Deborah Toppins is a NASRO Certified Police Captain based in Laurel, Maryland. Deborah has received certification as a field training officer, gang instructor, and police instructor. With experience working in school security as a police investigator for over 20 years and in corrections for 3 years, Deborah has received the Investigator of The Year award from (From?) in (year). Alongside her career in law enforcement, Deborah has several projects related to real estate investment.
Deborah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from (University), receiving Summa Cum Laude Honors at the highest distinction. Outside her career, Deborah is a mother of one and a dog mom of a Goldendoodle. Deborah loves music and attends concerts regularly in her free time.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My typical day involves ensuring that each school has appropriate security or police coverage, responding to any issues or concerns that arise throughout the day, and maintaining clear communication with various stakeholders. To stay productive, I set short-term goals and try to make progress or complete tasks each day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I bring ideas to life by discussing with colleagues to refine and develop the concept. Sometimes implement the idea within small circles first to evaluate its effectiveness. I then weigh the pros and cons, considering any potential unintended consequences. Once the idea is implemented at any level, I seek feedback to assess its impact and make adjustments as needed to ensure its success.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the increased emphasis on increased training.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Maintaining consistency while remaining open-minded and humble. I also regularly self-evaluate to identify areas for improvement and stay aligned with my goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise my younger self to be more confident and don’t be afraid to go after your goals. Be willing to speak up and share your opinion.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you.
While I don’t have anything extreme, I am big on accountability for all employees.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Self-evaluation, and asking others for their opinions and input.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take a step back, go for a walk, or play some music.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being relatable and open to others’ views and opinions. I educate others on the difference between wants and needs, perception and reality, and rumor versus fact. I am also willing to put in extra time and effort at the start of a project. It pays off.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I wouldn’t necessarily call anything a failure, but I have spent a lot of time and money on things that, in hindsight, weren’t necessary but this allowed me to learn from each of those situations.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Investing in lawyers or consultants to avoid some mistakes is worth it.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I love Google products, which I use for just about everything—especially Google Sheets.
What is the best $100 you recently spent?
The best $100 I recently spent was on a leadership conference. The presenter shared a copy of his book, which offered great ideas I could implement in full or adapt to my needs. The event also allowed me to network with others in my field.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Family Business—it highlights the challenges and dynamics of bringing together different personalities and the consequences when they don’t align. The series explores themes of loyalty in various scenarios and relationships, making it both relatable and thought-provoking.