After earning several commendations as a police officer, Sruthy Kuruvilla entered the security field. He serves as the US security manager for McDonald’s USA in Atlanta, overseeing comprehensive crime and loss prevention programs for various divisions and coordinating with law enforcement agencies on incident responses. Sruthy Kuruvilla also owns a Kiddie Academy franchise for children under 12.
Then, after serving as an undercover operative for a large metropolitan police force, Mr. Kuruvilla became a regional loss prevention manager for Liberty Tire Recycling in Atlanta in 2013. Taking responsibility for over 5,000 locations, Mr. Kuruvilla organized security checks to prevent customer and employee theft. Then, he became the chief of safety and security for the Atlanta Retailers Association, overseeing video surveillance and alarm systems.
Later, Mr. Kuruvilla moved to Legacy Ventures, a hotel operator, where he served as corporate director of safety and security. He provided threat estimates to company staff and law enforcement and investigated computer system breaches and failures to follow safety procedures.
Mr. Kuruvilla earned a police officer of the month commendation and received an Honesty, Integrity, Respect, and Courage award. He is also certified in incident command systems. At Buffalo State College, he earned a BS and MS in criminal justice.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day usually starts with a quick check-in on emails and important security updates. I juggle corporate security tasks with entrepreneurial work, so I block out time for both. I like to stay organized, keeping a mix of strategic planning and hands-on tasks. Staying flexible is key—things come up, so I adapt and focus on what needs attention the most.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by brainstorming and doing some research to validate the idea. Once I feel confident, I break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Collaboration is crucial, so I reach out to people who can help fine-tune the concept. From there, it’s about taking action and iterating as I go.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m really excited about how artificial intelligence is reshaping security. Whether it’s improving risk assessments or enhancing surveillance systems, the potential to use AI for more proactive security measures is fascinating and could make a huge difference in corporate security.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Most of my work is on the go, but I like setting time aside to “crank” out work. It starts with a clean desk and checklist.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to take risks and embrace failure—it’s part of the learning process. I would also tell myself to be patient, as success doesn’t happen overnight. Every small step counts, so trust the process and keep pushing forward.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Debt or loans are not a bad thing if you can use it to generate positive cash flow.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Learning and experience doesn’t come from just the classroom or the workplace. Spend time with like-minded and diverse people so you can challenge each other’s ideas.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I shut it down, walk away. Usually, the solution comes when it’s just rolling around in the back of your mind.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Simple, just be a good and ethical person. I always approach problems from a common-sense perspective, rather than trying to find a policy.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
There have been times I didn’t get the promotion or an accolade I was pushing for. The lesson is to be patient and focus on the work, rather than the prize.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
If it’s not on my calendar, it’s not getting done. When you’re juggling career, business, and family, it’s easy to get pulled away unless you have structured days. I ask everyone to send calendar invites to make sure I don’t miss out.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The 1% Rule: How to Fall in Love with the Process and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams by Tommy Baker. It focuses on the process to achieve your goal.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Bad Boys— Even while doing a serious job, you have to figure out a way to have fun and make those around you laugh.
Key learnings
- Balance and Flexibility are Key to Productivity: You manage a mix of corporate security tasks and entrepreneurial work by staying organized with a strategic approach while remaining flexible. Also value structure, using calendars and checklists to stay on track.
- Learning and Adaptation Drive Success: Understand the importance of continuous learning, collaboration, and taking risks. Whether in business or personal growth, believe in embracing challenges, learning from failures, and seeking new experiences to keep evolving.
- Ethics and Common Sense Lead to Career Growth: Prioritize ethical behavior and common-sense approaches in solving problems—patience and focusing on the work, rather than the reward, are critical for long-term success in both your career and business.