Blog

Gabrielle Pike
Corporate Instructional Design & Media Manager
The Cook & Boardman Group

The PSA TEC Fellowship Program offers an all-expenses-paid opportunity for next-generation leaders from PSA owner and member companies to attend TEC. This year, five fellows attended TEC 2025 in Denver, Colorado.  

Attending PSA TEC 2025 as a TEC Fellow was a transformative experience — one that reinforced the power of learning, collaboration and innovation in the security industry. The event was nothing short of stellar, providing a platform to engage with industry leaders, gain cutting-edge insights and participate in meaningful discussions about the future of security.

A Keynote That Changed My Perspective: 

One of the most impactful moments of the conference was the keynote address by Ryan Estis. His message on embracing change, leading with purpose and continuously evolving resonated deeply. Ryan’s insights into adapting in a rapidly shifting industry and unlocking personal potential were not just inspirational — they were actionable. His talk challenged me to push past limitations, think bigger and actively create impact in my career. 

His keynote set the stage for the entire event, reminding me that success isn’t just about keeping up with change — it’s about leading it. His insights reinforced three key principles that I will carry forward in my career: 

• Maintaining a Growth Mindset – Staying curious, continuously learning and embracing innovation is essential for success in an evolving industry. 

• Leading with Purpose – Whether in learning experience design or security solutions, we must be intentional in how we develop talent and drive progress. 

• Challenging the Status Quo – True progress happens outside our comfort zones. Innovative thinking and proactive change will define the future of our industry. 

Another standout session was the discussion on labor shortages in the security sector, which is a growing challenge that impacts every level of the industry. The session provided valuable insights into how organizations can attract and retain top talent by investing in workforce development, employer branding and structured learning opportunities such as: 

• Upskilling & Workforce Development – Companies must prioritize mentorship, leadership training and career growth opportunities to build a sustainable talent pipeline. 

• Employer Branding & Employee Engagement – Organizations that communicate clear career pathways and foster a strong workplace culture will retain top talent. 

• Leveraging Learning & Development – As an L&D professional, I see firsthand how structured onboarding, hands-on training and continuous learning help bridge skill gaps and prepare the next generation of security professionals. 

TEC 2025 was more than just an industry event — it was a powerful reminder that the future of security is not just about technology, but about people.  

Investing in learning, workforce development and leadership growth will drive the industry forward and ensure lasting innovation and success. 

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated as a PSA TEC Fellow. The experience has not only broadened my industry knowledge but has also inspired me to continue pushing for growth — both personally and professionally. I look forward to applying these insights to my work and helping shape the future of security through education, training and leadership development. 

For those who haven’t attended PSA TEC, I highly recommend it. The connections, knowledge and inspiration gained from this event are truly invaluable.