No one better defines the adage “Find what you love to do and then figure out how to make a living at it” better than Bijan. While he held a successful career in financial services, he also volunteered as a member of the Marin (California) County search and rescue team. Following the events of 9/11, more government funding became available to help local jurisdictions prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

“Leadership is about understanding yourself first, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and targeting continuous improvement,” says Mike Howard, Chief Security Officer at Microsoft. “It is an attitude and mindset to focus on the team and organizational goals first. Leaders are able to change focus from subject matter expertise to a focus on their team by setting strategic goals, letting go of the details and steering the team through execution.”

“When I had the opportunity to move from parking and transportation at the University to leading the strategic security and safety effort on campus, we made a very strategic and important decision to build the structure to be broader than law enforcement. We incorporated all aspects of campus safety and security,” says Dr. Bob Harkins of the University of Texas, Austin. “That decision speaks volumes about the leadership at the University. It was a decision to make this department an enabler for the business of protecting and educating students, faculty and staff. That was a very strategic decision encompassing law enforcement, campus safety and security, business continuity and risk management as core missions.”

“Managers care for the body of the organization. But leaders care for the spirit. And great leaders care about both. That is not my saying, but it is how I view leadership in any successful business,” says Tim Caddigan, Director, Corporate Security & Facilities for Altria Client Services.

“When did Iget programmed? I’d have to say my mom was a huge contributor to molding my altruistic mindset growing up. My Mom never drove by someone or something in need. We’d always say, ‘Oh mom, don’t stop. Not again!’ But she always did.” And with that Bertsch has been an enthusiastic volunteer and then ‘CSO’ to make communities and events better through solid risk management and resilience.