Rising Lions: GardaWorld Security – U.S. launches new mentorship program for emerging leaders

In 2024, GardaWorld Security – U.S. launched the Rising Lions mentorship program -– a new leadership development initiative designed to shape and empower the next generation of leaders. The program focuses on recognizing standout employees and giving them the support they need to grow into future leadership roles.

Highlighting the program’s long-term impact, Prentice Robertson, President and Chief Operating Officer, shared, “Their growth and success will undoubtedly contribute to the continued excellence and innovation of GardaWorld Security.”

The rigorous selection process

The Rising Lions program is very selective, designed to recognize employees who demonstrate exceptional performance and leadership potential. Candidates are nominated by their Regional Vice President or Divisional Head and evaluated based on the following criteria:

Performance: Recognized as top performers over the past six months.
Behavioral attributes: Exhibit leadership, innovation, teamwork, and alignment with GardaWorld’s mission and values.
Recommendations: Backed by leadership nominations that highlight observed excellence and long-term potential.

A panel of senior leaders and members of the Organizational Development strategic committee reviews all nominations to ensure fairness and a well-balanced cohort.

Program curriculum

The Rising Lions program offers a well-rounded, six-month learning experience that combines personalized development, hands-on mentorship, and collaborative group learning. Each component is designed to build leadership confidence, sharpen critical skills, and align individual growth with GardaWorld Security’s long-term goals.

Individual Development Plan
Each Rising Lion begins with a self-assessment to identify their strengths, career goals, and areas for growth. With support from their mentor, supervisor, and the Organizational Development team, they follow a personalized plan with targeted training and regular check-ins to track progress.

Mentorship
Each Rising Lion is matched with a senior leader for monthly one-on-one mentoring focused on growth, feedback, and leadership development. Using guided lessons from the book "12: The Elements of Great Managing" by Rodd Wagner and James K. Harter, mentors provide real-world insight, networking opportunities, and ongoing support throughout the program.

Guided Group Learning
Each Rising Lion participates in a monthly group session also centered on the book "12: The Elements of Great Managing.” These sessions give participants the opportunity to explore key leadership principles, apply them to real-world scenarios at GardaWorld Security, and engage in meaningful discussions with peers.

Capstone Presentations and Feedback
To close out the program, each Rising Lion presents action plans to President and Chief Operating Officer, Prentice Robertson, along with other members of senior leadership. These group presentations provide valuable exposure to top decision-makers at GardaWorld Security and offer participants the chance to propose real solutions to organizational challenges.

The inaugural pride of Rising Lions

The first group of participants, aptly named the Inaugural Pride of Rising Lions, graduated in February 2025 during the Leadership Advance Summit in St. Louis.

Grant Thompson, Vice President of Organizational Development, reflected on the success of the program’s debut: “Our first Pride of Rising Lions was an amazing journey. It brought together a group of passionate, driven new leaders and an amazingly talented group of mentors. We all grew as leaders and built lasting connections. It was incredible to see the growth, collaboration, and energy throughout the program.”

Congratulations to this diverse group of talented professionals, including:

Rising Lion: Alex Ortiz, Client Services Manager - Arizona Mentor: Brian Michalski, Area Vice President	Rising Lion: Amanda Stanley, Human Resources Generalist - Indiana Mentor: PC Christopher, Regional Director of Human Resources
Rising Lion: Bradley Carter, IT Support Telecom Analyst Mentors: Oziel Flores, Vice President of Manufacturing at ECAMSECURE and Dominique Fournier, Vice President of IT Solutions	Rising Lion: Erika Fralick, Employee Engagement Manager – San Antonio Mentor: Ray Johnson, Area Vice President
Rising Lion: JC Rosa, Area Director - BEST Mentor: Kate Whitby, Regional Manager	Rising Lion: Jessica Lornson, Client Services Manager - Raleigh Mentor: Chris Stocker, Regional Director of Operations
Rising Lion: Kristi Sanders, Regional Director of Talent Acquisition Mentor: Tony Joas, Vice President of Human Resources	Rising Lion: Lance Athey, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager Mentor: Kelly Pinebird, Regional Vice President
Rising Lion: Liz Rogers, Corporate - Administrative Services Manager Mentor: Katie Morton, Vice President of Talent Acquisition	Rising Lion: Marie Newton, Client Services Manager - Boston Mentor: Bob Giordano, Director of Regional Operations
Rising Lion: Mike Nigg, Manager of Corporate Analysis Mentor: David Bradney, Regional Vice President	Rising Lion: Myles Williams, Client Services Manager - Wisconsin Mentor: Brian Middleton, Area Vice President
Rising Lion: Paul Bents, Manager of Security Services - Dallas Mentor: Luke Hutsell, Regional Vice President	Rising Lion: Rae Pitschka, Client Services Manager - Minnesota Mentor: Marcus Brown, General Manager
Rising Lion: Roman Lohmeyer, Business Analyst & Business Applications Support Mentor: Joe Smith, Vice President of Customer Support Services	Rising Lion: Steven Flemming, Proposal and Sales Enablement Manager Mentor: Ed Radiger, Regional Vice President
Rising Lion: Thomas Brownlee, Regional Recruiter - Great Lakes Region Mentor: Matt Wilson, Vice President of Business Operations & Strategy	Rising Lion: William Crocitto, Employee Engagement Manager - Memphis Mentors: Brooke Fought, Corporate Director of Talent Acquisition and Grant Thompson, Vice President of Organizational Development

A new Pride of Rising Lions will be selected every six months, continuing the momentum and impact of the program. As the next cohort begins, Grant Thompson shared, “We are beyond excited to be kicking off the second Pride of Rising Lions. We’re looking forward to seeing this group's fresh perspectives and for them to put their leadership skills into action!”

Get the latest updates on the Rising Lions program by following GardaWorld on LinkedIn.