Conversations in Close Protection

As the busy season kicks off, the team pauses to reflect on two significant industry events they recently attended. They dive into their experiences at the annual Threat Management Conference  (TMC) hosted by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and CTG's 8th Annual Physical Cyber Convergence Forum in Phoenix. Both gatherings offered invaluable networking opportunities, thought-provoking discussions, and insightful conversations, proving worth the investment. Also discussed is Presage Global's recent LinkedIn EP Industry Training Survey.

Join the discussion and let us know if you attended - [email protected]

The CiCP team takes time out of their summer travels to discuss recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, recent global network issues, and revelations about North Korean agents working inside well-known cybersecurity companies.

Don't forget to rate us and send us your comments to [email protected]

The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton, who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Chief Security Officer, joins the team for a dynamic discussion.

Gathered around the digital campfire, the team discusses:

• The current heightened state of alert at US facilities across EuropeUSoming Olympics, Para Olympics, and the Eurocup
• The complex operating environment in Mexico
• Where is the Wagner Group, one year after their "mutiny" attempt
• Chiquita Brands Columbian woes
• Stage Jumpers
• And more...

Send us your thoughts at [email protected] and join the conversation

Uriah Riley's journey in the close protection industry illustrates his unwavering dedication to learning and growth. While many individuals transition from the military to the private sector, Uriah took the opposite path. He entered the Air Force Reserves after embarking on a career in protective operations, seeking to expand his expertise in the industry. His military (and policing) background is a distinguished credential and a valuable asset, providing him with crucial training, knowledge, and networks, and a set of highly transferable skills that ensure his competence and effectiveness in both military and civilian contexts.

The CiCP team discusses Uriah's path, protective operations, the importance of mentorship and coaching for personal long-term strategic growth, and his observations on risks he sees from his perspective as a public and private military intelligence profesisonal... and what a 38-year-old does in basic training!

All this and more...  give us your perspective at [email protected]

Note: All comments in the show represent the opinions of the team and the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect their affiliations with any organization.

Security oversight is a double-edged sword, with many in the industry juggling roles as practitioners and administrators. Even within larger organizations that support distinct leadership functions, those in middle management often find themselves balancing hands-on tasks with supervisory responsibilities.

Join the team as they catch up with Eablement Advisors' Ivor Terret. Long overdue, Ivor talks about the plight of management and how he sees the industry moving to support the shifting paradigm towards "at the speed of business."

How do you juggle the administrivia with the day-to-day work? Tell us at [email protected]

Get ready for a compelling blend of global affairs and lively conversation! We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Treston Wheat, the mastermind behind the acclaimed 'Geopolitics and Gin' blog. Dr. Wheat, a security expert and our favorite PhD, will guide us through today's most pressing geopolitical issues, offering insights for protectors and leaders alike. 

Join us as we unpack complex challenges and potential solutions while raising a glass (or two) with the good Doctor. 

Expect a thought-provoking discussion alongside Dr. Wheat's favorite gin concoctions and other libations.

Find Geopolitics and Gin here.  - https://tinyurl.com/yu4emjur 

Give us your thoughts at [email protected]

The ides of March are here, and, accordingly, the CiCP team is taking time to break down some recent news regarding the threatscape. This time, they deep dive into:

• Threats against healthcare systems, CA Senate bill 553 (or is it 533!?!)
• Asymmetric threats posed by digital risks such as AI or Deepfakes
• Using software aimed at other industries (like advertising) can be utilized in the targeting space
• Network outages and your PACE plan
• Foreign Agents operating on US soil
• Significant events - elections, Olympics
• and much more...

It's another full round of shop talk. Join the conversation at [email protected]

The CiCP team is privileged to have Ivan Ivanovich, a renowned protector who advocates for a proactive, intelligence-driven approach emphasizing prevention and readiness. From his extensive executive protection experience across diverse regions like the Balkans and Latin America, Ivan offers a unique perspective. He argues that the traditional image of bodyguards with armored vehicles and weapons needs to be matured.

Our discussion centers on Ivan's book, "Executive Protection in the 21st Century: A New Vision," exploring the shifting threats faced by executives, the role of technology in modern protection, and the significance of cultural awareness in a globalized context. Tune in as we delve into Ivan's insights on proactive risk mitigation and navigating the dynamic landscape of executive protection. 

[email protected]

Ivan's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Protection-21st-Century-vision/dp/8419808210

Metrics are an essential tool for measuring performance, efficiency, and reliability in any organization, big or small. However, getting started with metrics can be daunting. In this episode, the team speaks with Jim McConnell, a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience managing security organizations. Jim shares his expertise in defining and using metrics in a security organization. So, grab your pencil and enjoy the conversation!

Also, if you're interested in learning more about converged security metrics, be sure to reach out to Jim at [email protected] and mention this podcast for a free PDF copy of top EP metrics from his book, "Converged Security Metrics: A Top 25 Set of Solutions.

Happy MMXXIV. After a much-needed break from the action, the team returns with thoughts on immediate risks, opportunities, and issues affecting the protective risk community. The new year comes out of the gate, looking much like the one we just left. What should you be thinking about as we roll into 2024! [email protected]