Mitigating risks to solve the security and preparedness needs of individuals, corporations, institutions, governments, and authorities, Susanne Skov Diemer founded Praesidio Group to allow her clients to focus on what they do the best with peace of mind.
As the CEO, Susanne Skov Diemer implements her expertise to democratize her three decades of experience at the highest level of the consulting, security, crisis and intelligence sector. She has gathered crucial knowledge, know-how, experience, expertise as well as personal anecdotes and recommendations, which she exhibits in the crisis planner “Your Urban Crisis Survival Planner” to contribute, guide, and serve people globally. Readers are guided step-by-step to greater awareness, knowledge and preparation with a sense of responsibility and togetherness.
Astonished by the feats achieved by Susanne Skov Diemer, Insights Success reached out to her and talked about her journey and how Praesidio Group is sourcing the optimal team to meet the world´s and clients’ needs.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at the Praesidio Group. What challenges you had to overcome to reach where you are today?
With a long journey within consulting, security, risk management and intelligence around the globe, it has been an exciting, daring, and organic process. It is a life path, as working in my field is more of a duty and a call rather than a career choice. This special sense of duty is always with me, and there is nothing in this world that I would rather do.
I seek impact, as I face challenges. I am on a mission to democratize my knowledge and expertise to help and guide more people to be better prepared and hereby minimize crises’ domino effects.
Tell us something more about the Praesidio Group and its mission and vision.
It is all about preparedness. Mitigation. Trust. Vigilance. It is about having the courage to be the voice of the inconvenient truth. We are here to serve and protect. My purpose is to guide and raise the bar for security and crisis preparedness. I work under the radar in order for others to live on the radar.
Enlighten us on how you have made an impact in the industry through your expertise in the market?
More awareness – more impact. I serve with the highest degree of respect, integrity and discretion. It is never about me. It is about the people, the purpose, and the mission.
The nature of the industry is to work closely and diligently with a diverse variety of players and factors that are borderless and constantly changing. Currently, there is much talk about the world being more polarized. When we work on a crisis matter, we work closely in unity and cross border, sector, beliefs, and status. We work for a higher purpose together. And it is this togetherness that makes it special – the act of joining and coming together.
Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.
Respect. A genuine respect as a foundation without judgment. An openness and close collaboration with people from all fields, nationalities, and segments.
Discretion, confidentiality, and trust are the pillars and nature of our field and a constant companion in the form of a strong sense of duty. Always on call. Always on a mission. Always prepared. We work with a sense of privilege, duty, and responsibility. We serve. That is our foundation.
Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?
With technology comes new advantages – and new risks that need to be addressed. There are humans behind the technology and the interaction with the technology. So technology has a very human aspect.
We analyze at the entire supply chain – not just the technology. With every technological advancement, criminals make advancements too. The core remains the same; to predict, to protect, to prepare with new and old tools – technological and nontechnological.
New threats evolve with technology, and we see technology bringing our critical infrastructure in critical danger. For example, a cashless society can be attacked in new ways. Criminals have new entrances, new markets and new opportunities. Awareness surrounding this and the necessary preparedness and resources are necessary.
If given a chance, what change would you like to bring in the industry?
More courage to be the voice of the inconvenient truth and more openness towards security and intelligence experts’ voices and knowledge. We are here to serve the people, governments, and companies. We are an insurance – an essential tool to avoid and mitigate small and large crises, globally as well as locally.
What, according to you, could be the next big change in the industry? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?
‘Never let a good crisis go to waste,’ Winston Churchill famously said, a phrase that has gained new relevance with the global pandemic. People have a new awareness of crises and their domino effects. We know from experience that the best time to prepare for a crisis is when you have just been through one. So now is the time to prepare. We need to take responsibility at all levels and in all aspects now. Individually and collectively. Locally and globally. My industry can lead the way and guide people to better preparedness, to mitigate and raise above the current crisis, and thrive together for a better-prepared world and people.
Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run and what are your future goals for the company? Being a security specialist is a duty for life. I will always serve. Today and tomorrow.
My company is the essence of me, and we will continue to prepare and protect people, assets and information to the very best of our knowledge with the biggest impact for the long and short term. It is always about prevention and preparedness on a practical and mental level. We will continue to broaden our expertise as new risks arise and work globally with many partners, projects, and purposes while raising awareness.
What would be your advice to budding women entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the industry?
“Never sell yourself short.” Respect yourself as well as others. Be yourself at all times with everybody and in all situations and locations. One step at a time, one assignment and client at a time – with the highest expertise, purpose, and integrity.
