In Season 2, Episode 4 of Fortify Your Future, Ken Carrasco speaks with veteran security leader John Rodriguez about why the future of security leadership depends less on tools and more on culture. Drawing from 40+ years in corporate security and consulting, John explains how employee engagement, talent retention, and trust are the true outcomes business leaders care about—and how security professionals can deliver them by mastering both the technical “science” of security and the human “art” of connection.

https://www.EmpathicSecurityCultures.com

Connect with John on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rodriguez-ma/

Link to article:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/john-rodriguez-ma_asis-article-activity-7356712913572651009-zRAb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAHjLwBkrcJl3oyxl6r-T0GuO-f4wiCx0M

In this episode of Fortify Your Future, host Ken Carrasco speaks with Mark Ledlow, a seasoned professional in the executive protection industry. Mark shares his journey from a hotshot firefighter to a leader in corporate security, emphasizing the importance of networking, personal development, and understanding the motivations of the next generation in the workforce. He discusses actionable insights for career transitions, the significance of building relationships, and the evolving landscape of the security industry. Mark also highlights the future of his business, Ledlow Security Group, and the opportunities that lie ahead in a changing world.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-ledlow-a3498412/

Get your FREE eBook, discount code mentioned in the podcast:

https://kencarrasco.gumroad.com/

In this episode of Fortify Your Future, host Ken Carrasco interviews Nick Berberian, president and managing partner of Global Secure 3. They discuss Nick's extensive career in the security industry, his transition from military to corporate roles, and the importance of adaptability and leadership. Nick shares valuable insights on mentorship, networking, and the future of security services, particularly in Latin America.

Takeaways- Adaptability- Leadership- Strategic Expansion- Risk Management- Team Empowerment

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasberberian/

Ken Carrasco introduces Season Two of the podcast, focusing on authenticity, branding, career management, and leadership development. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in the age of AI and highlights the challenges and strategies for transitioning to the private sector. The episode also features book recommendations and acknowledgments.

GET YOUR FREE EBOOK:https://kencarrasco.gumroad.com/
Use discount code: FORTIFY

Leslie Rubin's Book, "Filling the Leadership Gap" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/45306hK

Bryan Banta's Book, "Leadership Uncomplicated" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/4bsF8wB

Michael Gips Book, "It's Not in the Manual" on Amazon:https://amzn.to/3LsbJYQ

In this episode of Fortify Your Future, host Ken Carrasco speaks with Michael Gips, a prominent figure in security and risk management, about his new book, 'It's Not in the Manual: Real World Leadership for Security and Risk Professionals.' They discuss the concept of whole of person leadership, the role of volunteerism in accelerating leadership skills, the importance of thought leadership in today's competitive marketplace, and the ongoing struggle for security professionals to gain a seat at the executive table. Michael shares insights from his extensive experience and offers actionable advice for professionals looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Connect with Michael Gips on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgips/

Link to order his new book on Amazon:

https://amzn.to/4qAbeLt

In this episode of Fortify Your Future, host Ken Carrasco engages with Greg Schneider, a seasoned expert in safety and security, to discuss the complexities surrounding recent terrorist acts, particularly the Bondi Beach shooting. They explore the political failures that contribute to such incidents, the importance of understanding community risks, and the need for effective leadership in safety and security. The conversation emphasizes the empowerment of communities to protect themselves and the necessity of addressing uncomfortable topics in the pursuit of safety.Connect with Greg on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsprotection/Security Consulting & Intelligence Services:https://battletestedsolutions.com/

In this episode of Fortify Your Future, host Ken Carrasco speaks with Solveiga Jaskunas about her mission to inspire others through mentorship, branding, and cross-cultural communication. Solveiga shares her personal journey as an immigrant and the challenges she faced in navigating a new culture. They discuss the importance of mentorship in professional growth, the need for individuals to build their personal brand, and the significance of understanding cultural differences in the workplace. Solveiga also introduces her upcoming coaching program aimed at fostering collaboration and learning among diverse groups.Connect with Solveiga on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveigajaskunas/

Bryan Banta returns to the podcast for the fifth, and final episode, of a five-part series to dive deeper into his new book, "Leadership Uncomplicated". This episode is dedicated to Building Relationships.

Bryan's book is now available on Amazon:https://amzn.to/4lJ7S6g

Connect with Bryan on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanbanta/

I interview Ellen Steverson who is the founder of StartingBlock Career Services LLC and a 5X-certified Career Management Expert, Conference Speaker, Author, and Career Strategist with over 15 years of experience helping professionals, corporations, and universities strengthen their careers, programs, and leadership presence. She’s a featured ASIS International and Global Security Exchange (GSX) speaker and Career HQ resume coach. Recently, she presented at the ASIS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter’s NextGen Symposium. Ellen has partnered with many industry-leading organizations, including the National Résumé Writers’ Association, where she serves as a long-time conference presenter, instructor, course creator, and training facilitator. Her work extends beyond the stage, she’s the co-author of Solutions for Starting Your Federal Career Transition and co-host of the podcast Unsolved Mysteries of Resume Writing, both focused on real-world career challenges and growth. Known for her direct, engaging, and results-driven approach, Ellen helps professionals advance through powerful career management coaching, career marketing documents, and networking strategies. Her upcoming book, Working to Winning: Proven Career Management Strategies to Boldly Shape and Strengthen Your Future, debuts in early 2026.Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellensteverson/

I interview Peter L. Morton, a senior security executive with over 20 years of global experience leading complex risk mitigation efforts across corporate, government, and high-threat environments. Peter's background spans Fortune 100s like Amazon and J.P. Morgan, military intelligence leadership, and high-level consulting for executive protection, travel risk, and crisis response across five continents.Connect w/Pete on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-l-m...Morton Executive Decisions:https://www.predictprotection.com/