Gideon Soyemi’s journey highlights how unexpected career shifts can lead to fulfilling and enriching paths.
In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, non-traditional careers are garnering increasing attention and respect. Individuals like Gideon Soyemi exemplify the potential for success in these unconventional paths, serving as a powerful testament to the fact that leadership can thrive in any field. For aspiring leaders looking to carve their own paths outside traditional corporate structures, Soyemi’s journey offers valuable insights and inspiration.
By leveraging educational opportunities, networking and mentorship, he has cultivated a successful career in corporate security management within the energy industry.
His story serves as an inspiration to others considering similar transitions, emphasising the importance of staying informed and engaged with industry developments.
Soyemi earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Ibadan before entering the workforce in Corporate HR with ExxonMobil. Later that year, an opening became available in the Security department. Soyemi decided to apply and was hired as a security coordinator.
In a certification profile article published by Security Management Magazine, Soyemi noted that: “I loved the challenges and opportunities that came with working with the Security team. It has been a dynamic field that constantly kept me engaged and motivated.”
In addition to his love for the work itself, Soyemi worked alongside colleagues who were passionate about the industry and who were able to provide guidance and mentorship that allowed Soyemi to build a foundation for his career. Their support and his ever-increasing interest in the field motivated him to pursue a career in Security Management wholeheartedly.
Soyemi quickly became acquainted with American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International when looking for more resources to build on the foundation provided by his Security colleagues. He became a member of ASIS International in 2011 and attended the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits (now Global Security Exchange or GSX) in 2012.
“Attending the 2012 ASIS conference in Philadelphia was a game-changer for me. It exposed me to our profession’s latest trends and invaluable information,” Soyemi says. “I still interact with connections I made at that first conference, which have been instrumental in my career.”
Since attending that first conference, Soyemi has become even more involved with ASIS, taking various courses and attending webinars. Soyemi says taking advantage of all the educational resources available has kept him on top of industry changes and best practices, allowing him to continue to develop professionally.
Recently, Soyemi, decided to up his game even further by earning certifications. In 2022, Soyemi earned the Certified Protection Professional (CPP®️) certification, and earlier this year he earned the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI®️) certification. Soyemi sought these certifications with the goal of enhancing his professional knowledge and industry skills, as well as to demonstrate his competency and credibility with an industry benchmark.
“Becoming ASIS board-certified significantly boosted my confidence and equipped me with the tools to handle advanced security challenges effectively,” Soyemi says. “It also opened up new career opportunities by making me a more competitive candidate for higher roles. Employers value certified professionals, so this credential made a tangible difference in my career advancement and professional recognition.”
In addition to his two current certifications, Soyemi plans to earn the Physical Security Professional (PSP®️) certification in the next year, which would make him an ASIS Triple Crown.
In addition to the education and certification opportunities, Soyemi also highlights the community aspect of ASIS membership. Through his membership, Soyemi has been able to network with ASIS members across the globe. These relationships have allowed him to exchange insights, receive mentorship, forge lasting connections, and be a source of support and advice for over a decade.
“Being part of ASIS has instilled a sense of belonging to a global community dedicated to the advancement of security professionals,” Soyemi says. “The shared experiences and collective wisdom of the members have been deeply motivating and encouraging.”
Today, Soyemi serves as a mentor in the ASIS Security Leaders Mentoring Program and was the secretary of the Mentors Volunteer Community in his local chapter in Lagos, Nigeria. In his professional capacity, Soyemi works as a security operations manager for ExxonMobil’s Nigeria operations. He manages a robust security framework that includes more than 600 staff, third-party contractors, and host government security forces.
“Belonging to ASIS International has greatly impacted my career by offering unparalleled professional development and a global network of security experts,” Soyemi says.
“Access to cutting-edge resources, including industry standards and certifications, has boosted my expertise and credibility. Connecting with peers worldwide has broadened my perspective and opened new doors.”
and then