Episode Details

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny sits down with Mike Petty, Managing Director for EMEA and APAC at Thermal Radar and the current Chair of the ASIS Foundation. Steve and Mike take a look behind the scenes of one of the industry's most impactful charitable organizations, exploring how it helps security professionals worldwide advance their careers.

The conversation covers the vital importance of professional development, the prestige of certifications like the CPP and PSP, and how the "Foundation Five" corporate sponsorship model (championed by organizations like Axis Communications) directly funds life-changing scholarships.

About Our Guest:

• Mike Petty: Managing Director for EMEA and APAC at Thermal Radar Imaging, LLC, and Chairman of the ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees. A dedicated industry volunteer since 1996, Mike has climbed the ranks from local chapter leadership to regional management, succeeding Martin Gill as the global head of the ASIS Foundation.

Chapters:

• (0:00:30) – Introduction & The Lifelong Volunteer Journey

Steve and Mike open the episode with some light-hearted banter before diving into Mike’s 30-year journey as an industry volunteer. Mike details his progression from local chapter leadership in the United States to his current role leading the global ASIS Foundation.

• (0:02:43) – What is the ASIS Foundation?

Mike outlines the core mission of the Foundation as a charitable entity designed to support the 35,000 members of ASIS International. He explains how corporate sponsorships fund certification grants for those who are changing careers or navigating financial hardship.

• (0:05:09) – Academic Research and Defining "Security Culture"

A preview of the Foundation's upcoming PhD-level research paper focused on security culture. Mike describes the difference between an organisation's corporate culture and an industry identity, challenging technical engineers and guarding forces to see themselves truly as "security professionals" rather than just camera technicians or guards.

• (0:10:23) – Fair Access: Scholarships for Emerging Markets and Veterans

Mike details the formalised annual application process for grants. The Foundation targets specific funding toward law enforcement and military veterans transitioning into corporate security, alongside professionals operating within economically developing markets.

• (0:12:22) – The Summer Fitness Challenge: Global Camaraderie

A look at the annual June-to-August Fitness Challenge. Steve and Mike discuss the healthy (and highly competitive) rivalry between the UK, New York, and Mexico City chapters as they track steps and distance to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.

• (0:14:57) – Optimism Bias, Apathy, and Managing Executive Stress

Steve shares his research into workplace stress and executive apathy. Because security directors are explicitly paid to worry about worst-case scenarios, Mike explains how physical exercise acts as a crucial safety valve to alleviate the intense day-to-day pressure of risk accountability.

• (0:17:10) – The "Mothership" and Local Chapter Engagement

How the Foundation operates independently but remains aligned with the global ASIS board. Steve shares his 12 years of experience with the UK Chapter, emphasizing how continuous professional education (CPE) requirements ensure that professionals never stand still after gaining their qualifications.

• (0:21:36) – The Global "Black Book" of Connections

Steve and Mike celebrate the unique, tight-knit network of global securit