Brent O'Bryan: Transforming Security Through Learning and Development
A Career Built on Human Capital
With over two decades of experience at Allied Universal, where he has spent 26 years, O'Bryan has been instrumental in transforming how the security industry approaches talent development. His credentials are impressive: he holds both SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional) certifications, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Calvin College and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from West Chester University.
But it's his practical expertise that sets him apart. As a certified DISC coach, Emotional Intelligence ESCI 360 Coach, Situational Leadership instructor, and Consultative Selling Skills trainer, O'Bryan brings a multifaceted approach to developing security professionals at every level of the organization.
Revolutionizing Security Training
Under O'Bryan's leadership, Allied Universal has received significant recognition for its innovative approach to learning and development. The company was awarded the prestigious Brandon Hall Gold Award for Best Launch of a Corporate Learning University and was selected as a Learning! 100 Award Winner by eLearning! Magazine. These accolades reflect O'Bryan's commitment to creating collaborative, innovative learning programs that directly impact employee success and client service quality.
O'Bryan champions a blended learning approach that combines traditional instruction with modern digital platforms. This strategy has produced measurable results: improved employee retention, enhanced operational efficiency, and significant cost savings. His work demonstrates that investing in comprehensive training isn't just good for employees, it's essential for business success.
A Vision for the Industry
O'Bryan is vocal about the importance of attracting top talent to the security sector. He emphasizes that people want to join growth-oriented industries that offer continual training and advancement opportunities. His philosophy extends beyond basic compliance training; he advocates for specialized development paths that allow security professionals to become experts in their chosen areas.
At industry conferences like the Global Security Exchange (GSX), O'Bryan regularly presents on topics ranging from emotional intelligence in security operations to creating cultures of openness in the workplace. His message is consistent: exceptional security services are built on well-trained, well-supported professionals who understand that their role extends far beyond physical presence.
Culture and Leadership
A recurring theme in O'Bryan's work is the intersection of culture and performance. He believes that companies with cultures of openness, where feedback flows freely at all levels, create environments where both individuals and organizations thrive. He advocates for zero-tolerance policies on inappropriate behavior while simultaneously fostering healthy workplace practices that encourage growth and development.
His approach to leadership development incorporates coaching skills, change management, and emotional intelligence, recognizing that today's security leaders must be more than just tacticians. They must be strategic thinkers who can adapt to evolving threats while building cohesive, high-performing teams.
Impact and Legacy
As Allied Universal has grown into a global security and facility services company with more than 800,000 employees and revenues exceeding $18 billion, O'Bryan's influence on the organization's training infrastructure has been profound. The programs he has developed and implemented don't just prepare security professionals for today's challenges, they position them to lead the industry into the future.
In an era where security threats are increasingly complex and technology-driven, O'Bryan's human-centered approach reminds us that the most sophisticated systems are only as effective as the people operating them. Through his dedication to learning, development, and organizational effectiveness, he has helped redefine what it means to be a security professional in the 21st century.