Mission Protectas: Laurie Bayard

Who are you in a few words?

My name is Laurie Bayard. I’m originally from France, but I grew up in Zurich, immersed in both French and Swiss-German cultures – which gave me a strong sense of openness and adaptability.

After completing my studies in literature, I pursued a degree in international business. I started my career in the luxury sector, which eventually led me to Human Resources. I spent seven years working as an HR and recruitment assistant in an agency specialized in selective perfumery.

I’m passionate about travel and gastronomy – I love discovering new cultures through their culinary traditions. At home, cooking and hosting are more than just hobbies: they are moments of genuine sharing, where I enjoy delighting my guests with tasty dishes.

What motivated you to join Protectas?

After several years in the luxury industry, I wanted to shift towards something more meaningful and grounded. The exclusive nature of my previous work environment made me seek a company with more human-centered and committed values.

What attracted me to Protectas was its family spirit and strong commitment to inclusion and diversity – values that align closely with my own. This kind of culture fosters a collaborative and caring workplace where everyone belongs.

I was also drawn to Protectas' dedication to employee development and growth. Putting people at the heart of the company’s strategy and promoting internal talent are key aspects for me – that’s why joining Protectas felt like the right step.

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas?

I started in 2022 as a Recruitment Officer in our Geneva office.

At the time, I was lucky to join a newly formed recruitment team – it was both a challenge and an opportunity. Together, we were responsible for restructuring the service and implementing an innovative recruitment approach to meet our clients’ needs.

One of my first assignments was recruiting security agents for the migration assistance department. This experience allowed me to strengthen my skills in recruitment strategy and cross-functional collaboration, while learning to quickly adapt to market demands.

What are your responsibilities today?

Over time, my role has evolved and become quite diverse.
With the team, we managed the recruitment of auxiliary profiles for major events in Geneva, organizing large group recruitment sessions.

These sessions allowed us to assess many candidates quickly and effectively. The dynamic setting helped us engage motivated individuals and build a diverse team with talents from all backgrounds.

I also had the opportunity to work on cross-functional HR projects with our Zurich and Bern branches. In this context, I helped share best practices in recruitment, which not only strengthened our internal cohesion but also improved our processes based on local needs.

I was also involved in launching our TikTok account for employer branding – a great learning experience in producing engaging and authentic content while enhancing the company’s employer image.

Today, I work closely with senior management on various recruitments for Protectas SA and Protectas Technology, covering a wide range of roles – from management and administrative positions to technical roles.

This enriching role gives me a broader and more strategic view of the company’s needs and allows me to actively contribute to its growth.

What do you like most about your job?

Above all, I love human connection – helping people find the right opportunity.

I also enjoy building strong relationships with candidates, understanding their background and aspirations, and guiding them toward a role that truly fits them.

Recently, I took on the role of diversity and inclusion ambassador – a mission close to my heart. It allows me to contribute to a more open and inclusive workplace, highlighting the richness of different profiles and experiences.

What’s your biggest challenge and how do you deal with it?

One of our main challenges is reducing turnover by building a strong onboarding culture.

We focus on employee retention from day one – with structured onboarding, tailored training plans, and internal career development.

The goal is to create an environment where people feel engaged and committed for the long term.

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness)

Helpfulness and integrity are values I truly identify with.

Helpfulness, because I enjoy supporting others – whether it’s guiding candidates or being there for colleagues.

Integrity, because I strive to ensure that every employee has equal opportunities, always acting with transparency and fairness.

These values are, to me, essential for building trust and creating a healthy and motivating workplace.

How do you feel about being a woman in your profession?

Working in HR usually means being in a predominantly female field – in fact, I would welcome more male colleagues to bring more diversity to the team.

At Protectas, I mostly work in a male environment, and I feel perfectly integrated and respected. My colleagues have always been welcoming, and this positive dynamic makes for enriching and complementary exchanges every day.

What advice would you give to women who want to work in the security field?

Go for it! As a woman, don’t hesitate to enter the security sector.

It’s a dynamic and multifaceted industry, where discipline and innovation go hand in hand – and where everyone can find their place.

Believe in your skills and your value – don’t doubt your legitimacy.

Your expertise is truly needed in this demanding and exciting field.