Nicole McNeil, expert in physical security, discusses linking physical security with resilience, assisting individuals during incidents, handling pressure in critical organizations, responding to threats, and best practices for active attacker exercises.
Linking physical security with resilience is crucial in activating business continuity plans and supporting emergency evacuations.
Handling credible threats of violence against employees requires proper training, notification to security and law enforcement, and avoiding engagement with the threat actor.
Deep dives
Importance of Linking Physical Security with Resilience
Nicole McNeil, an expert in physical security, discusses the importance of linking physical security with resilience. She highlights the role of security as the first point of contact in activating business continuity plans and supporting emergency evacuations. Nicole emphasizes the need for physical security to be integrated into the broader business resilience program, highlighting the connection between security and organizational strategy. She also explains how enterprise risk management provides a deeper understanding of risks and helps strengthen the business resilience program.
Challenges Faced as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Field
Nicole shares her experience as a woman in the male-dominated field of physical security. She discusses the hurdles she encountered, such as being underestimated or excluded from certain projects. However, Nicole's persistence, broad range of security experience, and strong communication skills helped her overcome these challenges and gain recognition and respect in her profession.
Best Practices for Handling Threats and Ensuring Employee Safety
Nicole provides advice on handling credible threats of violence against employees. She emphasizes the importance of employee training, proper notification to security and law enforcement, and keeping a record of all communication received. Nicole highlights the need to avoid engaging with the threat actor and instead involve the appropriate authorities. Furthermore, she discusses the development of personal security plans for threatened individuals and tailoring protection measures based on specific accessibility needs.
One of the things I love about this podcast and about working with the Resilience Think Tank is my exposure to people in adjacent industries to resilience. We talk to people in risk, crisis communications and cybersecurity. But today we’re talking with an expert in physical security.
Hello everyone and welcome to episode 108 of the Resilient Journey podcast, presented by the Resilience Think Tank. This week I’m joined by someone who is equal parts resilience professional and physical security expert – Nicole McNeil.
Nicole and I talk about the importance of linking physical security with resilience. We chat about people who need assistance during an incident, the pressure of working for an organization with truly critical functions and how you can respond if an employee receives a credible threat of violence.
We talk about active attacker exercises and best practices.
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