The LPM “Founders’ Awards” offer a means to celebrate industry accomplishments on an ongoing basis. They recognize loss prevention professionals, teams, solution providers, law enforcement partners, and others who demonstrate a stellar contribution to the profession. The ability to influence change is a product of drive, creativity, and determination. It also requires a unique ability to create a shared vision that others will understand, respect, support, and pursue. Each recipient reflects that standard of excellence, representing the quality and spirit of leadership that makes a difference in our lives, people, and programs. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our latest honoree.
“I believe a true leader in the loss prevention industry understands the business we’re protecting, the impact of retail loss, and the importance of leading people,” says Debbie Maples, CFI, vice president of global safety and security, security operations, investigations, and protection at Salesforce. “Being an effective leader is a blend of the art and science of your business challenges. We can’t ‘catch’ our way out of high shortage issues. Those who represent LP need to reflect the values of the organization. It’s my belief that our teams need to operate ethically, strategically, and with consistency. There is no success without the people on our teams. A true leader knows how to recognize and inspire those traits in others.
“I’m proud to say I’ve led nearly every area within loss prevention and the corporate security space, from behind the scenes to frontline leadership. I’m especially proud of the pioneering work of building organized retail crime teams—navigating the legal challenges, intel sharing, and ultimately creating awareness around the impact of ORC in the US and within the global landscape,” she says. “But I’ve always felt that my greatest accomplishment in loss prevention is leading people—growing teams, investing in the development of great talent, and then watching them succeed, advance, and ultimately lead. While I know I’m not solely responsible for their advancement, I’ve always felt I had a piece of their success. I am a developer of people. I deeply care about the folks who work for me and invest in them just as I’ve appreciated how my mentors have invested in me.”
Debbie feels the most important advice she can share with others is to learn your craft. “Be curious, be patient, and enjoy the journey—it goes by quickly. Most importantly, invest in yourself. Be sure to get what you want out of your career and build a network to help achieve your goals and aspirations.”
