With nearly three decades of security experience under his belt, Jeff Mieseler credits his career to two things: a willingness to be agile and a refusal to be pigeonholed based on the industry he’s currently working in.

“Whether it's been manufacturing, pharmacy distribution, golf equipment or retail, I really haven't labeled myself as a loss prevention person or a manufacturing security person,” Mieseler says. “I've always just looked at each opportunity for what it is, and if it intrigued me or I thought it would be fascinating and challenging, I went for it. I think just enjoying the journey has been helpful for me along the way.”

A security career wasn’t on Mieseler’s radar while going down the business and accounting route in college. However, working his way through college, he held part-time jobs in the security area and found himself being drawn in.

“Having a father that was an FBI Agent kind of brought the whole thing full circle for me,” he recalls.

After graduating, Mieseler started interviewing with federal agencies. However, as he was more intrigued by the security field over traditional law enforcement, he took on an informational interview with 3M Company — a decision that ultimately reshaped the direction of his career.

“That’s where it all kind of started,” he says. “I don't know if I'd call it a career path necessarily, but more of a collection of opportunities where I was able to make a difference and learn from large companies with strong cultures like 3M and TE Connectivity to smaller, fast-paced, growing companies like Dyson and Prime Therapeutics, and take something away from each one.”

In addition to serving as Corporate Security Manager at 3M Company, Mieseler’s resume includes Corporate Security Senior Director at Prime Therapeutics, Director of Corporate Security and Social Responsibility at Callaway Golf, Head of Security, Americas at Dyson — just to name a few.

Most recently, Mieseler joined Nationwide as Vice President, Protective Services.

“I was thrilled to have this opportunity,” he says. “It's also a unique opportunity as the team not only protects multiple campuses with about five million square feet of office space, but also associates traveling around the world, and provide security services for mixed use real estate developments comprising about 2,700 apartments and condos and single family homes to hotels and several conference centers and the Arena District in Columbus that attracts 6 million visitors a year. It is very unique in the corporate security space, so I’m very excited to be here.”

Supporting Future Security Leaders

Looking back on his career, Mieseler says one of his proudest achievements is helping fellow security professionals advance in their own careers.

“There have been several team members that have become directors at their own companies and are leading their own programs,” he continues. “I think, from a career accomplishment perspective, I've been proud of working with folks on my team who go on to achieve what they want to achieve and reach their career aspirations.”

Whether it is his own career development, or that of those around him, Mieseler highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with quality mentors who can be a sounding board. One concept he’s found valuable is establishing your own personals “board of directors”.

“It allows me access to a group of complementary views and perspectives that don't necessarily mirror my own,” he says. “It makes me think and challenges me to look at a situation from all angles. I've always enjoyed setting up this personal board of directors for myself as a way for me to challenge myself and make sure that I'm at my best.”

As a way to expand his knowledge base, Mieseler says he tries to spend as much time with business leaders as he does with security industry peers.

“That has been very helpful for me,” he says. “It's been great to have access to very intelligent business professionals that gave me insight and taught me how to discuss security issues in such a way that it is reflective of the corporate environment and would resonate with business leaders. So, I've always found myself reaching out and trying to extend and expand my circle of influence outside of the security industry as well.”

When asked about advice for those looking to develop a career in security, Mieseler says be prepared to take risks and explore all the opportunities that come your way.

“Early on in my career, the leaders would be looking for volunteers, and I just kept raising my hand and tried to absorb and collect all the experience I could early on,” he recalls. “I found that really helped me build out a well-rounded perspective when it comes to security and the different security functions and programs that we have. I really encourage someone looking to get into the field, to explore all the opportunities. It's such a different world than it was when I started many years ago, so just build out your experiences and enjoy the ride.”