We kick off a new month in the Best Advice Q&A series with Brady Edwards, area vice president of business and market development, federal, at LiveView Technologies (LVT). He shares the best advice he’s ever heard, gives tips to security industry pros on the rise and singles out the person to whom he always listens.
Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Brady Edwards: My advice is to “never burn a bridge in the security industry.” I know this sounds cliché but it’s such an important mindset no matter where you are in your career.
I was very young in my career when I was told this, straight out of the Coast Guard and working as a contracted director of security for a healthcare system. The advice didn’t resonate with me the way it does today after 17 years in this space but it’s something I now share with anyone new to the industry.
The security industry is a tight-knit community. Your reputation, the relationships you build and whether you commit to always doing the right thing will follow you no matter where you go.
A prime example: The security leader who hired me and gave me my first opportunity in 2009 later worked alongside me as a senior security leader at another organization. He became a colleague and friend. He still works for that organization, which is now an LVT customer.
It’s truly a small world and a privilege to cross paths with people at different stages of their life and career. This ongoing connection and true friendship is only possible if you treat others with respect.
SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?
Edwards: Step out of your comfort zone and continually seek opportunities to make an impact and expand your knowledge.
There have been several times in my career when I was asked to take on expanded responsibilities that stretched my capabilities. My most challenging roles are where I grew the most. Even though they made me uncomfortable, those experiences ultimately made me better and prepared me for the next steps in my career.
Taking on the hard assignments that no one else wants will pay huge dividends. Even if it doesn’t turn out how you expect, you’ll surely walk away with a lesson or two.
SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure to listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?
Edwards: This is an easy choice: Steve Lindsey.
Yes, I am biased. But Steve is a true trailblazer in the security industry who not only built the foundation for security technology today but is actively shaping what’s possible tomorrow.
I have had countless opportunities to learn from Steve in person and by listening to him on podcasts and webinars. I never miss the chance to learn from him because he has a rare ability to make highly technical concepts approachable and he brings a well-informed, grounded perspective to the major challenges our communities face today.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and highly encourage others to seek out his insights.
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