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In Conversation with Kathy Lavinder

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode, Yolanda “YoYo” Hamblen sits down with Kathy Lavinder, one of the most respected and experienced global recruiters in the physical security sector. With 25 years at the helm of her specialist search firm, Kathy brings clarity, honesty, and deep industry insight into the evolving world of security hiring.

Kathy reflects on the major shifts she’s seen across the industry: the diversification of candidate backgrounds, the rise of more inclusive leadership, and the growing integration of risk disciplines as organisations face more complex, asymmetrical threats. From anti-billionaire sentiment to geopolitical instability, she explains how modern security leaders must operate with eyes wide open to the world outside their door.

Together, Kathy and YoYo unpack the challenges candidates face — from the stigma around mental health disclosures to the discouraging reality of rejection and inconsistent interview processes. Kathy offers grounded advice on culture fit, navigating bias, and why structured interviewing is essential for fairness.

She shares frank guidance on using AI for CVs, preparing for interviews, researching companies properly, and why resilience is an overlooked but vital attribute for anyone on the job market. Kathy also breaks down the myth of “identical candidates,” explains why job descriptions can be problematic, and reminds applicants that interview success depends on aligning their message with what the organisation actually needs.

From the recruiter’s side, Kathy is refreshingly open about the importance of being an honest broker — transparent with candidates, loyal to clients, and committed to integrity over shortcuts. She also offers straight-talking perspective on US hiring realities, including current visa limitations.

This is a must-listen for anyone hiring, interviewing, or navigating their next career step in the security profession. Kathy’s wisdom lands with practicality, humanity, and clarity — a standout conversation on the realities of recruitment in our industry today.

BIO

Kathy Lavinder is the Founder and Executive Director of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, LLC., (SI Placement) a retained executive search firm. She has 25 years of experience identifying and placing high level security management, investigators, intelligence specialists, and related personnel. Lavinder’s clients have included multinational corporations, financial institutions, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, professional service firms, and the family offices of high-net-worth individuals, as well as NGOs and non-profits in the U.S. and internationally.

Lavinder began recruiting in January 2000 after working in corporate investigations and journalism. In a career that has bridged these worlds, Lavinder has developed unique insights and extensive contacts. Lavinder is frequently quoted in national publications on security and talent acquisition topics.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-lavinder/

Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers