The LPM “Magpie” Awards offer a means to celebrate industry accomplishments on an ongoing basis, recognizing the loss prevention professionals, teams, solution providers, law enforcement partners, and others that demonstrate a stellar contribution to the profession. Nominate your peers at excellence@lpportal.com.
Excellence in Leadership
Robert “Bob” Caruso, Chief Business Development Officer, Metro One LPS
“True leadership is not in the title you hold, it’s found through the respect and trust you earn from your team and peers,” said Caruso. “It’s being humble and reflecting inward to ask yourself what’s the greatest thing you can do for others. It’s relating to people by treating them the way you want to be treated. The title doesn’t make the leader—it is your integrity and how you conduct yourself.”
With more than forty-two years’ experience in loss prevention, Caruso feels that working with people has been his greatest calling. “Being able to have teaching moments and then passing them along to others—whether in life or business, has been my greatest joy. These are the things that feed my soul and allow me to be a better version of myself. Without it, any job would be mundane. By being able to pass the ‘fire in your belly’ allows us to have a more enriched outcome. This has allowed me to mentor and help others and I believe it to be the most important part of my job.”
Caruso has many important lessons to share with those looking to move up in leadership roles. “Learn all you can about the business in its entirety,” he said. “Only when you understand the entire job and the role, you’ll handle will you find success. Understand everything is a teaching moment and there is always room to learn and grow. Never stop learning—be humble and open enough to learn from everyone regardless of their stature. Build synergies with your colleagues by sharing knowledge. Always do the right thing especially when no one is looking. Have integrity—your word means everything. Above all else, always be a good human being. Be kind, have compassion, and never forget where you come from no matter your successes.”
