Global Ops Podcast

Join host Steve Albritton, and his special guest (and Aussie) Troy Claydon in a deep dive into the world of Security Operations in Australia. These two have supported private clients together ranging from urban Sidney, to the great wilds down under. Listen in to hear about their past security operations, and perspective on travel and supporting clients in Australia.

Whether you are making a visit to Sydney, the Gold Coast, or visiting Ayers Rock (Mt. Uluru), Steve and Troy have some fun tips, tricks and stories to share.  As an Australian native, Troy gives his valuable insight and experience on how to effectively support clients while traveling throughout Australia.

Australia has some unique aspects that both travelers and security providers alike should be aware of, including the importance of providing medical support in a country that is almost the size of the U.S.  With only 23 million people but being the sixth largest country on the planet (and the majority of the landscape being mostly rural outback), Troy and Steve will talk you through the specifics of how to mitigate risk for yourself and your clients.  

Join your Host Steve Albritton and guest Ricardo Cruz as they discuss their travels to Brazil. In a country with 209 million people, and one of the largest land masses on the planet, there is ample opportunity for travel and adventure, but not without some very real security considerations to prepare for.

Steve's guest Ricardo is a former special forces officer in the Peruvian Navy, and is an experienced Executive Protection operator working throughout South America. Steve and Ricardo supported the same high profile client during the 2016 Rio Olympics where they traveled extensively around the Pantanal in pursuit of jaguars, as well as around the Amazon and beyond to help their client experience the best of Brazil.

Hear their perspective about security details both big and small, and particularly the unique aspects of operating in Brazil from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo as well as throughout the Amazon basin.  From whether or not you need armored vehicles, to a conversation about how top-tier security teams address medical and evacuation challenges. This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about a trip to Brazil. While it's one of the most gorgeous countries on the planet, there are very real security challenges that need to be front and center for those thinking about traveling to this incredible place.

On this episode of The Global Ops Podcast, we head to London with native son Si Elliott. We could spend a whole season talking about secure travel in greater London, and this is our inaugural London episode, with more to come.

We thought we'd start with the basics. Getting around England's largest city can be challenging, and as a security operator there are some critical tips and tricks that you should know to help you as you support your clients. Don't bank on renting a big black Escalade over in London, the Tube and black taxis are going to be your next best friends!

From arrivals at various regional airports, and transportation options once you're there, this episode will give you some great insights into the logistics of getting from A to B.

This is a great one for operators as its an in depth logistics overview of this important city. In addition to adding his local's perspective on London, Si is ex British Army, and team leader for US DOD in Iraq where he was decorated with the Defense of Freedom Medal, as well as a seasoned CP operator.

Tune in, and let us know what other topics you'd like to hear us dive into on future episodes!

Steve and Nick Bay have traveled and worked together many times through-out the continent of Africa in support of high-net worth clients.  Nick Bay is one of the most seasoned Safari guides and trip planners in Africa.  Be a fly on the wall while they discuss some of the security complications and nuances of Kenya travel.  Kenya has been in the news for many years, due to known terrorist attacks and US State Department precautions.   Steve and Nick  discuss how to travel in this unique and beautiful country, how best to support clients, and share some proven work-arounds that will help you ensure  a successful business or holiday trip in Kenya.  The fact is that the majority of Kenya is very safe, and provides many  extraordinary wildlife safari experiences once you understand how to navigate large cities like Nairobi and Mombasa.  

Kenya is a gateway country for many of Africa’s most poplular destinations. Chances are, whether you are planning a trip to Tanzania’s Mt, Kilimanjaro or any of the surrounding east African countries, you will have to navigate through Kenya first.  Get some insight and specific information whether you are an Executive Protection team planning your advance operations or a perspective client wanting to visit East Africa.

Our Guest today is Nick Bay of Your Private Africa,where he designs customized travel experiences to Africa.

Host Steve Albritton is the Founder and CEO of OPStructure, a strategic executive protection and security consulting firm providing secure travel services to highly discerning clients. With a background in both military and law enforcement, Steve has developed and managed EP teams at the highest levels of the industry.  With over 15 years in global private sector security, he has directly supported some of the most selective and high profile clients in the world.  Steve is a content expert on the ASIS Executive Protection Council. You can find Steve at OPStructure.

