Introducing Alejandro Valderrama: Abloy’s Trusted Advisor of the Year 2024
The atmosphere was electric at the ABLOY International Summit Gala in Prague. Security industry leaders gathered in anticipation as the announcement for 2024’s Trusted Advisor of the Year approached. When Alejandro Valderrama’s name was called, the room erupted in applause.
“This is an important moment,” Valderrama said after accepting the award. “It’s not just about personal success; it’s about being part of a team that’s helping shape the future of our industry.”
Valderrama’s journey to this recognition began many years ago, driven by both family legacy and his growing interest in security technology.
A legacy of security
Valderrama’s connection to the security industry runs deep. His father started a high-security locksmith business in Colombia in the 1980s and introduced the ABLOY brand to the country in the 1990s. Though Valderrama initially pursued a degree in social communication, he eventually returned to the family business, drawn by its evolving role in security.
“Coming back wasn’t just about continuing my father’s work,” Valderrama says. “I became interested in how technology was transforming the security industry. That’s when I knew this was the field I wanted to focus on.”
After completing his studies in 2002, Valderrama immersed himself in learning about access control, high-security locks, and the business side of security, turning his family’s legacy into a personal passion and career path.
Honest communication, strong relationships
A key principle in Valderrama’s career is transparency. He believes trust is built by being open about the strengths and limitations of any solution. Rather than making inflated promises to secure a deal, Valderrama focuses on giving clients realistic expectations.
“Sometimes clients have high hopes for what a product can do, and it’s important to give them all the facts,” he explains. “Even if it means they choose another option, it’s more important to build trust.”
For Valderrama, successful partnerships come from this type of openness, where clients feel confident in making informed decisions.
“It’s not about telling people what they want to hear but giving them the information they need to build a relationship based on trust.”
A practical approach to leadership
Valderrama’s leadership style is shaped by a practical, strategic mindset. Early in his career, a mentor at ABLOY encouraged him to turn his ideas into concrete plans.
“It seemed like a simple suggestion at the time,” Valderrama recalls, “but it changed how I approach every project. It’s about taking broad objectives and breaking them down into clear, manageable actions.”
This methodical approach guides Valderrama’s leadership today. He encourages continuous learning within his team, regularly sharing resources like podcasts, articles, and books to foster development.
“Improvement isn’t just about hitting targets,” he says. “It’s about making steady progress every day.”
Innovation on the horizon
Looking ahead, Valderrama sees significant changes on the horizon for the security industry. Advancements in AI, 5G, and IoT are likely to reshape the way security solutions function, making them more efficient and adaptable.
“The ability to collect and analyze data in real-time will change how we manage security,” Valderrama notes. “These technologies will help us create systems that respond more intelligently to risks.”
In addition to technological innovation, Valderrama is also focused on practical advancements in energy solutions, such as longer-lasting batteries and self-harvesting power sources. As the Regional Director of ALCEA, he is working to introduce products like ABLOY PULSE across Latin America, helping the region adopt more advanced security solutions.
“We’re in a position to innovate and grow,” he says. “It’s an exciting time for the industry.”
A life with purpose
Despite the demands of his leadership role, Valderrama maintains a strong focus on balance. Every Saturday morning, he heads out for an early hike in the mountains near Bogotá, a routine he has followed for years.
“It’s a way to clear my mind and recharge,” he explains. “By 8 a.m., I’m back home and ready to spend time with my family.”
As a father of two teenage daughters, Valderrama believes in leading by example. He hopes to show his children the value of discipline and perseverance in achieving goals.
“If my daughters see me staying focused on what matters and putting in consistent effort, I believe that’s the most meaningful lesson I can give them – live a life with purpose.”