Getting to Know Lisa Oliveri, CPP

Lisa Oliveri, CPP, is director of global safety and security for the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization focused on improving education, promoting health, and expanding economic opportunity. Oliveri, Vice Chair of the ASIS International CSO Center, shares career advice and inspiration.

Q. What does ASIS mean to you?
A. The first words that come to mind are community, education, and leadership. I am continuously learning and thinking about security and the future of the industry in different ways, thanks to the expertise and innovation within the ASIS community.

Q. What is the best advice you’ve gotten regarding your career?
A. Volunteer for opportunities that will help you develop professionally, be authentic while expanding your network, and don’t undervalue yourself or your experience.

Q. Tell us about a mentor who inspired you.
A. I connected with Angela Scalpello, a C-suite advisor and executive coach, at the CSO Summit in 2018. I was immediately drawn to Angela’s approach to strategic thinking, storytelling of lessons learned, and creation of a safe space for people to be honest about their skill gaps and their potential to drive change and transformation.

Q. What book has inspired you?
A. I recently read Simon Sinek’s Leaders Eat Last. His perspective on successful leadership and the impact of creating an environment where people feel like they and their work matter is inspirational and applicable to any sector.

Q. If you could go back in time and give yourself some advice, what would it be?
A. Become proficient in as many languages as you can and try not to agonize over how to articulate something perfectly if it means you’ll lose an opportunity to share your perspective and ideas.