Overview
#037 — In this next episode, I was joined by Erin Grippo, Senior Manager of Product Operations at Brivo, who brings nearly a decade of experience in the security industry across marketing, business strategy, partnerships, and product operations.
Today’s conversation explored Erin’s career journey and how she navigated major transitions across roles, companies, and countries. We discussed her philosophy about career growth, overcoming early career challenges, and her advice for aspiring professionals. Erin also shared her perspective on leadership development, the value of networking, and why mentorship is important in our careers. I think you’ll find this to be an honest and inspiring discussion!
After graduating from DePauw University with a degree in Communication, Erin launched her career at Allegion in the U.S. and later relocated to Toronto to lead multifamily and PropTech initiatives for Allegion Canada. She continued to expand her expertise at Latch, managing partnerships and launching new products and programs before joining Brivo in 2023.
Erin is active in the security industry’s professional community, serving on the Security Industry Association’s RISE Steering Committee and previously on the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (F.A.S.T) board from 2020 to 2024. She was recently named one of the 2024 Women in Security Forum Power 100. Erin is passionate about mentoring early-career professionals and building stronger pathways for the next generation of security leaders—and it was a pleasure having her on the podcast.
Get involved with SIA young professional programs here:
(1) acceleRISE
(2) TIME mentorship program
Highlights from This Episode
- Nonlinear career paths are valuable. Erin highlights the importance of exploring different roles and departments, even without a predetermined destination.
- Early career “Swiss Army knives” often struggle with transitioning into focused leadership. Being the go-to person for everything early on can create challenges in delegating and specializing later.
- Marketing roles offer underrated technical exposure. Working in marketing forces you to deeply understand your company’s technology, competitors, and strategic positioning.
- Strategic collaboration between marketing, product, and operations drives better outcomes. Cross-functional communication enhances product launches and business impact.
- Toastmasters is transformative. Erin attributes much of her executive presence and communication growth to Toastmasters.
- Storytelling is central to security and leadership. Whether pitching products, mentoring, or selling ideas, effective storytelling creates connection and impact.
- Reception theory (from communications) enhances audience-centered messaging. Tailoring your communication to the recipient’s context is a strategic advantage in leadership and sales.
- Networking across generations strengthens the industry. She emphasizes the importance of young professionals learning from both retiring leaders and mid-career experts.
- Thought leadership can open unexpected doors. Publishing online content, even niche blogs, can lead to career-defining opportunities.
- Community creates retention. Erin credits the relationships she’s built through SIA RISE and other networks as a key reason for staying in the security industry.
Memorable Quotes:
- “You can’t tell a good story unless you’re interacting with a lot of different perspectives…Some of the strongest storytellers in our industry are those who’ve built relationships across generations.”
- “Feeling like you’re part of a community of professionals is one of the strongest motivators for staying in the industry.”
- “If you have the chance to jump into a role where you wear many hats, go for it. It’s like living in an MBA program.”
- “Improv teaches empathy—and empathy is at the heart of effective communication.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- 📚 Books:
- Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
- If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda
- 🌐 Websites / Organizations:
- Security Industry Association (SIA)
- SIA RISE – SIA’s young professionals group
- Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST)
- LinkedIn – Frequently referenced for networking and thought leadership
- 👩🏫 Training Programs / Courses:
- Toastmasters International – Cited for public speaking and business communication
- TIME Mentorship Program (Talent, Inclusion, Mentorship, and Education) – Run by SIA RISE
- Accelerize Conference – SIA’s young professional-focused industry conference (August 4–6, 2025 in Boston)
Use CONTROL + F to search the transcript below if you want to learn more!
Related Episodes
- Intro / About the Show
- Creating Your Own Path in National Security
- Big Ideas in Corporate Security
- How to Be a Remarkable Student of Security
- Texas Night & Career Principles
- Security Leadership: Integrity & Serving
- Shaping Your Role in Security
- Storytelling & Presence for Security Leaders
- Mastering Security Excellence