NICHOLAS BENJAMIN

Deputy Executive Chairman — Guardsman Group

Style Observer (SO): What’s your middle name? Nicholas Benjamin (NB): Kenneth

SO: How would your team members describe you?

NB: That’s a good question! I’ve never really asked them, but I hope they would describe me as a pretty relaxed person who cares deeply about their individual, personal and professional well-being.

SO: Share with us a typical day in your life.

NB: The days have changed a lot over the last five years with the addition of my two lovely children! Fact is, no two days are the same.

Depending on the day, I’ll wake up and go to the gym before work. Then I’ll try and take one of them to school, more often than not the younger one, who has just started pre-school which is close by.

I then head to work and see what the day has in store for me.

Sometimes it’s at my office, sometimes on the road with clients and potential clients, and some days I’m between our offices without actually getting to my office. Some days I’ll go play squash after work, other days I stay at the office. I do get home relatively late, but make an effort to get home in time to see the children and put them to bed. I do look forward to the days when I get home earlier than bedtime. Then dinner, and probably an episode of whatever show Yasi and I are watching. Then sleep. I’m a bit of a night owl so I’m the last to go to bed in the house.

SO: What’s new and indeed innovative in security?

NB: AI is the hot topic everywhere, and security is no different. There is a world of potential for technology in general in the security field, which is no secret to anyone. Using technology and AI correctly, it can not only provide a better and safer overall security system, but it can actually make our clients’ businesses more productive and efficient. Having said that, I believe the most important part of security goes back to the fundamentals that made Guardsman what it is today.

Technology cannot stand alone. It relies entirely on human capability to give it purpose and effectiveness.

When you start with the right people executing core fundamentals, technology elevates performance – but without human leadership, technology reaches its limit very quickly. Tools don’t secure outcomes, people do.

SO: Have Jamaicans become more securityconscious? What in particular are we asking for in terms of security?

NB: I think in general we are quite securityconscious. There is a certain awareness and alertness that we have as a society that is not common in other places. Being in the information age that we are, your average citizen is pretty well-informed on the normal criminal practices. The proliferation of cameras and social media have allowed us to share information and incidents like never before, which enables everyone to be better prepared.

Jamaicans, like everyone, just want peace of mind. They want to know that they have taken reasonable steps to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses, and that, should there be a situation, then someone will be able to respond and provide that additional protection. As we have progressed, people are asking (and we are providing!) smarter systems, more integrated systems, quicker response times, and of course more technology, which all lead to a better overall outcome.

SO: As a thought leader in the security business what are we still not being strategic about?

NB: I think where we have the most room to improve is that security is still often viewed as an addendum, an add-on to an already established plan. I may be biased, but I think if we include the security perspective in everything from the building design to the work flow, it creates a much better system. Security is often used to fill gaps, the design of the overall core operation of a business or the way a home is physically designed can have a great impact in reducing these gaps to begin with.

SO: As a young entrepreneur what would your advice be to a group of recent graduates eager to migrate?

NB: First and foremost, I would say that they have an obligation to themselves and their family to do what is in their best interest; that should be their priority. I would also say that for Jamaica to progress, we need our best and brightest to be here, driving that progression and transformation. There are so many global success stories involving Jamaicans leaving their mark wherever they are, our people can do such great things. I certainly understand the appeal of seeking opportunities elsewhere, and I actually think it’s a good thing to spend time outside of Jamaica at some point in your life. But I think Jamaica has a lot of potential that we can only achieve if we are collectively invested in Jamaica and her success. This means investments of time and emotion as much as financial investment. I, want to see Jamaica do great things. I, for my part, have decided to stay and try and play my part in that.

SO: Who do you most admire in business and why?

NB: That one is pretty easy – my dad…

Kenny Benjamin. He moved from his home in India to a country all on his own. He started with nothing, with no formal training and very little experience. All he had was a dream and vision of making his life better, and making his children and grandchildren’s lives better. Through sheer willpower and determination he built Guardsman into an international organisation that creates employment for about 8,000 people. He is living proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate something to make it successful. He believed in the power of people, and creating an environment that made them want to give their all. The success of Guardsman is that it has been a place where people want to work, want to make better, and pride themselves on being a part of this team. His leadership for almost 50 years now has been nothing short of inspirational, and the example he has set resonates with every single one of us who have had the privilege of working with and learning from him.

SO: Changing direction somewhat… Travelling from Kingston to Irish Town what are you listening to?

NB: If I’m alone: Podcast. If I’m with my wife or friends, probably music. If I’m with my kids, whatever they want to listen to.

SO: Where would you take a first-time visitor to Kingston?

NB: Probably into the hills above Irish Town actually — Newcastle, Greenwich, Holywell. It’s one of my favourite parts of Jamaica, and an environment that I think often gets overlooked. I think the image of Jamaica in most people’s mind is sun, sand, and sea. But most people are pleasantly surprised that we have such a significant mountain range.

SO: What’s your favourite Jamaican dish?

NB: Cook-up salt fish and bammy… or jerk pork. Can’t miss with either!

SO:What are you drinking with it?

NB: Appleton 21 Neat!

SO:Which countries are on your travel bucket list?

NB: Japan, Iceland, and the Scandinavian countries.

SO: An evening in or out?

NB: In.

SO: What are you doing?

NB: After putting the kids to bed, relaxing as much as possible.

SO: How would you describe your personal style?

NB: My sister might tell you I have no style. She might be right! I guess I’d call it relaxed.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

NB: There is elegance in simplicity.