ISMA Ignite Program
Fostering Leadership Excellence in Corporate Security & Resilience

Cohort 1: October 2025 - June 2026 

Tailored specifically for security professionals on the path to becoming Chief Security Officers (CSOs), ISMA Ignite offers the tools, networks, and expertise needed to take your career to the next level.

  • A transformational 9-month program designed to accelerate the leadership journey of rising corporate security leaders, equipping them with the skills, networks, and strategic insights to shape the future of corporate security and resilience.  
  • A focused cohort of 40 rising security leaders, offering personalized attention, collaborative growth, and opportunities to learn from top industry experts.
  • Open to leaders (below the CSO level) working for ISMA member companies. 
  • Applications close July 11, 2025 - please read the full program information in the accordion below before submitting an application. You can also download the full program brochure here. 

Ready to Apply?

  • Click the "Apply Now" button below to pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.

  • Your payment confirmation will include a link to the application form.

  • The application form contains 4 questions requiring narrative answers of no more than 350-600 words. You should review the application questions, draft them in a word processing platform, and then copy and paste them into the application form. You must complete the form in one sitting so feel free to come back to it when you're ready to submit.

  • Applications close July 11, 2025, and successful applicants will be informed of acceptance no later than August 15, 2025.

APPLY NOW

Key Benefits of the Ignite Program

  • Professional Growth: Workshops, leadership development training, and curated resources to advance their capabilities.

  • Networking Opportunities: Regular engagement with peers and seasoned leaders through virtual platforms and events.

  • Exclusive Access: Privileged access to ISMA resources, tools, and select conferences tailored for emerging leaders in the field.

Program Components

  1. Conference Participation: A cornerstone of the program, the program year will kick off with a 1.5 day meeting in London October 28-29, 2025. Attendance at this conference is mandatory for program participation.

  2. Monthly Activities: Exclusive in-person events and interactive virtual sessions designed to address real-world challenges, develop leadership skills, and foster connections.

  3. Digital Resources: Access to a closed messaging group with other cohort members, benchmarking resources through the ISMA office, post-ISMA member meeting whitepapers, and direct communications from ISMA about programs and opportunities for emerging leaders.

  4. ISMA Member Meeting: Participants will be invited to attend an evening reception and an academic track at the ISMA Member Meeting in June 2026.

Who Should Apply?

Eligibility Criteria 

Employment & Nomination

  • Candidates must be employed by an ISMA member organization, and applications must be supported by the relevant ISMA member at the same.

Demonstrated Performance & Leadership Potential

  • Candidates should have a proven track record of high performance in their current and/or previous roles.

  • They should demonstrate the capacity to lead complex projects, teams, or initiatives within the corporate security function.

  • They should show potential to advance into senior leadership roles within the next 5-10 years.

Strategic & Global Mindset

  • Candidates should demonstrate awareness of global security issues and the strategic dimensions of the corporate security function.

  • Exposure to or interest in working across regions, cultures, or business units is encouraged.

Commitment to Professional Growth

  • Candidates should demonstrate a strong desire for personal and professional development and be willing to actively engage in the year-long cohort experience.

Time & Engagement Commitment

  • Candidates should make best efforts to attend all scheduled cohort activities, including virtual sessions, in-person events, and project work. Attendance at the kick-off meeting in London in October 2025 is mandatory. Please consider applying in a future year if you cannot attend.

  • Estimated monthly time investment: 2 hours/month, to be confirmed in program documentation.

Investment

There is a $100 non-refundable administrative fee for all applications.

For accepted participants there is a $1,150 program investment, which covers:

  • Conference fee for ISMA Ignite Kickoff Conference in London, October 28-29, 2025. ($950 value)

  • Complimentary invitation to attend the virtual portion of ISMA’s January 2026 Member Meeting. ($850 value)

  • Complimentary attendance at the ISMA Annual Reception. ($100 value)

  • Quarterly virtual programming.

  • Access to ISMA Ignite’s digital resources.

Participants are expected to fund travel and expenses for in-person programming.

 Additional optional fee programming

  • Academic track for emerging leaders at the ISMA June 2026 Member Meeting (U.S. location and registration fee TBA).

Application & Selection Process

  • The application period will close on July 11, 2025.

  • To be considered, applicants must complete a registration form and pay the required administrative fee; they will then complete the application form which requires short written statements detailing their background, experience, and desire to participate in the program.

  • A committee of ISMA members will review each application and select candidates based on the eligibility criteria above. Emphasis will be placed on their alignment with ISMA's values and objectives, demonstrated leadership skills/potential, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to both ISMA and the wider security industry. Final selection of participants is wholly at the discretion of the Selection Committee.

  • The cohort is limited to 40 places. Applicants will be informed of their acceptance by August 15, 2025.

Confidentiality & Integrity

ISMA is an organization with the highest standards of trust and confidentiality. Like all ISMA programming, everything under the Ignite Program umbrella is conducted under the principles of Chatham House. Additionally, all participants must adhere to ISMA's Code of Conduct, maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and respect throughout the program.

Ready to Apply?

  • Click the "apply now" below to pay the $100 application fee.

  • Your payment confirmation will include a link to the application form.

  • The application form contains 4 questions requiring narrative answers of no more than 350-600 words. You should review the application questions, draft them in Word or a similar platform, and then copy and paste them into the application form.  You must complete the form in one sitting.

  • Successful applicants will be informed of acceptance no later than August 15, 2025.

APPLY NOW

Questions?

FAQs:

  • The ISMA website wants me to log in, but I'm not a member. If you have not attended an ISMA event in the past, you will need to register on the website. Enter your email address in the "New Users/Non-Members" section of the sign in page to complete the registration process.

  • How do I know if I work for an ISMA member company? You can view a list of current ISMA member companies here. This list is not for download or distribution. 

  • What if I can't attend in 2025-26? We hope this will be an annual program, so stay tuned!

Still have questions? Email ISMA's Director of Education, Molly Jin.