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:

Peter Dempsey, a seasoned expert in the security industry with over 30 years of experience, joins Security Tech Talk to discuss the rapid evolution of the data centre market, driven largely by advancements in AI and the increasing demand for digital infrastructure. Peter and Steve’s conversation covers the challenges of power supply, the importance of data sovereignty, and the shift towards second-tier countries for data centre investments. They also delve into the security challenges faced by data centres and the innovative technologies being implemented to address these issues.

About our guest:

Peter Dempsey has spent 25+ years in the security sector undertaking various roles of being responsibility for key elements of mission critical projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last, three years Peter has focused his attentions on how security technologies best support a business’s security strategy, whilst driving the adoption and elevating the importance of cybersecurity and emerging technologies for physical security practitioners in the Data Centers. Peter’s passion for the industry can be traced back to the huge success in Ireland with Hyper Scale and Multi-Tenant Data Centre (MTDC) deployments over the last number of years.

Connect with Peter on LinkedIn

Chapters:

0:00 - The Digital Gold Rush: Transforming Data Centers

Steve and Peter talk about the exponential growth of data centers fueled by AI advancements, highlighting the shift from traditional data centers to high-demand "AI factories" and the substantial investments reshaping the digital infrastructure landscape.

12:35 - AI's Architectural Mastery and Market Expansion

Focusing on AI's groundbreaking capabilities in designing complex structures, this chapter examines the rapid technological advancements and emerging opportunities in the EMEA market, with a spotlight on countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia as burgeoning digital hubs.

25:20 - Revolutionizing Data Center Security and Compliance

Steve and Peter explore the evolving landscape of data center security, detailing the stringent compliance measures and due diligence undertaken by hyperscale companies to ensure robust protection and operational maturity amidst new regulatory challenges.

38:45 - Navigating the Power Challenge: Infrastructure and Innovation

Addressing the critical issue of power consumption in data centers, this chapter discusses the innovative solutions and strategic decisions being made to accommodate increasing demands, including the importance of power availability and cost in selecting new data center locations.

52:10 - Harnessing Smart Technologies for Enhanced Efficiency

Highlighting the integration of advanced smart sensors and IoT devices, this chapter illustrates how data centers are leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, monitor environmental factors, and optimize power usage for sustainable growth.

Resources:

Read the European Commission’s NIS2 Directive and the

Steve and Axis’ David Needham delve into the evolution of security technology and discuss Axis' innovative “Power of One” campaign is reshaping the landscape with seamless tech integration and hybrid security solutions. We'll explore the growing demand for holistic security approaches, the benefits of cloud solutions, and the integration of hybrid systems that enhance cybersecurity and operational efficiency. David shares his unique perspective on the transformative potential of IP video technology, the ethical use of AI, and the expansive applications of modern surveillance systems. From business intelligence to body-worn cameras, learn how these advancements are revolutionizing security and enhancing worker safety. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed about the dynamic future of security technology.

About our guest:

David Needham is Axis Communications' UK & Ireland Sales manager. With over a decade of experience, he has significantly influenced Axis' strategy, especially through the Power of One campaign. His engineering and sales background gives him a unique view on integrating new technologies into solutions. David promotes the integration of hybrid and cloud solutions, balancing open ecosystems with comprehensive portfolios. He highlights the benefits of ethical AI and IP video technology for security and operational efficiency.

Connect with David on LinkedIn

Chapters:

Introduction and Power of One (0:00:06)

David Needham discusses Axis Communications' Power of One campaign, highlighting its impact on end-to-end portfolio integration and open ecosystems in the security industry.

Hybrid and Cloud Security Solutions (0:09:56)

A dive into the sophistication of hybrid systems, emphasizing their role in enhancing cybersecurity through cloud-managed services and the integration of diverse technologies.

Advanced Surveillance and Business Intelligence (0:14:48)

Exploring the potential of modern surveillance technology in improving operational efficiency and business intelligence through features like free-text search and body-worn cameras.

EN54 Compliance and Open Standards (0:23:28)

A discussion on the relevance of EN54 compliance in audio systems and the importance of open standards and interoperability for flexible, end-to-end security solutions.

Closing Remarks (0:35:24)

The episode concludes with reflections on the engaging conversation and an invitation for listeners to explore more episodes to stay informed about security technology innovations.

Resources:

Learn more about EN54 Compliance

Learn more about Axis End to End Solutions

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

In this episode, Leigh Harper (Associate Director for Security at Cundall), explores the link between security and sustainability in urban development. With experience across various regions, she stresses the need to integrate security measures early in master planning. Leigh discusses the importance of coordination with architects to balance aesthetics and functionality, particularly in lighting, road infrastructure, and security systems. The episode highlights using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to reduce crime and improve safety, while tackling environmental challenges and respecting wildlife. Leigh and Steve discuss how AI and technology can create efficient security systems that lower carbon emissions and energy use. She emphasizes strategies for recycling, aligning sustainability goals with industry standards, and ensuring security systems are user-friendly. The episode concludes by focusing on engaging end-users to enhance their experience, offering insights into integrating security and sustainability for smarter, more responsible cities.

About our guest:

Leigh Harper, Associate Director for Security at Cundall, is an expert in urban development, focusing on integrating security and sustainability. With experience in the Middle East, APAC, Europe, and the UK, Leigh stresses the importance of embedding security measures in master planning to prevent vulnerabilities. In 2024, she won the Security/Risk Manager of the Year award at the Fire & Security Matters Awards in the UK. Leigh was also nominated for the Security Industry Woman of the Year award. She advocates for innovative recycling strategies, AI in efficient security, and engaging with end users to ensure technology meets their needs, illustrating how sustainability and security can create smarter urban environments.

