The Fearless Mindset

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Martin Culbreth, a former Marine and FBI agent who now holds a leadership role in corporate security at Smithfield Foods. They delve into handling workplace violence and the impact of remote work on security. Martin discusses the decline in workplace incidents due to remote work, transitioning from military and law enforcement to corporate security roles, and the challenges of maintaining security in various industries. The episode also explores the importance of aligning with company culture and the necessity of understanding risk acceptance within the corporate environment. The conversation offers invaluable advice for security professionals and corporate leaders alike.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The conversation emphasizes dealing with adversity and maintaining resilience in various sectors, including security, business, and entertainment.
• The shift to remote work due to COVID-19 has reportedly decreased instances of workplace violence but introduced new challenges and risks.
• Effective communication and understanding the company’s goals and culture are crucial for security professionals transitioning from military or government roles to corporate environments.
• The necessity of educating the C-suite on the importance of security and the potential risks associated with being complacent.
• Security experts should be both knowledgeable advisors and effective communicators to influence company policies and decisions.
• CSOs need to be adaptable, as corporate roles and environments can vastly differ from government or military positions.

QUOTES

• "Don't get enamored with the process. Make sure you're thoughtful about where you're going to land."
• "We all love being invited to the prom. But then when the limo shows up, you're like, Ooh, is that really who I wanted to go with?"
• "Be the one telling my boss what the risk is. If my boss decides that they're willing to accept that risk, I can't be so married to my project and to my department that I fight with them."
• "The biggest thing is to continue to try to educate our C-suite away from the idea that it's not going to happen.”

Get to know more about Martin Culbreth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-culbreth-8930034a/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Gary Rabine, a successful businessman, Marine Corps veteran, and fellow patriot. Gary delves into the growth of Rabine Paving from a local startup to a multimillion-dollar enterprise and discusses the economic landscape under various political administrations. The discussion highlights the impact of taxation, inflation, and interest rates on business sustainability and personal wealth. Gary shares his optimistic outlook on America's economic potential, despite concerns about current leadership and fiscal policies. The episode concludes with advice for budding entrepreneurs and business professionals on navigating the market and making strategic moves.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Gary’s businesses have evolved from small startups to multi-million-dollar enterprises, focusing on customer needs and innovative solutions like roller-compacted concrete.
• Gary expresses optimism for America's economic growth but critiques current political leadership and decisions, particularly concerning energy production and inflation.
• Gary emphasizes the impact of national debt on future generations and the importance of fiscal responsibility.
• Gary believes in the power of American innovation and the benefits of a free market system while cautioning against the dangers of crony capitalism.
• He offers career advice to young people: follow your passion, work hard, and consider starting your own business to control your destiny.

QUOTES

• “We have a business that’s differentiated so strongly from the industry that it's going to grow fast.”
• “If you want to be safe, find your passion, work hard under somebody who’s the best in the world, and then start your own business.”
• “The top 1 percent pays about 75 percent of all the taxes, so we're already taxing the rich.”
• “Capitalism could be construed as bad if it’s bought crony capitalism, but 99 percent of capitalism is small business people busting their butt solving problems for customers.”
• “Our debts go up a million dollars every 49 seconds.”
• “As bad as our debt is, it’s terrible, but it’s better than most of the rest of the world.”

Get to know more about Gary Rabine:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rabine-80a43a10/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Katie Mares for an empowering conversation with a passionate advocate for women, focused on helping victims of abuse and addressing issues like addiction, notably pornography, and its impact on personal relationships. They discuss the importance of consistency in building credibility on social media, the emotional struggles in overcoming addiction, and the power of purpose-driven life and business practices. Key insights include practicality of facing adversity, methods to maintain mental health, and the significance of genuine human connections post-pandemic. Katie also shares her journey from survival to thriving and emphasizes serving others over chasing monetary gains.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Addiction Awareness: Pornography is discussed as an addiction that affects both men and women, impacting their personal and relational lives.
• Power of Consistency: Real credibility on social media is built through consistent effort rather than just frequent postings.
• Serving Others: Prioritizing genuine relationships and serving others over chasing money can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.
• Emotional Connection in Business: Building trust and loyalty requires emotional connection rather than a purely transactional approach.
• Personal Growth: Katie Mares shares her transformative journey from survival to thriving, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and resilience.
• Positive Energy: Choosing to focus on positivity can significantly affect one's personal and professional life.
• Unique Individuality: Everyone is unique and has a significant value to bring to the world.

QUOTES

• "Consistency builds credibility." – Katie Mares
• "When you chase money, you miss the joy in the journey." – Katie Mares
• "The joy is all around, look for it." – Katie Mares
• "You are so unique, the world needs you just as you are." – Katie Mares
• "Without a doubt, life and business are the same thing; your personal life transfers into your business life." – Mark Ledlow

Get to know more about Katie Mares:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katie-mares-consulting/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Gary Rabine, a successful businessman, Marine Corps veteran, and fellow patriot. They discuss Gary's background, from his humble beginnings to building a national business in commercial paving. Gary highlights the importance of trust, strong core values, and faith in business relationships. He shares his thoughts on leadership, the role of mentorship, challenging one's mind, and fighting against bad regulations. Gary also talks about the lessons learned from his mentors and his experiences in running for governor. Tune in to gain insights into how love for your team and customers, along with a disciplined, faith-driven approach, can drive success.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Resilience in Business: Mark Ludlow emphasizes on overcoming adversities through grit, consistent hard work, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose.
• Faith and Values: Gary Rabine discusses the importance of core values and faith in building trust and integrity within business relationships.
• Mentorship and Coaching: Both speakers highlight the critical role of mentorship, coaching, and the guidance from seasoned business leaders in shaping their success.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Successful business can stem from humble beginnings through persistence and innovative thinking.
• Leadership Philosophy: Emphasizing a servant leadership model where leaders see themselves serving their employees and customers.
• Political Awareness: The significant impact of political stances and regulations on business, advocating for political involvement and reform to foster better business environments.
• Continuous Growth: The importance of never stopping the pursuit of growth and learning, adapting to new challenges, and exploring new ventures.

QUOTES

• Gary Rabine: "Our business is built on core values that we believe in and those, core values really align with who we are."
• Mark Ledlow: "Show me your mentor, your coach, and I'll show you your future."
• Gary Rabine: "Readers are leaders... but all the businessmen out there, they're always reading."
• Gary Rabine: "But when you look at the regulatory environment, people that don't understand anything about business will make the laws and they'll build regulations."

Get to know more about Gary Rabine:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rabine-80a43a10/
 

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Martin Culbreth, a former Marine and FBI agent who now holds a leadership role in corporate security at Smithfield Foods. From Las Vegas, Mark discusses with Martin his journey into corporate security, focusing on physical security challenges, integration of technology, budget management, and the importance of information in security strategies. Martin shares his experiences transitioning into his role, establishing a security department, and handling budget constraints. The conversation delves into the complexity of proving the value of security measures, the necessity of constant communication with the C-suite, and how to maintain security standards across diverse manufacturing facilities. Martin addresses the impact of inflation on corporate budgeting and highlights proactive measures like collaboration with law enforcement and conducting site surveys to enhance security, even during tight budget cycles.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Event Recap: Mark talks about attending a security practitioner event in Las Vegas and introduces Martin Culbreth, former Marine and FBI agent, now in a security leadership role.
• Martin’s Role: Martin outlines his responsibilities in physical security at Smithfield, including information gathering, setting security standards, and collaborating across departments.
• Technology in Security: Martin discusses integrating technology like Ontic for information gathering and case management, and the challenges of implementing such technology.
• Building a Security Program: Martin shares his journey from starting a new security department, handling budgets, and developing a comprehensive strategic security plan.
• Security Challenges: Both speakers discuss challenges like justifying security expenses to the C-suite, comparing security to revenue-generating functions, and educating the corporate world on the importance of security investment.
• Proving Security’s Value: The difficulty of proving security’s ROI with hypothetical "prevented incidents" and the need to constantly communicate security’s importance.
• Budget Negotiations: The process of working with finance and other departments to justify security expenditures and prioritize security projects.
• Economic Impact: The impact of inflation and corporate budgeting constraints on security investments and strategies to adapt during tight financial periods.
• Coordination with Law Enforcement: Emphasizing the importance of collaborating with law enforcement for emergency preparedness and crisis response training.

QUOTES

• "We have to understand coming into corporate security that it's a sales, right? They expect everything to have a solid and apparent and immediate return on investment."
• "Our job is to sell products and make as good a profit as we can while still keeping our prices where we should. So I get that."
• "In the military, the trick was to make sure you spend what you were budgeted for. Otherwise, your budget dropped to that new level."
• "You have to be almost like the communications guy. Because you're selling the program. All the time and trying to explain why this is important."
• "In the military, I always remember, okay, it was set, right? And you had your budget. Whereas here, it's almost a fight year over year to almost reestablish that budget."

Get to know more about Martin Culbreth:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-culbreth-8930034a/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Katie Mares for an empowering conversation with a passionate advocate for women, focused on helping victims of abuse. The guest shares her personal journey of overcoming an abusive relationship and discusses her mission to build a supportive community called Ladies Take Control. She highlights the importance of personal agency, discovering purpose, and fostering supportive networks. Additionally, the guest introduces her upcoming app, which will offer resources and anonymity for women, including courses by notable figures like Laurel Langmire. The episode also touches on challenges such as women’s hesitation to apply for jobs, the significance of mental strength, and the transformative power of faith. Overall, the conversation emphasizes proactive change and empowerment in the face of adversity, encouraging women to rise above fear and societal limitations.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Empowerment: Katie shares her journey and mission to empower women through her community app, Ladies Take Control, with resources and support.
• Importance of Community: Highlight the significance of support systems and communities in overcoming personal struggles and adversities.
• Choice and Control: Stress the power of making personal choices and taking control of one's life, aligning with the theme of finding purpose in controllable aspects.
• Mental Health: Discuss coping mechanisms like exercise, breath work, and leveraging a supportive network for managing PTSD and other stresses.
• Faith and Transformation: Katie's story of finding faith and using it as a foundation to rebuild her life and help others.
• Encouraging Women's Voices: Advocate for women to speak up, take risks, and challenge corporate and societal norms to close the equality gap.
• Mindset and Resilience: The importance of a resilient and empowering mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional goals.

QUOTES

• "I'll take all of the heat. I will walk through the fire. I will receive those burns with honor, if that means I help even just one woman get out." - Katie Mares
• "I encourage women to make wise choices." - Katie Mares
• "The choice to think differently, to have belief in yourself, to take a risk, to switch that mindset. That choice is all yours." - Katie Mares
• "So you don't have to have a victim mindset. I'm a victim. I choose not to have a victim mindset." - Katie Mares
• "There's some, it's, whatever it is, most people are comfortable with the universe. ... But believing that there is something bigger than us allows us to shop for hope and faith that you can do more than what you're experiencing right now in life." - Katie Mares

Get to know more about Katie Mares:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katie-mares-consulting/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Brittany Galli, a leading figure in the security industry with a notable focus on promoting women in security, and a C-Suite Advisor & Strategist at BFG Ventures. They discuss a range of topics essential to security and executive protection. They discuss the role of AI in transforming security operations, including the potential of AI-generated intelligence reports. The dialogue covers the current economic climate, including inflation, corporate layoffs, and the financial strain on middle-class families, and relates these issues back to security concerns. They also touch upon geopolitical threats, such as China's global economic strategy, and the importance of long-term planning for national security. The episode concludes with reflections on upcoming elections, their impact on security, and preparations being made by the executive protection industry. Lastly, Mark highlights the Women in Security gala event in Orlando and encourages listeners to show their support. Enjoy an insightful conversation packed with expert analysis and forward-thinking perspectives.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• AI Implementation in Security: AI has the potential to significantly streamline security operations, enabling faster and more accurate threat assessments.
• Impact on Jobs: AI will modify the role of intel analysts, making it more strategic rather than simply data-gathering.
• Human Trafficking Concerns: There's a focus on leveraging technology and global-scale databases to combat and track human trafficking more effectively.
• Economic Challenges: Inflation and cost of living have put middle and lower-class families under significant financial pressure.
• Election Preparedness: Companies in the security sector are preparing for the potential chaos surrounding upcoming elections, with emphasis on maintaining operational readiness and budget management.
• Residential Security Spike: Increased nervousness and referrals have led to a spike in demand for residential security services.
• Global Economic Strategies: There's a critical need for long-term planning and strategic economic policies in the U.S. to address national debt and future financial stability.
• Corporate Budget Cuts: Many companies are cutting budgets, including security spending, due to economic pressures and missed earnings.
• Networking in Security: Emphasized the importance of connections and referrals within the industry for business growth and stability.

QUOTES

• "AI will make us finally catch up technologically where other industries have already excelled for years." - Brittany Galli
• "Technology creates efficiencies for humans to use, spending less time on data gathering." - Brittany Galli
• "Security, we can only go up from where we are and we just need to jump generations in software." - Brittany Galli
• "Human trafficking is not slowing down. It's like a trillion-dollar business." - Mark Ledlow
• "Chaos is an opportunity, unfortunately." - Mark Ledlow
• "When large Fortune 100s start missing their earnings, that's when inflation finally caught up." - Brittany Galli

Get to know more about Brittany Galli:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanygalli/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Christopher Milu, a former Marine turned estate manager from South Florida. The discussion touches on the impact of generational shifts on the demand for residential security, logistical aspects of estate management across different regions, and the value of mentorship and networking for career growth. The episode concludes with advice for aspiring estate managers and the significance of leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for professional opportunities.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Adapting to Change: Both young and older generations have different security needs, with younger clients preferring more privacy and autonomy.
• Consistency Across Locations: The role of an estate manager remains consistent despite geographical differences and weather challenges.
• Trust and Longevity: Building trust with clients and their families is crucial; loyalty can result in long-term employment and job security.
• Learning from Leaders: Direct interactions with successful business owners offer invaluable insights and learning opportunities.
• Networking is Essential: Establishing connections through platforms like LinkedIn is vital for growth and mentorship in the estate management industry.
• Importance of Background Checks: Ensuring all staff are thoroughly vetted is critical for maintaining trust and security.
• Giving Back: Successful individuals often mentor others, sharing their knowledge and supporting new business owners.
• Utilizing Social Media: Different platforms serve different purposes—LinkedIn for professional networking and Instagram for industry insights.

QUOTES

• "I think the estate manager is always the go-to person, unless there's a chief of staff or a director of residences that report directly to the principals." - Christopher Milu
• "Having good mentorship around you, and good, solid individuals who want to see you succeed is the best way that you can advance yourself." - Christopher Milu
• "If I didn't have good mentors around me and I didn't have opportunities, I would not be sitting here." - Christopher Milu
• "A person's heart is the most important and defining thing that really, I think, gets people interested in who you are." - Christopher Milu
• "I think as people start looking for work, people get laid off. I don't think people realize how powerful a tool LinkedIn is." - Mark Ledlow

Get to know more about Christopher Milu:
Website: https://www.chrismilu.com/
 

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by branding expert Katie Mares as she shares her journey through adversity and her fearless mindset. Katie discusses her expertise in branding, the significance of providing a human-focused customer experience, and the limitations of relying solely on AI. She also highlights the physiological differences in consumer behavior between men and women, emphasizing the importance of emotional engagement in business. Furthermore, Katie opens up about her personal struggles with domestic abuse and her mission to empower women to find courage during dark times. This episode delves into the power of choice, human connection, and the impact of real experiences.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Human Connection vs. AI: The importance of genuine human interaction in branding and customer experience, and why AI cannot replace personal touch.
• The Influence of Women: How women drive a significant portion of global consumption and the impact of their buying decisions across generations.
• Brand Experience: The necessity for brands to create memorable, emotional experiences rather than relying solely on digital solutions and AI.
• Value Over Sales: How offering value rather than direct sales pitches builds lasting relationships and loyalty with clients.
• Courage in Adversity: Katie’s journey of overcoming personal challenges and how her mission is to inspire others to face their fears with courage.

QUOTES

• "Your customers are not bots. They're humans that crave human interaction."
• "You need to cast your experience net wide enough to capture her, because you won’t lose him. But if you cast your experience net just to capture him, you’ll lose her."
• "Courage isn’t doing things in the absence of fear; it’s doing it when you’re walking through fear."

Get to know more about Katie Mares:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katie-mares-consulting/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Brittany Galli, a leading figure in the security industry with a notable focus on promoting women in security, and a C-Suite Advisor & Strategist at BFG Ventures. They discuss the importance of diversity, the challenges and strategies for women in the industry, and how AI is revolutionizing security practices. Brittany shares her journey and insights on creating impactful networking opportunities and achieving a balanced representation of genders in leadership roles. They also highlight the upcoming Women in Security Gala at GSX in Florida, which aims to foster community and recognition for women in this field.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Women in Security: Brittany Galli’s entry into the security industry and her significant contributions to the Women in Security movement. She emphasizes the need for diverse and creative thinking in the field.
• Leveraging AI: Brittany discusses the future of security jobs, emphasizing the importance of AI and suggesting that new entrants to the field should focus on AI tools and their applications in security.
• Industry Networking: The inherent value and relational strength of the security industry, which Brittany highlights as being driven by courageous and brave individuals.
• Engagement at Conferences: Brittany addresses the generational gap in conference participation and suggests enhanced virtual and global networking opportunities.
• Ongoing Initiatives: Discussion about the upcoming Women in Security Gala, its background, and its importance for networking and recognition within the community.
• Career Longevity in Security: Insight into challenges faced by young professionals and women in the industry, and the need for initiatives to retain this talent.
• Consulting in Security: Brittany’s personal experience in the security tech startup world and her current consulting role, focusing on C-suite executive strategies and security education.
• AI and Future Trends: An analysis of AI’s growing role in the security sector and its projected impact on the industry, emphasizing education and the integration of AI as a tool rather than a replacement.

QUOTES

• "It's all about selling your ideas with the risk of not doing it or the cost of not doing it."
• "You need to be the knowledge expert of the top 10 tools that are out there."
• "It's about catching up with the younger generation and figuring out ways to just deepen the relationships virtually."
• "The turnover is really high. They just don't see value in the industry that they're in."
• "I've heard from many mentors: You sell with risk or budget or cost."

Get to know more about Brittany Galli:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanygalli/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen to major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.