The Curiosity Advantage
The electronic security industry isn’t slowing down—and neither are your customers, competitors, or operating costs.
Today, you are expected to grow recurring revenue, adopt new technology, retain talent, and differentiate in an increasingly crowded market—often with fewer people and tighter margins. You don’t need an innovation department to succeed, but you do need a better way to see what others are missing.
In this high-energy, business-focused keynote, bestselling author Diana Kander shows how curiosity becomes a competitive advantage for security integrators who want to grow smarter—not riskier. Based on The Curiosity Muscle, this session delivers practical tools leaders can use immediately to uncover blind spots, challenge outdated assumptions, and identify new opportunities hiding inside their existing business.
This is not theory or “blue-sky” innovation. It’s about asking better questions—of your customers, your team, and your operations—to drive differentiation, efficiency, and sustainable growth.
Attendees will leave ESX thinking differently about their business, spotting opportunities faster, and leading teams that adapt before they’re forced to.
About This Speaker
Diana Kander is an innovation nerd – she spent the first decade of her career as an entrepreneur, launching 10 companies in 10 years, while selling millions of dollars of products and services.
She spent the next decade coaching innovators inside large organizations; at one point she served as the innovation coach for the executive team of a $100 million dollar project.
Key Takeaways:
Turn curiosity into a business discipline that keeps your company competitive
Avoid the “expert trap” that causes companies to miss opportunities
Ask better customer-focused questions that lead to stronger positioning
Build a culture of practical innovation that delivers results
True creative work exists in the gap between what you have and what you think you need. The ESX Keynote Luncheon will provide the tools your team needs to become more innovative.
The 2026 Sara Jackson Award Winner Will Be Presented
The Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award, which honors the memory of the 1950-51 ESA President, recognizes an ESA volunteer who has exhibited exceptional leadership skills on an ESA committee, task force or board.
The award is graciously sponsored by Telguard, ESA’s exclusive Platinum Executive Strategic Partner.
ESX Opening Keynote Luncheon
The 2026 ESX Keynote Luncheon is held on the ESX Main Stage. Come here for inspiration, motivation, and networking with like-minded electronic security and life safety peers. Just steps away from the expo floor, this interactive session will reveal tactics for motivating a more productive team. Access to this luncheon is included with Executive, Deluxe, and Expo Plus passes. Register five or more people and receive 10% off, or register 10 or more people and receive 20% off. Secure your spot today and take advantage of these savings.
