TWISD Voices: Bonnie Michelman
TWISD Voices is an interview series from The Women in Security Documentary highlighting the stories, experiences, and perspectives of women helping shape the security profession.
In this edition, we feature Bonnie Michelman, one of the security industry's most respected leaders. Throughout her distinguished career, Bonnie has led security programs for some of the world's most recognized organizations, served in leadership roles across major professional associations, and mentored generations of security professionals. She shares how she found her way into the profession, the lessons that shaped her leadership philosophy, and why investing in people remains the foundation of effective security.
What originally drew you into the world of security and leadership?
I wasn't thinking about security at all. I was on my way to law school, but I couldn't afford it, so I pursued a master's degree in criminology instead. During graduate school, I was introduced to the world of security management and realized it was a rapidly growing profession with incredible opportunities.
There were very few women in the industry at the time, but I was fascinated by how broad the profession was. Security combined investigations, operations, technology, leadership, and problem-solving in ways that really appealed to me.
Ironically, my first opportunity came from a customer I met while working night shifts at IHOP. He managed a security company and offered me my first position in the industry. It gave me valuable experience, credibility, and a chance to learn before I moved into my first major leadership role.
That was when I discovered what I truly loved; not just security, but leadership. I realized I enjoyed coaching people, building teams, and helping others succeed just as much as solving security challenges.
What challenges have shaped your career?
One of the biggest challenges early in my career was establishing credibility as a young woman in a profession where there were very few women.
At the time, I did everything I could to blend in. I wore gray suits, pulled my hair back into the tightest bun I could, and tried not to stand out as a woman because I wanted people to focus on my abilities and not my gender.
As my career progressed, I realized that the qualities I brought to leadership- communication, empathy, collaboration, and relationship-building were strengths, not weaknesses. Eventually, I became comfortable simply being myself.
Another lesson came from my perspective on women in security groups. Early in my career, I worried they would unintentionally separate women from the profession rather than integrate them into it. Over time, I realized how valuable those communities can be. They provide encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities for women to gain confidence and support one another throughout their careers.
The profession itself has also changed dramatically over the years. One of our greatest challenges today is helping people adapt to change while continuing to learn, grow, and demonstrate the value security brings to every organization.
Why has mentorship been such an important part of your leadership philosophy?
Mentorship and coaching have been central to my career because they help people grow in ways they often can't accomplish alone.
Having someone you trust who can provide honest feedback, challenge your thinking, and encourage you to stretch beyond your comfort zone is incredibly valuable. I've mentored many professionals over the years, and one of the greatest rewards has been watching them gain confidence and become successful leaders themselves.
Mentorship isn't only for people early in their careers. Every stage of our professional journey presents new challenges, new responsibilities, and new opportunities to learn. Sometimes we all need someone we trust to help us see things differently, develop new skills, or simply remind us we're capable of more than we realize.
I also believe security is a team effort. One of my favorite sayings is, "It takes a village to keep an organization safe." Security professionals cannot work in isolation. Building relationships, earning trust across an organization, and helping others understand the role security plays are all essential to long-term success.
If you could share one piece of advice with the next generation of women in security, what would it be?
Be comfortable being out of your comfort zone.
Some of the most important opportunities in my career came from taking risks and stepping into situations that felt unfamiliar. The more you show people who you are, what your value is, and what you're passionate about, the more confident you'll become.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Find mentors. Learn from people around you. Growth doesn't happen by staying where everything feels comfortable; it happens when you're willing to challenge yourself and continue learning.
What have your leadership experiences taught you about the future of the security profession?
The profession is changing faster than ever, and we have to be ready to adapt alongside it.
As security leaders, we need to embrace new technologies while never losing sight of the importance of people. Technical expertise is essential, but so are communication, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and the ability to influence others.
The future also depends on building the next generation of leaders. We need to attract talented people from diverse backgrounds and help them see security as a meaningful, exciting profession where they can make a real impact.
Professional associations play an important role in that effort by advancing education, certifications, leadership development, and standards that strengthen the profession as a whole.
What do you hope audiences take away from The Women in Security Documentary?
I hope audiences leave with a greater appreciation for how broad, dynamic, and mission-driven the security profession truly is.
I also hope they recognize the combination of technical expertise, interpersonal skills, persistence, and leadership that successful security professionals bring to their organizations every day.
Finally, I hope the documentary encourages people who may never have considered a career in security to see what's possible. Whether it's women, people of color, or others who may not have traditionally seen themselves represented in the profession, I hope they realize there is a place for them and that they can make a meaningful difference.
The documentary showcases not only the remarkable women who have helped shape this profession but also the lessons they've learned along the way. My hope is that those stories inspire future generations to continue building an even stronger security profession.
About TWISD Voices
TWISD Voices highlights the stories, experiences, and perspectives of women helping shape the future of the security profession. Through these conversations, we continue the mission of The Women in Security Documentary: preserving stories, celebrating achievements, and inspiring the next generation of leaders
The Women in Security Documentary is now streaming on Prime Video.
