In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Kevin Palacios from HELPS Security, a company that provides highly effective protection services throughout Latin America. The conversation explores a variety of topics, including the evolving impact of social media on the executive protection industry, navigating challenges in volatile regions, and the importance of maintaining strategic and tactical skills. Kevin shares insights on the importance of building long-standing relationships through industry networking, the rising influence of China in Latin America, and the essential role of social media for the younger generation. They also delve into the socioeconomic and political landscapes of Latin American countries and their implications for security professionals. Kevin emphasizes the necessity for the industry to adapt to new technologies like AI and to adopt broader strategic conversations to enhance the value of protection services.

Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Social Media's Influence: Social media has significantly changed the landscape of executive protection and how professionals in the industry interact and present themselves.
   
• Industry Adaptation: Adapting to social media while maintaining professionalism and operational security is crucial.
   
• Networking and Relationships: Building long-term, trust-based relationships in the security industry is essential for sustained business success.
   
• Global Challenges: The security landscape varies greatly across different regions, with unique challenges in places like Latin America.
   
• Continuous Learning: Volunteering, ongoing education, and participation in professional organizations like ASIS can significantly enhance one's career and network.
   
• Emphasizing Strategic Thinking: The need for a shift in the executive protection industry towards more strategic and data-driven approaches.

QUOTES

• "Social media can reinforce the stereotype of executive protection as overly tactical."
   
• "You couldn't really do anything to get in trouble with really. And then all of a sudden Facebook launched and nobody really put anything out there."
   
• "The more I give, the more time I spend, the more I engage with members, assisting them... I get to know people on a different level."
   
• "Understanding that EP has a more strategic side is something important."
   
• "If you don’t build relationships, the calls will not come in."

Get to know more about Kevin Palacios through the link below.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachseguridad/

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