Tia Eskandari, Sr. Director, National Field Service, Allied Universal

For this edition of SECURE Perspectives, the Security Industry Association (SIA) spoke with Tia Eskandari, senior director of national field service for Allied Universal Technology Services and vice chairperson of the SIA Women in Security Forum.

Security Industry Association: How did you get into the security industry?

Tia Eskandari: I joined G4S Security Integration in 2018 through the referral of a friend and former colleague. Allied Universal later acquired G4S.

SIA: How does your organization serve the security industry?

Eskandari: Allied Universal is a leading security and facility services company. It provides security services and cutting-edge innovative technology, delivering evolving, tailored solutions so clients can focus on their core business. In 2024 and 2025, Allied Universal was named as one among Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women.”

SIA: What types of job functions do women fill in your company? Is there diversity of roles in your company, or do women gravitate toward certain job functions?

Eskandari: Women at Allied Universal hold a wide range of roles across all levels of the organization, from front-line security professionals to senior leadership positions. The roles within the organization are highly diverse. Given the size of our organization, there are opportunities at every level (front line, mid-level management and senior/executive roles, such as the role I am in today).

SIA: With more and more data that shows diversity makes a better workforce, what opportunities do you see for women in the security industry?

Eskandari: There are many opportunities for women to be successful and advance within our industry. The roles are as diverse as the women currently leading the charge. Cybersecurity, integration, managed services and protective services are just a few that come to mind.

SIA: What impediments do you see for achieving this? What could remedy some of these impediments?

Eskandari: Organizations must acknowledge the unique challenges faced by women in our industry. It’s critical to have inclusive leadership training to provide support and equity for women who desire to advance in the security field.

SIA: What do you see as essential trends in the industry?

Eskandari: Citing the 2025 Security Megatrends report’s focus on the “Evolution of the Channel,” our biggest challenges will be hiring, training and keeping pace with advancements. We need to shift beyond the one-time service revenue streams and work towards building models that will allow for strong customer engagement and more innovative services.

 

SIA: More specifically, what trends are you seeing in your organization’s space of security technology services?

Eskandari: In our industry, a change management mindset will serve you best. The security industry is always evolving, so we are constantly pushing ourselves to match the demands of our customers. I lead teams supporting our service operations, so we continually push ourselves to make changes that will enhance the customer experience.

 

SIA: What are the top challenges your company has faced in the last year?

Eskandari: One of the biggest challenges for many integrators has been hiring technicians and the growing need for structured apprenticeship programs. We’ve made significant progress by offering clear career paths and ongoing development discussions, which have helped reduce turnover. Building a program that provides strong support, competitive compensation, recognition, training and opportunities for career growth has been key to that progress.

 

SIA: What are the most significant opportunities your company and the security industry are seeing?

Eskandari: Hiring and retaining talent. Companies that offer well-defined career paths and robust training programs demonstrate a long-term commitment to their employees. At Allied Universal Technology Services, this is a core part of our strategy to attract and retain the best talent in our industry.

 

SIA: What do you hope the SIA Women in Security Forum can achieve for the security industry?

Eskandari: As vice chair of the SIA Women in Security Forum, I aim to help bring our voices and perspectives into every space available. We can build on this platform’s success and leave it better for those who come after us. Everyone should know who we are and what we stand for here at WISF.

 

SIA: What is your best advice for women in the security industry?

Eskandari: Stay curious! Some of the best advice I received early in my career was that the best leaders are curious. Ask questions — and don’t be afraid to speak up and be seen. Knowing your value and what you bring to the table is essential.

 

SIA: Who or what was the strongest influence in your career?

Eskandari: I have been lucky to meet and work with many amazing people. It would be hard to choose one. However, early in my managerial career, I had a mentor who inspired me in the way that I lead my teams today. He was a champion of developing and supporting women before it became trendy. He was my biggest supporter. The best lesson I learned from him was to be an advocate and always look for opportunities to pull others forward.

 

SIA: How do you define success?

Eskandari: I define success by the engagement, collaboration and commitment level within my teams. I believe it is essential to take care of the people who care for the business. The most successful teams I’ve been part of are those with a strong sense of belonging and shared commitment to a common goal.

 

SIA: What would you say to new upcoming women in the security industry?

Eskandari: Don’t be afraid to network! Building relationships is key. Allyship is crucial in our industry — when we take intentional steps to include and amplify the voices around us, there’s no limit to what we can achieve as women in security.

SECURE Perspectives is a column by the Security Industry Association (SIA), profiling women in the security industry. This column is part of SIA’s Women in Security Forum (WISF), a community created to support the participation and advancement of women in the security industry, which fosters growth and advancement through programs, professional development and networking opportunities.

The post Tia Eskandari, Sr. Director, National Field Service, Allied Universal appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.



from Security Sales & Integration https://www.securitysales.com/insights/tia-eskandari-allied-universal-security-industry/613551/
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