Join Steve And Dave Atkinson while they discuss travel and security issues in Venice, Italy.  These two have traveled together in Venice many times, and have a deep knowledge of what it takes for a successful trip.  Whether supporting clients for the International Film Festival, Carnival, or just for fun, Venice offers bucket-list experiences, history, beauty, and unique logistical challenges. Listen in, as Steve and Dave chat about popular events and activities in Venice, and how  high-net worth clients are supported in this incredible destination. Venice is not only a stunning, cultural mecca, but it’s also a city that presents some very unique challenges for security and event providers (think water!).

Dave and Steve break down some of the challenges they’ve encountered,  and discuss things like water-taxis and transportation when navigating the area.  They also chat about Yacht operations, Helicopter’s and medical options while supporting clients.  They cover general crime stats and what to look out for while you’re there, whether you’re a security team setting up for clients to arrive, or a family/individual planning a trip.

If you, your company, family, or student is considering a trip to Peru, join Steve Albritton and Ricardo Cruz on the Global OPS Podcast while they dive into an informative and fun conversation about the travel and security aspects of visiting Peru. Whether for work, or for play, this episode will have some great stuff for you! This episode will give you  insights into traveling in Peru and the surrounding area, and highlights some important considerations that you need to know when planning a visit. As usual, the conversation will give you unique perspective into how the top-tier global protection operatives support their clients in places like Peru, and you will learn some great tips that Ricardo and Steve share from their experiences supporting high-net worth individuals and companies. This episode covers the things you want to know about;  ground transportation, air travel, customs and immigration, lodging preferences and in-country medical capabilities. Steve and Ricardo also discuss risk mitigation factors concerning high-threat/crime areas and how to avoid making mistakes when traveling in Peru.

Whether you are thinking about Machu Pichu or Lima, or the space in between, you won’t want to miss this one!

What do Baseball, Rum, and the Buena Vista Social Club have in common?  Apart from being among many of our favorite hobbies and past times, they are all an integral part of the fascinating fabric of Cuba.  For our inaugural episode of The Global Ops Podcast, we chose to focus on one of our lesser-known and understood neighbors, but one that offers incredible culture, tastes and experiences; Cuba. From a Protection Practitioner’s perspective, Cuba has some interesting nuances and possible challenges that you MUST know before going. Whether you are traveling yourself, or you are supporting a client or event in this often-misunderstood country, my guest Jose’ Calero and I have got you covered.

Jose’ is an experienced Executive Protection professional,  born in Cuba, and immigrated to the States at age 10. He’s had the chance to return numerous times on Protection Details and has a wealth of experience and local knowledge about all the ‘to do’s, and NOT to do’.

Cuba is clearly a country where having a local help guide you in your trip planning is going to be a critical component to your overall experience. For example, did you know that you shouldn’t plan to drive in Cuba? The concept of a ‘fender bender’ can take on a whole new meaning in a place like Cuba, where you are expected to fully compensate (in cash) any damages or injuries on the spot! Yipe.

Logistical challenges like that are exactly what Executive and Close Protection professionals are paid to deal with. And the rewards of a good site advance, solid planning, and use of local connections can net you or your clients an amazing experience. Jose tells us about an awesome backstage experience he shared with a client and the Grammy -award winning band, The Buena Vista Social Club. Cigar plantation tours, rum distilleries, baseball games, beaches and fishing. These all await you in Cuba, and you can enjoy them hassle free…but only if you are prepared.

Another unique facet of Cuba that we cover relates to the fact that cash is king in Cuba. You’ve got it. No credit cards for us Americans. When you have to bring all the cash you intend to spend with you on a trip, that changes the details immensely! No ATM’s, no quick wire of backup cash. Learn Jose’s tips and tricks for the best spots to exchange your dollars or Euro’s, as well as some other great suggestions to ensure you are prepared for your visit.

We cover travel Visa’s, interactions with the U.S.Embassy, and general travel advisories to consider if you are thinking about a trip to Cuba.  Communications is another significant barrier that you will need to plan for. And for those of you accustomed to bringing a sat phone with you on trips like this, forget about it You don’t want to be in hot water with the local officials, and some of our industry’s most common tools of the trade will land you there before you know it! Do you normally use a GPS? Not in Cuba you don’t! Another potential breach of local protocol.

But, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Jose and I cover the various options that will help you stay in communication, and ensure you know where you’re headed while traveling in Cuba.