ISJ Leaders in Security Awards: Honouring individuals, teams, technologies and strategic initiatives worldwide
James Thorpe
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International Security Journal, in collaboration with the Security Partners’ Forum, is pleased to announce the launch of the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards.
ISJ Leaders in Security Awards
Within this dynamic and ever-evolving industry, there is a need for introspection.
Therefore, it is critical we celebrate the often overlooked heroes working diligently behind the scenes, dedicating countless hours to safeguarding people, property and valuable assets across the globe.
For many of these individuals, their endeavours extend beyond protection; they recognise security as a force for driving efficiency within the wider business model.
Their dedication demonstrates the synergy between security and operational excellence whilst underscoring how a robust framework can enhance modern operations.
Some individuals are champions of innovation, committing hours to research and developing powerful technologies and comprehensive strategies that save lives and are capable of enhancing broader operational systems.
Others are exemplary leaders, harnessing their wealth of professional and personal experiences to foster sustainable growth within the industry.
The ISJ Leaders in Security Awards, produced in collaboration with the Security Partners’ Forum, have been created to highlight, and most importantly, celebrate these individuals as well as the innovations and projects helping to drive bold and brilliant leadership, growth and development within the professional international security community.
You might be wondering, “What sets this initiative apart from all the other awards out there?” As the market leading publication for the global professional security industry, ISJ, in collaboration with the Security Partners’ Forum, identified a unique opportunity.
We wanted to bring together experts from around the world to provide the international community with a platform for earning recognition from their peers against a backdrop of change, challenge – and opportunity.
These distinctive awards will cast a spotlight on specific aspects of the industry and the accomplished individuals propelling performance and development.
Operating on a global scale, the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards acknowledge excellence across a wide range of job roles, sectors and industries and stand as the ultimate form of recognition conferred by professional peers and colleagues.
What truly sets these awards apart is our Judging Panel, which comprises of a minimum of 18 carefully selected senior professionals, each offering their own global perspectives on security.
Their understanding of the interconnected nature of security challenges and ability to recognise the value of individual achievements will play a pivotal role in the evaluation process.
By recognising achievements from every corner of the globe, we are painting a picture of the entire landscape. The ISJ Leaders in Security Awards are not confined by borders.
By honouring individuals, teams, technologies and strategic initiatives worldwide, these awards fill a crucial gap and showcase the true breadth and diversity of talent within the global security community.
“In our ever-changing world, there’s a crucial need for reflection and recognition,” explained James Thorpe, Editor of International Security Journal and Lead Awards Judge.
“We must applaud the senior level security professionals around the world who are making an impact, whether this be on a localised, national or international level.
“Working closely with the Security Partners’ Forum, we have launched the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards. This ground-breaking initiative will spotlight the people and technologies driving continuous growth across this vital and multifaceted industry.
“By bringing together a global Judging Panel composed of thought leaders, influencers and innovators, we will shine a spotlight on the best of the best and recognise excellence.”
Entering the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards
The ISJ Leaders in Security Awards are split into six categories to highlight specific individuals, areas and achievements across the industry.
Submissions to each of the awards categories will be reviewed by separate, independent judging panels made up of thought leaders and technical experts working in a variety of key roles across the global industry,
The categories for the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards are as follows:
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Solution Innovation (Initiative & Technology)
The ‘Solution Innovation’ award has been established to help shine a light on specific initiatives and technologies that have had a significant impact on key areas of the industry. By separating the award into distinct submission areas – ‘Initiative’ and ‘Technology’ – the Judging Panel will select two separate winners based on the following:
- Solution Innovation – Initiative: Recognising a unique solution with a refined methodology that has been provided to proactively address not just immediate vulnerabilities and issues, but future challenges. This solution may have been put together with ethical and sustainable considerations in mind, has a direct impact on operational outcomes, is flexible for users or helps facilitate a closer collaboration between stakeholders across a variety of disciplines.
