The Access Control Executive Brief

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai 2026, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Kaltenbaugh, Head of Global Sales at M.C. Dean. We talk about why 2025 marked a pivotal growth moment for both the company and the industry, how the Middle East is emerging as a serious proving ground for large-scale, engineering-led security integration, and why critical infrastructure, energy, aviation, ports, and smart city developments represent some of the most compelling opportunities in the global market.

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai 2026, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
In this episode, I’m joined by Joachim Mahlstedt, Chief Commercial Officer DAS & Managing Director Kentix GmbH at ASSA ABLOY. We talk about why the Middle East continues to be a major proving ground for large-scale security innovation, how the region is accelerating the convergence of mechanical and digital security, and why data centers and critical infrastructure are becoming some of the most exciting “white space” opportunities in the market.

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai 2026, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
 
In this episode, I’m joined by Allan Chester from Any2Any, Juergen Sept from Tanlock, and Tünay Karatekin from Ones Technology. We talk about how the region has clearly moved into a more mature market, why interoperability and ecosystem thinking are replacing point solutions, and how Intersec Dubai is becoming a unique environment where even competitors are more open to collaboration.
More conversations coming over the next few weeks.

ISC West is officially next month, and in Episode 9 of West to East, Lee Odess breaks down where the industry is truly showing up — and why it matters.
This episode isn’t about broad predictions or trend lists. It’s about activation. Lee walks through three specific areas at ISC West that signal where security is headed next: the new Digital Trust & Identity Stage, the Startup Pavilion, and the Experience Center. Each represents a different lens on how identity, innovation, and real-world system experience are reshaping the market.
Lee shares why identity has moved from a feature to a foundation, why early and growth-stage companies offer the clearest view of what’s coming, and why experiential demos are closing the gap between how products are sold and how they’re actually used.
He also highlights the second annual Industry Breakfast supporting the FAST, happening the morning of Day 1 at the Venetian — a community-led way to kick off ISC West while supporting workforce development.
See you in Vegas next month and we’ll see you next time on West to East.

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
In this episode, I’m joined by James Clark from AMAG. We talk about how 2025 marked a real shift from product-led selling to end-user–driven problem solving, why identity and private cloud are becoming central to access control strategy, and how the Middle East market is maturing faster than many people realize.
More conversations coming over the next few weeks.

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Bennett from Alert Enterprise. We talk about what stood out in 2025, why the Middle East is a critical — and often misunderstood — market, and why the next phase of access control is about democratizing identity and mobile credentials by reducing cost, complexity, and friction.
More conversations coming over the next few weeks.

Recorded live at Intersec Dubai, I sat down with leaders shaping the security market across the Middle East.
We talked candidly about reflections on 2025, why this region matters to the global business, and what’s coming as we look toward 2026.
This marks the start of a new podcast series, Secured: Live from Intersec Dubai 2026.
The first release features Alex Holmstrom from Acre, where we dig into how the market is moving beyond the cloud debate and toward true platform strategies.
More conversations coming over the next few weeks.

In this solo year-end episode of West to East, Lee Odess reflects on the momentum coming out of ISC East and looks ahead to what’s shaping up to be a high-energy ISC West in Las Vegas this March.
Lee shares how the show continues to return to — and surpass — its pre-COVID form, with bigger booths, bolder activations, and a clear shift toward ISC West as the place where companies launch new technologies and ideas. He breaks down several areas he’s most excited about, including the new focus on identity and biometrics, the expanded Startup Area highlighting emerging and scale-up companies, and the immersive Experience Center sponsored by SAGE Integration that brings real-world security applications to life on the show floor.
He also highlights the growing investment RX and SIA are making in education, showcases, and community-driven experiences — and why that commitment is fueling innovation across the industry. Lee closes with details on a special FAST Foundation breakfast at ISC West, supporting technician education and addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges: talent.
West to East is a podcast from The Access Control Executive Brief, RX, and SIA, connecting the energy of ISC West with the insights, innovation, and community shaping the future of security.

Episode 7: What’s New and Next at ISC East with Mary Beth Shaughnessy and Scott Dunn
In Episode 7 of West to East, Lee Odess is joined by Mary Beth Shaughnessy, Event Director at RX, and Scott Dunn, Chair of SIA and Senior Director of Business Development at Axis Communications, for a deep dive into what’s ahead at this year’s ISC East in New York City.
Together, they explore the show’s new activations and programming — from the immersive Experience Center by SAGE Integration to the debut Startup Area and expanded SIA New Product Showcase. They share how these innovations are designed to connect technology, people, and ideas across physical and cybersecurity.
Scott also highlights this year’s education program — featuring 75+ sessions and local New York perspectives — and offers a sneak peek at high-profile events like the SIA Honors Night and ASIS NYC Person of the Year Lunch.
Lee wraps up with insights on new initiatives including the Startups in Security Miniseries, the Trends Pavilion, and the End User Roundtable, showing how ISC East continues to evolve into a dynamic, community-driven experience for every corner of the security industry.
West to East is a podcast from The Access Control Executive Brief, RX, and SIA, connecting the energy of ISC West with the insights and innovation of ISC East.

Episode 6: The New York Vibe of ISC East with David Furcayg (Ruben & Company)
In Episode 6 of West to East, Lee Odess is joined by David Furcayg, Vice President of Ruben and Company, to bring a true New Yorker’s perspective on ISC East - how it’s evolved, what makes it distinct from ISC West, and why its energy is unlike any other show in the security industry.
Lee and David discuss the rebranding and renewed investment in ISC East, its growing focus on critical infrastructure, enterprise security, and the startup ecosystem, and how New York’s global reach and business culture make it the perfect stage for meaningful connections.
They also swap stories and tips for making the most of the city, from networking over coffee near Grand Central to catching a late-night comedy show.
West to East is a podcast from The Access Control Executive Brief, RX, and SIA, connecting the energy of ISC West with the insights of ISC East.