Certification Profile: Neo Seate, CPP, PCI, PSP 

Neo Seate, CPP, PCI, PSP, was born into a culture where security was associated with men. Despite this, she aspired to break that barrier and prove that women are as capable as men in the security space. 

Seate studied accounting and business studies at the University of Botswana before entering the security industry as an assistant security officer for Debswana Diamond Company. Seate takes pride in being one of few women in Botswana who were able to work in the security industry after graduation despite not having a law enforcement background. 

Seate continued to climb the ladder within the Debswana Diamond Company and eventually made her way to being a senior risk officer within the intelligence and investigations department. Even with her success, Seate wanted to continue to develop professionally and was seeking more opportunities to improve her craft. 

After joining the intelligence and investigations wing, Seate was looking to become more well-versed in security-based investigations and elected to pursue the Professional Certified Investigator (PCIⓇ) certification. In November 2021, Seate achieved the certification. 

“Immediately I got instant recognition from my colleagues, clients, and my employer,” Seate says. “With the newly acquired certification I found it easier to do my job.” 

After seeing the value of her PCI certification, Seate decided to pursue both the Certified Protection Professional (CPPⓇ) and the Physical Security Professional (PSPⓇ) certifications. In June 2023 she achieved the CPP certification, and three months later, she earned the PSP certification. These achievements made Seate the first woman to achieve the ASIS Triple Crown in not only Botswana, but also in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

“Certifications offered by ASIS are well recognized and demonstrate unwavering commitment to excellence, not only based on theory but also application,” Seate says. “They examine knowledge, understanding, and practice, thus producing complete security professionals. These certifications have elevated my career to greater heights.” 

Seate now works as a security advisor in the intelligence and investigations department of the Debswana Diamond Company, where she oversees and analyzes potential threats and provides advice and assurances using intelligence and investigations. 

Certifications offered by ASIS are well recognized and demonstrate unwavering commitment to excellence, not only based on theory but also application.

Seate is also an involved ASIS member, volunteering as a Connects ambassador. One of the things Seate appreciates about this role is how it links her with ASIS members across the globe and allows her to share with them a tool that can help keep them involved with the community. 

“I'm always thrilled to be able to assist anyone to realize the value of the ASIS Connects platform,” Seate says. 

Seate highlights the importance of continuing professional development in any field, but especially in an industry as fast changing as security. In this respect, Seate emphasizes the value of certifications in keeping one informed of the latest developments in the security sphere. 

“Certification is a true testament to competence and commitment to lifelong learning, as I have to be abreast of how the security industry evolves,” Seate says. “This has helped me maintain occupational relevance by continuous cultivation of knowledge, skills, and competencies.” 

Emily Callahan is a communications specialist for ASIS International. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.