Connect with Leigh on LinkedIn

Chapters:

Master Planning and Security Considerations (0:00:06)

Leigh and Steve discuss the critical role of master planning in embedding security measures from the start of urban development projects, highlighting regional differences in approaches and the evolving integration of security into planning processes.

Urban Development Challenges and Solutions (0:12:16)

This chapter delves into the complexities of coordinating various urban development elements across different teams and regions, emphasizing the importance of early strategic planning and site due diligence to overcome environmental and safety challenges.

Sustainable Design and Technology Integration (0:20:33)

Exploring the intersection of sustainable design and security, this segment discusses the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and the necessity of reducing carbon footprint and energy consumption in security systems.

Proactive Security Design for Sustainable Development (0:26:10)

Leigh highlights the importance of designing security systems with sustainability in mind, advocating for the recycling and repurposing of materials, and emphasizing the role of innovative technology and user-friendly interfaces in enhancing security efficiency.

Resources:

Steve welcomes Leo Levit, chair of ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), to talk about the evolution of IP security standards. Leo and Steve discuss ONVIF's journey from its founding by Axis, Bosch, and Sony in 2008, overcoming initial skepticism, to becoming the standard for interoperability. Leo highlights ONVIF's growth, noting the increasing number of conformant products, even from companies initially resistant to open standards. He covers ONVIF's current and future initiatives, such as integrating IP audio with VMS, developing a cloud profile for camera-to-cloud communication, and creating a working group for data-driven applications. Leo and Steve also discuss efforts to maintain video authenticity amid AI advancements, ensuring trust in video content. The conversation highlights ONVIF's dedication to innovation and interoperability, providing valuable insights for industry insiders and end-users as ONVIF continues to shape security technology's future.

About our guest:

Leo Levit is a business leader with a unique combination of a strong technical and sales background, product management experience, passionate leadership, winning commercial mindset and entrepreneurship. Leo is the Steering Committee Chairman of ONVIF and leads the major industry standardisation alliance within the physical security industry. As Director of System Integration (Solution Management), Leo believes in experience, trust, passion and result. These key words describe a business-driven leader in the international environment. Leo’s passion is to drive company growth and profitability by business excellence and focus on customer needs, as well as educating, and guiding manufacturers on interoperability, integration and the future of technological innovation.

Connect with Leo on LinkedIn

Chapters:

The Future of ONVIF (0:00:06)

Leo Levitt discusses the origins and growth of ONVIF, highlighting its evolution from industry skepticism to becoming the standard for interoperability in IP-based security systems.

Interoperability and Membership in ONVIF (0:16:14)

This chapter delves into ONVIF's current initiatives, such as integrating IP audio systems with VMS and developing cloud profiles, while emphasizing the organization's consensus-driven approach among its nearly 500 member companies.

Technical Innovations and Future Directions (0:31:14)

The conversation explores ONVIF's efforts in areas like signed video for maintaining video integrity, potential future collaborations with building automation systems, and the importance of open standards for end-users and manufacturers alike.

Resources:

Visit the ONVIF Official Website

Get info on the Security Industry Association (SIA)

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...

Steve invites SecureLogiq’s Ben Yoxall to explore the transformative power of optimized storage solutions in video surveillance and security systems. Ben talks about how these innovations not only drive cost efficiency but also align with sustainability goals, offering a competitive edge in today's eco-conscious market. Delve into the evolving IT infrastructure of control rooms, where compact and energy-efficient hardware is replacing outdated systems, improving both environmental impact and operational conditions. We talk about the intricacies of cloud storage, hybrid solutions, and the potential of AI-specific hardware and Erasure Encoding in reshaping the security industry. This insightful discussion equips you with strategies to enhance system design and total cost of ownership, ensuring you stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape of security technology.

About our guest:

Ben Yoxall has been working in the security industry since leaving higher education, starting as an apprentice and working his way through installation, service, the specialist system division, project management and finally, into sales. Ben was appointed to the Secure Logiq board in 2022 after 5 years with the business and has now risen to the top as Joint Managing Director. He is committed, organised, efficient and driven in everything he does. He brings a ‘can do’ attitude to the Secure Logiq team with critical thinking applied to his acquired knowledge to achieve and drive the business goals.

In his previous role Ben managed the most prosperous customer base in UK largest security installer. Ben is known for his drive and tenacity and ability to get the job done

Connect with Ben on LinkedIn

Chapters:

[00:00:00] Understanding the Importance of Sustainable Storage Solutions

This chapter delves into the critical impact of storage solutions on sustainability and total cost of ownership in security systems.

[00:10:15] The Evolution of IT Infrastructure in Modern Control Rooms

Explore the shift from bulky, energy-consuming hardware to compact, efficient servers that align with sustainability certifications like BREEAM.

[00:20:30] Addressing the Risks of Underspecified Security Systems

This chapter examines the challenges of underspecification in security systems and emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight and proper system configuration.

[00:30:45] Navigating the Complexities of Cloud Storage in Security Projects

Discuss the pros and cons of cloud storage, highlighting the cost implications and the emerging trend of hybrid solutions for large-scale security projects.

[00:40:00] Innovations in Storage Technology and Analytics for Security

Discover the potential of Erasure Encoding and AI-specific hardware as efficient solutions for large-scale data management and protection.

[00:50:15] Strategic System Design for Business and Environmental Success

Conclude with insights into maximizing system design to achieve business objectives, emphasizing the significance of sustainability and total cost of ownership.

Resources:

Learn more about Secure Logiq

Get info on BREEAM Certification