The Access Control Executive Brief

Access the Future w/ Acre Security: The Talent Landscape

🎙 Episode 3 – The Talent LandscapeA new episode from acre security and The Access Control Executive Brief.
In this conversation, we’re joined by Steve Shine, Chairman of the Board at ACRE and former CEO of Qognify, for a deep dive into how organizations can win (and keep) top talent in today’s competitive market.
Steve shares key lessons from leading global teams and makes a compelling case for clarity of purpose in recruiting and retention. As he puts it:
“If you can’t clearly articulate your company’s purpose in under three minutes, you’re already behind.”
We explore how great talent decisions start with great storytelling—and why today’s candidates are looking for more than just a job. They want meaning, mission, and momentum.
Subscribe to Access the Future for more conversations at the intersection of security tech, business strategy, and leadership.

West to East: Episode 1 featuring Don Erickson

West to East is a monthly podcast from the Access Control Executive Brief, RX, and the Security Industry Association (SIA). Designed to connect the innovations and energy of ISC West with ISC East, this series features in-depth conversations with industry leaders shaping the future of security. Each episode offers actionable insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and thought leadership on trends, technology, and initiatives that are defining the direction of the security industry today.
In our debut episode of West to East, Lee Odess sits down with Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association (SIA), to explore the evolving role of education within the security sector and how SIA is driving progress through its partnership with ISC events. Don shares his personal leadership journey, SIA’s mission, and why professional development at trade shows like ISC West and East is more vital than ever. With behind-the-scenes insight into how conference programs are curated, tips for getting involved, and discussion around future certifications and consultant training, this episode sets the tone for a series focused on innovation, relevance, and community in the security industry.

Access the Future: Episode 2

Access the Future: Episode 2 – 𝖢𝖴𝖲𝖳𝖮𝖬𝖤𝖱 𝖣𝖤𝖬𝖠𝖭𝖣𝖲 𝖠𝖭𝖣 𝖤𝖷𝖯𝖤𝖢𝖳𝖠𝖳𝖨𝖮𝖭 𝖲𝖧𝖨𝖥𝖳𝖲
In this episode of Access the Future, presented by Acre Security and The Access Control Executive Brief, Lee Odess talks with Justin Wilmas, EVP of Sales at Acre, about how customer expectations in the security industry have evolved—and what that means for how we build, sell, and support access control solutions.
Topics covered include:
The shift from selling features to delivering outcomes
Why interoperability and ecosystem thinking are now essential
How AI, mobile, and cloud are shaping demand
Vertical-specific challenges across enterprise, healthcare, and education
The growing need for agile deployment, flexible architecture, and deeper integrations
What today’s go-to-market and product strategies must look like
“Gone are the days of selling features and products. If it doesn't fit into the ecosystem and add benefit... it's not gonna work.” — Justin Wilmas
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of access and security.

From West to East: Bridging the Trends and Thought Leadership From ISC West to ISC East

West to East PodcastBrought to you by the Access Control Executive Brief and ISC Security Events.
Your go-to podcast bridging ISC West and ISC East — and everything in between. Hosted by Lee Odess, we dive into the trends, tech, and people shaping the future of access control and security.
🎙️ First episode drops May, featuring SIA CEO Don Erickson.
Subscribe to stay in the loop year-round.

The Future of Flexibility Episode 2: 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗦𝗖 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁

Recorded live at ISC West 2025, this episode dives into the real forces shaping the future of access control. Lee Odess sits down with Manish Dalal (President, ZKTeco USA), Sal (OSDP specialist), and Esteban (Product specialist, ZKTeco USA) to explore how the industry is adapting to new standards, new expectations, and new realities.
What we cover:
Why OSDP is no longer optional—and what it takes to do it right
The mobile credential evolution: from Bluetooth to wallet-based access
Multi-tech readers, biometrics, and designing for flexibility at the edge
This isn’t just about products—it’s about the mindsets and strategies behind modern access control. If you’re in this space, you need to hear this.
Part 2 of a 3-part series from the show floor at ISC West.

Access the Future: Episode 1

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Access the Future—a new monthly podcast series brought to you by the Access Control Executive Brief and Acre Security. Hosted by Lee Odess, this series is your front-row seat to the trends, debates, and innovations reshaping the security technology landscape.
In this premiere episode, Lee is joined by Kumar Sokka, President of Intrusion and ComNet at Acre Security, to explore what security looks like in 2025 and beyond. Together, they unpack how traditional access control is evolving into a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem—one that's increasingly cloud-connected, AI-augmented, and customer-centric.
From redefining the role of mobile and user experience to bridging legacy systems with platform-driven innovation, this conversation dives deep into the transformative shifts affecting every corner of the industry. Lee and Kumar also make the case for a new shared vision—one that embraces convergence, talent reinvention, and proactive engagement with emerging technologies.
Whether you're a security professional, integrator, technology partner, or business leader, Access the Future is your guide to navigating change—and leading it.
🔊 Listen now and be part of the movement to shape what’s next in security.

Access Control Executive Brief #95: 2 Continents, 2 Weeks, 2 Major Security Showcases: A Rare Industry Alignment

In this free preview of Access Control Executive Brief 95, Lee Odess analyzes the unprecedented "security show lunar eclipse" as ISC West in Las Vegas and The Security Event in Birmingham converge within a two-week window. He breaks down key trends shaping the global security landscape in 2025:
Geopolitical juxtapositions between US and European markets
Economic concerns and their impact on innovation and M&A activity
The surge of investors walking the show floors
Industry talent migration and leadership changes
Platform strategies revolutionizing the industry
AI implementation - both marketed and behind-the-scenes
The convergence of access control and video technologies
LinkedIn's growing influence on industry relationships
He'll share predictions for both shows and follow up with analysis of what actually happened. Join Lee for insights beyond the obvious as we explore how these parallel events reveal the evolving security industry worldwide.
 
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Beyond Barriers: Security as a Catalyst to Do More: Intro

Join Lee Odess in this groundbreaking three-part series exploring how modern security systems can transform from mere protection to strategic enablers for your organization. Discover how leading companies are leveraging their security infrastructure to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
In this introduction, Lee outlines how security has evolved beyond traditional barriers to become a platform for possibility - to do more. Learn how organizations across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—are using their security systems to optimize operations, enhance experiences, and create new value - and do more.
This series, a collaboration between Gallagher Security and the Access Control Executive Brief, will explore:
What's Possible: Reimagining security's potential
Becoming Capable: Building foundations for transformation
Transcending Boundaries: Security as a strategic enabler
Subscribe to catch all episodes and join us in discovering how security can DO MORE for your organization!

The Future of Flexibility Episode 1: How Access Control Technology is Reshaping Security | Ft. ZKTeco USA President

Join Lee Odess, CEO of The Access Control Executive Brief, for the premiere episode of "The Future of Flexibility" podcast series in partnership and underwritten by ZKTeco USA. In this groundbreaking conversation, Lee and Manish Dalal (President and Founder of ZKTeco USA) explore the critical crossroads facing the access control industry today.As traditional security expectations collide with technological innovation, we examine the evolving landscape of integration, choice, and trust in access control solutions. What does flexibility mean for tomorrow's security professionals? How can we preserve user choice while embracing new capabilities?This three-month series isn't just another technical discussion—it's an essential conversation about where our industry stands and where it's heading. Whether you're a manufacturer, integrator, or end user, these insights will help you navigate the complex decisions shaping security's future.
Topics covered:
The current state of access control technology
Emerging trends and future possibilities
Balancing innovation with user comfort and trust
The importance of flexibility in modern security system
Subscribe for new episodes as we continue to explore "The Future of Flexibility" in access control!

Access Control Executive Brief #94: Turning the Kaleidoscope: Reimagining Physical Security in the Digital Age

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 94, Lee Odess explores how the physical security industry stands at a critical inflection point. Explore how digital transformation has completely changed the lens through which we must view security challenges.
Just like a kaleidoscope creates entirely new patterns with the slightest rotation, our industry is experiencing a fundamental shift. We're moving from traditional access control focused solely on keeping bad people out, to a "Utility+" model that also drives operational efficiency and revenue generation.
Key topics covered:
Why separating cybersecurity and physical security no longer makes sense
How access control is evolving from a $10B to a $100B market opportunity
The era of "Utility+" - when security transforms from cost center to strategic business enabler
Why industry-wide collaboration and open standards are essential
How we can collectively shape this new paradigm together
Join the conversation at ISC West, The Security Event, ACS25 and beyond! This isn't my story — it's OUR story. Will you help create it?
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief