The Professionals Podcast

How Do You Outthink Unthinkable Threats? Ask Bart E. Womack.


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PARENTAL ADVISORY: EXPLICIT CONTENT 
This episode contains mature subjects. Listener discretion is advised.

What does it take to stay one step ahead of a crisis—and how can those same skills help in any career? Hosts Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim talk with Bart Womack, a retired Command Sergeant Major and security expert, about insider threats, situational awareness, and leadership under pressure.

Bart shares hard-earned lessons from a traumatic insider attack, revealing the critical skills that make a difference in security careers—and any profession that requires quick thinking, risk assessment, and decisive action. Whether you're considering a career in security or looking for practical leadership insights, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stay sharp and prepared.

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Show Notes

  • Awareness and preparedness are crucial for survival.
  • Trust should be approached with caution.
  • Observing and reporting suspicious behavior can save lives.
  • Listening carefully can reveal potential threats.
  • There is no specific profile for potential attackers.
  • Situational awareness is a shared responsibility.
  • Military experiences provide valuable insights into security.
  • Education and training can empower individuals to act.
  • Preventative measures must evolve with changing threats. Identifying tattoos can hint at affiliations with organizations.
  • Background checks are limited in their effectiveness.
  • Manpower shortages in the military affect recruitment standards.
  • Situational awareness can prevent potential attacks.
  • Community members play a crucial role in safety.
  • Parents must monitor their children's environments for signs of violence.
  • Mental health issues are often linked to violent behavior.
  • Gun ownership requires responsible education and monitoring.
  • Global perspectives on gun laws can inform local policies.
  • Continuous education is vital for those in security careers.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Unthinkable: Insider Threats in the Workplace
  • 01:59 Bart Womack's Mission: Security Awareness and Preparedness
  • 06:03 Lessons from Combat: Recognizing Insider Threats
  • 09:56 Strategies for Prevention: Trust, Observe, and Report
  • 18:52 The Evolving Nature of Threats: Military Insights and Adaptations
  • 22:5 6Identifying Red Flags in Military Personnel
  • 26:23 The Importance of Situational Awareness
  • 29:17 Strategies for Preventing Attacks
  • 32:29 Parental Responsibility in Gun Safety
  • 36:58 Global Perspectives on Gun Ownership
  • 40:50 Career Paths in Security and Safety Awareness
  • 43:43 Final Thoughts on Preparedness and Awareness

Links: 

  • Womack's Website: https://bartwomack.com/
  • Womack's latest book, Embedded Enemy: https://bartwomack.com/book/
  • Embedded Enemy, the movie: https://bartwomack.com/movie/
  • Womack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-womack-28170417/
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The Professionals PodcastBy The George Washington University College of Professional Studies