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In high-stakes industries like security, leading effectively often hinges on a leader's willingness to take calculated risks. For Ken Senser, Chief Strategy Officer at Corporate Security Advisors (CSA), risk-taking has been a defining factor in his decades-long career. From managing crises for government agencies to shaping corporate security strategies, Ken has consistently embraced challenges that demanded agility, resilience, and bold decision-making.

The Growth That Comes from Risk

Reflecting on his career, Ken highlighted pivotal moments when he was thrust into crises that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Early in his government career, he was unexpectedly assigned to lead a program responding to a high-profile attack near CIA headquarters. “I didn’t even know how to think about it at the time,” he admits, recounting the task of building a team, presenting plans to senior leaders and even Congress.

While the situation was daunting, it proved transformative. “Some of the most profound growth opportunities I’ve had have come from these ‘crucible moments,’” Ken says. “You learn to navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and emerge stronger in your profession and as a leader.”

These experiences underscore a critical truth: growth and innovation only happen with risk. Leaders who shy away from challenges may avoid failure, but they also miss opportunities for improvement—both for themselves and their organizations.

Risk-Taking in a VUCA World

In today’s fast-moving, unpredictable world, security leaders face what Ken describes as a "VUCA environment"—one defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Thriving in such conditions requires the courage to take risks and the agility to adapt when circumstances shift.

“Agility is about understanding the risk landscape quickly and determining how to protect what’s most critical,” Ken explains. “You can’t always afford to protect everything, so you need to be strategic and decisive about where to focus your resources.”

For leaders, this often means making tough calls with incomplete information. It’s not about being reckless but about taking informed risks based on clearly understanding the potential benefits and trade-offs.

Preparedness is key in these types of situations. The specific expertise needed to respond to an incident includes advanced scenario planning and exercise, intelligence collection, and risk assessment. However, understanding and developing a mindset that encompasses organizational values is also crucial. This mindset allows you to act quickly and decisively.

Empowering Teams Through Trust

Risk-taking isn’t just about individual decisions; it’s also about empowering others. Ken recalls his early days as a leader, admitting that his perfectionism often led to micromanagement. Over time, he learned the value of trusting his team and giving them the autonomy to make decisions.

“As a leader, you need to put good people in place and trust them to do the work,” Ken says. “When you build that trust, you’re not just enabling their success—you’re also freeing yourself to focus on the bigger picture.”

This approach builds stronger teams and fosters a culture of agility. Employees who feel trusted and empowered are more likely to take initiative, adapt to challenges, and contribute innovative solutions.

Balancing Risk and Agility in Security

In the security field, where the stakes are often extraordinarily high, risk-taking and agility go hand in hand. Ken points to CSA’s work with clients as a prime example of this dynamic. “We often work with organizations that are navigating uncharted territory,” he says. “Our role is to help them think differently about their challenges, anticipate future risks, and create strategies that are both robust and flexible.”

This balance between risk and agility is critical for addressing emerging unpredictable and multifaceted threats. Leaders who can navigate these complexities are not only protecting their organizations but are also driving meaningful change. For example, Ken provided one of CSA’s healthcare clients as an example. “They engaged us to develop a multi-year security strategy and business plan. Within the first week of our engagement, a woman armed with a handgun walked into an emergency department, brandished a firearm, and began threatening staff. Thankfully, nobody was hurt. However, we recognized that in addition to the strategic deliverables CSA was developing, the client needed an immediate solution to alleviate staff safety concerns.“ Working closely with hospital leadership, CSA developed, piloted, and assisted in implementing a risk-based weapons screening program at select emergency department entrances.

Lessons for Aspiring Leaders

Ken’s career offers valuable insights for both emerging and seasoned security professionals. For those just starting, his advice is to embrace opportunities that stretch their capabilities, even if they feel unprepared. “You’re never going to feel completely ready,” he says. The key is to take the leap and learn as you go.”

For experienced leaders, Ken emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and open to new challenges. “It’s easy to get stuck in what’s worked in the past, but that can limit your growth,” he cautions. “True leadership is about constantly evolving—both personally and professionally.”

Final Thoughts: The Power of Shared Success

Ken believes that the most effective leaders share their successes and take responsibility for their failures. “You’re never successful alone,” he says. “Your team, your mentors, and your network all play a role. The best leaders recognize this and create environments where everyone can thrive.”

As security threats grow more complex and interconnected, the need for agile leaders willing to take calculated risks has never been greater. By embracing challenges, trusting their teams, and remaining adaptable, today’s leaders can build a legacy of resilience and innovation that helps to prepare their organizations for whatever comes next.

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Ken Senser, Chief Strategy Officer and Partner at Corporate Security Advisors, brings over four decades of unparalleled expertise in global security, risk management, and crisis response. With a career spanning senior roles at Walmart, the CIA, and the FBI, Ken has led transformative initiatives, including building the FBI's first dedicated Security Division and managing global security programs for one of the world’s largest retailers. A recognized leader in his field, Ken is dedicated to advancing security strategies that align with business goals and deliver lasting value.

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