- Solution Innovation – Technology: Recognising a solution or physical product that is unique in its approach to technological application. This award will spotlight a cost-effective, powerful solution that is built for long term use and harnesses the power of cutting-edge technologies to contribute to the enhancement of a wider security system. The effectiveness of such a solution must be supported by evidence of demonstrable success in real world scenarios.
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Operational Excellence
The ‘Operational Excellence in Security’ award has been designed to honour an organisation or individual for exemplary skill in the operationalisation of security measures.
This accolade will be awarded to an individual or organisation that is taking conceptual security plans and strategies and turning them into actionable practices that have a direct impact in a real world setting.
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Crisis and Incident Management
The ‘Crisis and Incident Management’ award acknowledges the outstanding handling and mitigation of security incidents or crises on a local or global scale.
Highlighting skill and commitment in responding to an incident, this award seeks to recognise an individual or team’s agility and strength in responding to or pre-empting the materialisation of a crisis.
Delivering results through the prevention of damage or the preservation of reputation and stakeholder confidence, these actions demonstrate industry best practice.
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Cross-Functional Security Integration
The ‘Cross-Functional Security Integration’ award has been established to honour the efforts made by individuals and teams to seamlessly integrate security with other organisational functions such as IT, human resources, finance or legal.
A firm commitment to cross-functional cooperation reflects an awareness of security’s value in the wider operational picture, proactively integrating what are often siloed practices and solutions to enhance the functioning of other departments whilst gathering valuable data to improve oversight.
Ultimately, this award recognises the importance of a collaborative approach.
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Cybersecurity Leadership
The ‘Cybersecurity Leadership’ award celebrates outstanding leadership in cybersecurity, particularly contributions to the fortification of digital assets and infrastructure. Leadership is not defined by roles, but is signified by impact, vision and strategy.
Against an ever-evolving cyber-threat landscape, this award recognises influential individuals at the forefront of our modern age who may be helping businesses, organisations, governments or whole nations stay one step ahead of emerging threats by utilising experience and leveraging innovative strategies.
ISJ Leaders in Security Award for Mentorship
The award for ‘Mentorship’ recognises an individual who has made significant contribution to the community by acting as a mentor and leader for security professionals who are new to the industry or are looking to find out more about a specialist discipline or sector.
The long term growth of the industry greatly relies on individuals who are committed to raising awareness about key issues, encouraging participation and sharing their experiences to help others with their continual professional development.
Dates for your diary
- 1 Dec 2023: Nominations are open
- 29 Mar 2024: Nominations officially close
- 1 July 2024: Winners announced
“Noticeable gap within the industry”
In a joint statement, Bonnie Butlin, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Security Partners’ Forum and Grant Lecky, Co-Founder, Security Partners’ Forum said: “The Security Partners’ Forum (SPF) is pleased to be collaborating with International Security Journal (ISJ) in launching the ISJ Leaders in Security Awards.
“The SPF has had the pleasure of collaborating with ISJ on various initiatives since 2021.
“In July 2022, the SPF and ISJ met to discuss the establishment of these new awards, because of the noticeable gap within the industry in terms of the lack of recognition for senior level security professionals.
“In combining the respective networks of the SPF and ISJ, it is our intention to highlight and showcase the most forward thinking and successful senior level security professionals driving innovation and excellence from across the globe.
“Through our collaboration, we identified six lines of achievement that have not typically been the focus of other awards: Solution Innovation (Initiative & Technology); Operational Excellence; Crisis and Incident Management; Cross-Functional Security Integration; Cybersecurity Leadership and Mentorship.
“The SPF looks forward to the inaugural opening of these Awards, and seeing who the nominees will be, their achievements, and what impact these achievements may have on the global security profession.”
“It has been a pleasure collaborating with Grant and Bonnie of the Security Partners’ Forum to launch this exciting awards initiative,” added James.
“There is truly nothing like this these awards in the global market, as they have been designed to recognise senior leaders, technological approaches and strategic initiatives shaping operational objectives and the wider business landscape.
“By bringing together a range of independent thought leaders representing a wide range of background and sectors, we are truly reviewing submissions through a lens of international security.”
