with BEN-BOLD and in my security leadership role, I've seen firsthand how authenticity creates space for others to bring their full selves to work. Each day is an opportunity to do better—to lead with integrity, to stay true to my values, and to lift others as I climb.