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As part of our Women in Security series, Sharon Kane shares how Bidvest Noonan has supported her progress in the security industry.

What do you think it takes to become a strong leader in security? What makes a strong security team?

Working together, seeing the value and skills each team member brings to the overall team. In the security industry, training, guidance, and communication are key. Being approachable, listening to people, and working alongside them is very important to make a strong team.

I also believe that leading people by example helps to make a good leader in the security industry. One of my favourite quotes is “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” -John Quincy Adams

How has Bidvest Noonan helped your career in the security industry?

I started my journey with the company as a part-time cleaning supervisor in 2014. From there I have had many opportunities within the business. One of them was to join the Security team in one of the busiest shopping centres in Ireland in 2018.

Bidvest Noonan encouraged me to get involved with projects and listened to my ideas. This has me invested in the organization. Feeling valued as an employee and working with my other colleagues enhance my experience in the security industry, ensured the opportunities to grow and excel. 

The training, mentoring, guidance, and support I have received are invaluable in my progression within the business and have been instrumental in my current success. I have just been promoted to operations manager and cannot wait to work with other teams throughout the business. 

What has been the proudest moment (or best day) in your career?

I was nominated for an award by my peers at the Bidvest Noonan Annual Awards for ‘Support person of the year’. To hear and see in print your colleagues’ comments and the feedback was very humbling. To go on to win the award was an unexpected delight. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to begin a career in security?

Come join the Bidvest Noonan Security team. “The real energy and life of the business are people” and we are always happy to welcome more women in the industry. 10 years ago, I would have never thought I would be working in the security industry, and am delighted to have the chance to work alongside my great colleagues. 

To mark International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of the amazing women who do an outstanding job protecting people every day. We will share some of their stories and perspectives in our Women in Security series over the coming days. First up is Renata Baszynski, Security Supervisor at one of the busiest shopping centres in Dublin.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy every part of it even though the job can be tough sometimes. I love being able to multitask. When you work with security, beyond protecting people and premises, you also provide customer service, you are first aider, fire warden, detective, and many more. It is also great to have contact with people from different backgrounds.

In your opinion, what makes a good security officer/professional?

Experience helps but psychological skills are essential, like the ability to read people’s body language, especially in the retail security industry. I believe it is also definitely important to have a high level of customer service skills.  

What do you think it takes to become a strong leader in security? What makes a strong security team?

To become a strong leader in security you need to be able to work well with people. As a strong leader, you need to make sure that each person on your team is fully trained and is well supported. Strong security teams are formed when there is trust and you know that you can count on each other in difficult situations.

How has Bidvest Noonan helped your career in the security industry?

 Bidvest Noonan has helped me a lot to develop my career. For many years, I’ve gained experience as a security officer and a store detective. Bidvest Noonan gave me a great opportunity in a big retail store as a junior supervisor. During the pandemic, I’ve gained even more experience in different sites while working with many wonderful people. One of the sites was a very well-known shopping center, where I was offered a supervisor position, which I happily took it. 

What has been the proudest moment (or best day) in your career?

There are many great days and proud moments in my career. I think the best moments are the ones when people appreciate my work and come back to thank me. It is very rewarding to know how well we support our clients and the general public.

What advice would you give to other women looking to begin a career in security?

The security industry for many years was dominated by men. However, I believe women have a great opportunity to be a part of the security industry. It is an outstanding opportunity to build up self-confidence, customer service skills, and develop a strong career. I am delighted to see more women joining the Bidvest Noonan security division every day.