Rhianna Daniels started her foray in the security industry writing about some of the news and trends she saw for a trade publication before moving into promoting some of the industry’s most well-respected companies, including Verint, acre security, Intellicene, Netwatch, National Monitoring Center, ZBeta, Building Intelligence and SWEAR, as chief strategy officer for Compass Integrated Communications.
Along the way, she’s earned industry accolades, including being chosen as one of the Women in Security Forum’s Power 100 three times.
Here’s her story, in her own words, in the second installment of our Women’s History Month series.
Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?
Rhianna Daniels: Like many in this field, I fell into the security industry. I was working as a journalist and looking for a new opportunity when I came across an ad for an entry-level editor position at [a competing security industry trade publication]. I was offered the job, and within a few weeks, I was off to ISC West and completely out of my element.
In those early days, I was a fish out of water, trying to grasp the differences between monitoring technologies and residential alarm systems. But I eventually learned that beyond the technical details, this industry is about more than just selling technology or solutions — it’s about keeping people safe. That fact spoke to me, and even though I never imagined this would turn into a long-term career, here I am today.
SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?
Daniels: At my first ISC West, the majority of women on the show floor were booth models, and in business meetings, I was often the only female in the room. While this made it easy to stand out, it also made it harder to be taken seriously. I and the other women in the market had to put in extra effort to be recognized and valued.
However, change was beginning to take shape. Industry groups supporting the role of women in the industry were in their early stages and that helped highlight the contributions women were making across the industry.
SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Daniels: I have been very lucky to have many mentors who have supported and guided me, and worked with so many different perspectives throughout my professional career. Marketing and sales leaders like Kim Loy and Renae Leary and seasoned executives like Joe Grillo and Rob Hile (who is also my husband and my better half!) have all been instrumental in shaping my career.
They have each helped me in different ways. Whether it was navigating the industry, learning how to lead and nurture teams, or understanding industry trends, their insights have been a huge part in shaping the person I am today.
SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Daniels: If you had told me early in my career that I would go on to build a successful business, I would have said you were crazy. Founding Compass has been my biggest achievement, but it’s not just about starting a business; it’s about sustaining it.
The longevity of the. business is what I am most proud of because it takes resilience, determination, and a strong team to continue delivering for your clients and your employees over the long term. Being an entrepreneur is stressful: there’s always something to worry about—team morale, cash flow, client satisfaction but when it all comes together, it’s incredibly rewarding.
I am also very proud to being part of the amazing group of women that make up the first 3X SIA WISF Power 100 honorees.
SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?
Daniels: We’re making an impact and helping create a safer world. This industry is mission-driven, and I truly believe in that mission. Sure, we’re developing technology, but we’re also helping to keep schools safe and protect communities and that’s rewarding.
SSI: How can the security industry become even better?
Daniels: We have to continue to attract diverse talent from other sectors. More diversity — whether in background, experience, or perspectives — will boost innovation, improve problem-solving, and foster greater collaboration.
Just over the past year, I’ve seen professionals from companies including Amazon and Google transition into this space, and working alongside them has already greatly expanded my knowledge and skill set. I believe that if we continue to welcome fresh perspectives, we can continue to push the industry forward.
Click here to read our entire Women in Security Q&A series!
