Women in Security: Rebecca Bayne

As a successful business owner in the security industry, Rebecca Bayne of Bayne Consulting and Search, tells other women in the industry to not be afraid to “be the red car” on the racetrack filled with yellow cars — men.

“But don't expect to gain recognition, or think you can win just because you're red,” she continued. “Just because you're a woman, you should not expect different treatment; you should just go out there and perform at the best level you can. As a woman in the security industry, I feel we have an advantage, which is why I use that analogy. If you outperform, or are a competitor to men who are successful, you will get noticed. So I tell women to get out there and accelerate, keep up and pass those yellow cars because if you rise to the occasion, you will really stand out.”

While most of Bayne's early role models and mentors were men, one of the first women she worked with in the industry who made an impact on her was Stephanie Mayes.

“Stephanie is a great example of someone who started on the ground floor in our industry and quickly advanced upward,” said Bayne. “She has always encouraged and supported me and let me know that my ambition to grow in this industry would only be limited if I chose it to be. There is an endless list of other women I've worked with — and continue to work with — as both friends and colleagues in our industry who lead by example and continually teach and inspire me!”

Bayne brought that same fearless attitude into the industry when she first began her career in the construction industry.

“My background prior to security was in construction management, another male-dominated industry, so my expectations were and are different,” she explained.� “I have always felt that your industry and workplace associates will work with you in the same or similar manner that you work with them; if you dedicate yourself, exercise consistent best efforts and the highest level of professionalism, they will respond in kind. I know that this is not always the case, but for the most part, this is what I have experienced.”

The key industry change she has observed and has been enjoying over the last 10 years is the “greatly increasing ratio of women to men in security,” and the increasing “appreciation of the approach and perspectives we bring to this world!”

While there have been other organizations that have attempted to bring more women/diversity to our industry, including in leadership roles, Bayne feels that SIA and the Women in Security Forum has had the greatest impact. “The message that has been delivered has been effective and will continue — and yes, we have quite a way to go!� However, momentum has been established and this will be key to continued improvement here.” She continued, “I also see great organizations in our industry, like Axis Communications and Convergint Technologies, as essential power behind this effort in their programs to bring women/diversity growth to their teams, putting the word out regarding their focus and support in this area as critical to both their organizations and our industry in general.”

Raising the bar, in general, in the industry has been a challenge, which “ties directly into my work in search, recruitment, and talent management consulting,” she explained. “This has been my mantra with clients and candidates from Day One. In most areas, we have advanced from what was once a more blue-collar industry to a highly technical, specialized and in-demand presence, which I believe is extremely important to the continued success of security overall. Since starting Bayne Consulting & Search, this has been at the center of our efforts daily!”

Bayne's first introduction to security dates back to 2000, when she was was recruiting in a firm with a focus on I.T.

“A transition happened with the ownership and a friend who was aware of the situation introduced me to SCW Consulting, a firm with a primary focus on work with security manufacturers,” she recalled. “I was offered an opportunity on the team to bring my familiarity with I.T., combined with my construction management background, to assist in the building of a division to recruit for security integrators. It was an easy transition, but I.T. and security had not yet truly merged. I found the clients and candidates to be some of the most sincere, passionate, dedicated professionals I'd ever worked with, people who valued relationships and saw them as key to success in business.”

She continued, “This has continued and only improved for me over the years, especially as I've embraced opportunities to give back to the industry. Additionally, our “higher calling” in the protection of people and property is an aspect of our work that inspires me every day!”