Markus Lai joins Steve in-studio in Lund, Sweden to explore the significance of education and professional development in the security technology industry. As the Regional Manager Engineering & Training - Northern Europe, Markus discusses various learning styles, the importance of certifications, and the role of employers in facilitating continuous learning. Steve and Markus also highlight the value of vendor training and the need for adaptable learning methods to meet individual needs. The discussion emphasizes that education is not just a personal benefit but also enhances the overall quality and competence within the industry.

About our guest:

Markus Lai has been a part of the Axis Northern Europe sales team since 2011. Acting as a part of a team of trusted advisors within the engineering team he has worked with partners and customers in various roles throughout his time at Axis. Today he is Regional Manager Engineering & Training Northern Europe. Previous to joining Axis, Markus worked with software and hardware development within segments such as CNI, Industry and Telecommunications.

Connect with Markus on LinkedIn

Chapters:

(03:00) - The Value of Education and Certifications

This chapter explores how education and certifications serve as key differentiators in career advancement and provide external validation and credibility.

(09:00) - Vendor-Led Training and Its Benefits

The discussion highlights the insights and innovations that vendor-led training can offer, emphasizing its role in continuous professional development.

(15:00) - Adapting Learning Methods

The conversation shifts to the need for adaptable learning methods that cater to individual needs and preferences, ensuring effective knowledge acquisition.

(21:00) - Industry Regulations and Continuous Learning

This section covers the impact of industry regulations on the necessity for ongoing education and how it ensures compliance and up-to-date knowledge.

Resources:

Learn more about Axis Communications Academy

Get info on AXIS Plugin for Autodesk® Revit® and Axis Site Designer - but also the AXIS Tool Set for Bluebeam® Revu®

Get more info on ASIS Education for Security Professionals, including PSP and CPP certifications

Learn more about BICSI

Read up on the Saudi Council of Engineers

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, commercial real estate and marketing expert Sienna Cacan delves into the transformative post-pandemic shifts in commercial real estate. She and Steve talk about how the growing demand for high-quality office spaces and advancements in PropTech are reshaping the industry. Sienna shares her expertise on the critical integration of technology and sustainability, highlighting the role of IoT and ESG compliance in creating smarter urban landscapes.

About our guest:

With 10+ years’ experience in marketing in both B2C and B2B, Sienna has been working with strategic global marketing and demand creation at Axis Communications for the last six years. She is responsible for the Technology & IT and Commercial Real Estate verticals and is focused on end customers and key partners when driving segment growth. 

Connect with Sienna on LinkedIn

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Commercial Real Estate Trends and Innovations

Explore the post-pandemic evolution of commercial real estate, highlighting the growing divide between Class A and lower-tier buildings and the importance of balancing physical office presence with flexible work arrangements.

(0:14:07) - Emerging Trends in PropTech Industry

Sienna educates Steve on the burgeoning PropTech sector, emphasizing advancements in AI, green building innovations, and the importance of breaking silos with open standards amidst evolving tenant expectations.

(0:21:53) - Maximizing Efficiency in Commercial Real Estate

Steve and Sienna focus on the critical integration of cybersecurity from the design phase in smart buildings to achieve cost savings and efficiency, underscoring the necessity of interoperability and standard compliance.

Resources:

Read more about WeWork office spaces worldwide

Get info on the European Council’s ESG Compliance Regulations

See information on Smart Spaces and PropTech innovation

Listen to the episodes Steve mentioned:

Episode with Dan Drogman from Smart Spaces

Episode with Mike Gillespie from Advent IM

Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how...

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, Steve is joined by Kieran Byrne, A&E Manager at Axis Communications, for a deep and practical conversation about sustainability, total cost of ownership, and the evolving legislative landscape shaping the security industry. Kieran and Steve discuss how sustainability has evolved beyond “green initiatives” into a broader commitment to ethics, human rights, and corporate responsibility — and how new European directives are making compliance a business-critical priority. Together, they unpack how smart building design, interoperability, and energy-conscious technology choices can help organizations meet their sustainability targets while reducing operational costs.

About Our Guest:

Kieran Byrne is a dedicated technologist specialising in IP-based solutions and innovations for security and video surveillance, focused on enhancing security and optimising business performance. Leading the Architecture & Engineering (A&E) Program for Axis Communications in the UK and Ireland, Kieran supports consultants and specifiers in developing world-leading security designs. He is also an active contributor to industry associations, including the UK and Ireland chapters of ASIS International.

Connect with Kieran on LinkedIn

Chapters

(0:00:00) – Introducing Sustainability in Security

Steve welcomes Kieran and sets the stage for a conversation on sustainability, total cost of ownership, and legislation driving change in the security and smart building sectors.

(0:05:00) – Beyond “Green”: What Sustainability Really Means

Kieran explains how sustainability extends beyond environmental issues to include ethics, human rights, and responsible sourcing — referencing key global examples like the Rana Plaza disaster.

(0:10:30) – Legislation, Compliance, and Accountability

The conversation dives into new regulatory frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), emphasizing how compliance now affects entire supply chains and organizational accountability.

(0:20:45) – Energy Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership

Using real-world examples, Kieran highlights how comparing device energy consumption can uncover massive long-term cost savings — supported by Axis’s new Total Cost of Ownership Calculator within Site Designer.

(0:38:00) – Education and Empowerment: Taking the Next Step

Kieran shares his reflections on personal learning, encouraging professionals to educate themselves on sustainability and take small, measurable actions that lead to meaningful industry change.

Resources

Learn more about the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D)

Explore the BREEAM Building Certification Framework

Try the Axis Total Cost of Ownership Calculator in Site Designer

Read about EcoVadis Sustainability Ratings

Hear interviews with other guests mentioned in this episode: