NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Amy Musanti had no idea where her career path would go when she started working as an administrative assistant for a search firm. Surely, she didn’t expect she’d be moving up the corporate ladder at one of the biggest companies in the security industry, but that’s exactly what happened.
Today, Musanti is director of sustainable building solutions and door security solutions ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. Here’s more about her career journey as part of our ongoing series celebrating International Women’s History month.
Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?
Amy Musanti: I started in this industry in 2007. I was working as an administrative assistant for an executive search agency that was on retainer with ASSA ABLOY. After three months at the search agency, my manager asked me if I’d be interested in a role at ASSA, Inc High Security Lock for order entry and customer service. I said, “No, thanks” as I was (at the time) a know-it-all 23-year-old who pictured my first “real’ job a little differently.
My degree was in communications and IT. I was eventually convinced to take the interview; I accepted the role and was humbled immediately by this industry. I have stayed with ASSA ABLOY since 2007 and held six other positions within the organization since then. Even after 18 years, this industry teaches me something new every day!
SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?
Musanti: Too many obstacles to count — the largest obstacle being me getting out of my own way! I cannot emphasize this enough: be aware of all the good you bring to the table and act accordingly. Being a lifelong learner and having a spirit of continuous improvement will get you over many hurdles, including your own self-doubt.
SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Musanti: I am grateful to have numerous mentors and sponsors in my career so far. Those individuals (they know who they are!) have demonstrated the utmost in leadership qualities: integrity, empathy, emotional intelligence, patience and grit.
There have been people who provided sage advice and others who were in the meetings when I wasn’t, making sure my voice was heard and my name was said. The examples set by my mentors and sponsors are the building blocks by which I’ve assembled my career.
SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Musanti: There are many. One comes to mind immediately though: I gave an extensive presentation to a group of colleagues at the culmination of a yearlong global management training program. To my surprise, our CEO at the time was in the audience. After the presentation, he messaged me to say that I did a fantastic job and explained how gratifying it was to see me grow so much over the past few years. I thanked him for the opportunities and he assured me that I’d earned them and encouraged me to keep thriving.
His feedback carried a lot of weight and I have always cherished how I felt that day: inspired, respected and successful. It’s such a good reminder to leave no positive word left unsaid. You never know the impact!
SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?
Musanti: I love the layers of our industry. We have so many opportunities to approach the protection of people and places. Everyone’s contribution looks a little bit different, but each is significant.
SSI: How can the security industry become even better?
Musanti: Our industry can improve by transcending social, historical and cultural limitations, perceived and/or actual. Purposeful education and advocacy around our industry, its contributions and the value of all involved will drive change and progress.
Especially for those of us who have long-standing careers in security, we must consider the stage we are setting for the future. As Eric Hoffer said, “In times of change, the learners will inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
Click here to read our entire Women in Security Q&A series!
