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[at]LPportal.com.
Sean Sportun, Manager, Security and Loss Prevention, Circle K, Central Canada Division
“Becoming a leader takes a special skill set,” said Sportun. “It’s more than just managing the team. You need to know how to treat people—leading by example, taking ownership and responsibility for your actions, and being an effective communicator and a good listener. This approach will make people want to work with you rather than just for you.”
Sportun believes that his career path has been like most in the industry, transitioning between organizations as he advanced into new roles. But he also stresses the importance of continuing education, community involvement, and approaching leadership as a business professional. In addition to seeking out educational programs to spark self-improvement, he has pursued opportunities to support the community through involvement in programs like the Toronto Crime Stoppers, the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, and the 2017 INVICTUS Games held in Toronto. He also points to a project with a well-known university as a career highlight thus far.
“I think I’m most proud of having Harvard University conduct a research study on the unique approach we took with Crime Prevention Through Community Engagement,” he said. “Two Harvard Business Review articles were published outlining how the LP department can be a revenue generator rather than just an expense center. The exposure was an outstanding accomplishment for our team and, I believe, for the LP industry as a whole.”
Sportun continued, “Making the most of my opportunities has helped me develop into the professional I am today. All of the knowledge and experience I’ve acquired along the way have provided me with the framework I’ve relied upon as I’ve advanced as a professional. Always be a student of the game. Be relentless in learning, take on new challenges, and constantly work to be the best possible version of yourself.”
