Rowena Fell interviewed by Sandra Smith.
Embarking upon a career in a predominantly male industry is a challenge which attracts only the most tenacious of women. For Rowena Fell, whose drive was evident from a young age, itโs all in a dayโs work. (she is pictured on a glacier in New Zealand, South Island.)
โI had been an army cadet since the age of 13,โ Rowena recalls. โI was a tomboy and a rebellious child so this provided an outlet for my energy. Later I became an instructor and it seemed a natural progression to join the army. I chose the area that was most interesting, with the best promotion prospects and the opportunity to travel: the Intelligence Corps.โ
It was a calculated approach and one which continues to fuel Rowenaโs ambitious attitude. Her military service included deployment in Iraq, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, Germany and The Falklands. But after 12 years, Rowenaโs motivation to work at a higher level influenced her decision to leave in favour of the corporate world. Initially she took up a post with Bank of America as International Services Intelligence Manager. A stint with the Gloucestershire Constabulary followed before her all-round expertise culminated in a Senior Manager appointment with ISARR, โA technology provider of an online security risk product.โ
Despite her commitment to this worldwide operation, however, it is her passion for another venture that she is particularly keen to promote. The creation of the Womenโs Security Society followed occasional negativity experienced by a number of women in corporate security. As a result, they decided to establish their own support group. After the London Olympics Rowena met one of the founder members to discuss a business proposition and was invited to join. She is now on the Board of the Executive Committee.
WSS embraces physical security and protection, uniformed services, business continuity and strategic advice. As she explains: โOur aim is to promote and support women working in the security industry across all disciplines and provide a network forum. Organisations are searching for females to complement their teams because we have the skills to prevent conflict and a different way of tackling problems.โ
She is keen to deny any feminist agenda to WSS, a non-profit making organisation. Indeed, while the onus is on nurturing females, input from men within the security industry is positively encouraged. โWe donโt want to alienate our male colleagues. In fact, we have requested their attendance at meetings and as speakers so they have a voice. Weโre interested in listening to men and empowering them to help us.โ
The Society was launched in February 2013 and already boasts a membership of 200. Rowena is keen to expand: โIn the long term we want to be classed as the world leading network forum for women in the security industry and an overarching organisation. We are also looking for sponsorship from companies that can represent all the different streams, from physical to intelligence and high tech backgrounds.โ
Rowenaโs area of responsibility, not surprisingly, covers the intelligence discipline, a subject with which she is only too familiar. Indeed, as she admits, โI couldnโt do what I do now if I hadnโt served in the Intelligence Corps.โ
This ex Staff Sergeant, who is just about to complete a Masters Degree in Security and Intelligence studies, is a prolific networker and member of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals. She is also involved in organising the forthcoming Sheriffโs Award which recognises acts of bravery by members of the public.But the influence of army life is still paramount.
โMy husband is in the Royal Engineers and most of my friends are in the military so I get all the good bits like functions and camaraderie without having to go to the Middle East for six months or do early morning runs,โ she jokes before adding, more seriously, โIf Iโd stayed in the army Iโd have been a middle manager now but instead Iโm a Board director. Iโm more than the military could have made me.โ
True to planning, Rowenaโs career has encompassed the military, corporate world and public sector. But she still has other goals to pursue. Given her methodical approach and determination, thereโs no doubt she will succeed, even in this male dominated industry.
www.womenssecuritysociety.co.uk
www.isarr.com
www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk
