The Fearless Mindset

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.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Christopher Milu, a former Marine turned estate manager from South Florida. They discuss Chris's transition to the estate management industry, the challenges and dynamics of running a property management business, and the importance of building trust with high-net-worth clients. Chris shares insights into the growing demand for estate services in Florida and the nuances of managing properties for the wealthy. The episode also touches on the differences between various levels of wealth and their approaches to security and estate management. Chris offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the industry and emphasizes the importance of networking and relationship building.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Power of Networking: Building a successful business, especially in niche markets like estate management, relies heavily on word-of-mouth and networking.
• Client Trust: Establishing and maintaining trust with high-net-worth clients is paramount and requires consistent, high-quality service.
• Military Discipline in Business: The discipline and leadership skills gained from military service can be directly applied to managing a business and leading a team.
• Adaptability: Every day presents new challenges in estate management, requiring a flexible and problem-solving mindset.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Having a mentor can be crucial in entering and thriving in specialized industries like estate management.

QUOTES

• "In our industry, we're like farmers—right now, we're just plowing the field. Networking is sowing the seeds, and then comes the harvest."
• "When you get to the point where you can pick and choose your clients, that's when you’re in a really healthy, comfortable spot."
• "It takes time to build relationships. It's not about the hard sell; it's about cultivating trust."

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 continues his conversation with Sandra Stibbards, owner of Camelot Investigations and an international expert in private investigations. Sandra shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of being a business owner, especially in the security and investigative industries. She emphasizes the importance of networking, evolving with the times, and the value of face-to-face connections. Sandra also recounts some of her most intriguing experiences, including a dangerous counterintelligence operation and an investigation that uncovered a potential hire’s militant background. Additionally, she offers advice on the significance of volunteering and maintaining a niche focus in business.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Adaptability in Business: Constantly evolving and updating business practices is crucial for long-term success and relevance.
• Power of Networking: Face-to-face interactions at conferences and social events are invaluable for building trust and forming lasting professional relationships.
• Volunteerism: Volunteering in professional associations can significantly expand your network and open doors to new opportunities.
• Personal Connections in Business: Business is deeply personal, and developing strong, trusting relationships is key to successful partnerships.
• Diverse Skillset: Diversifying your skillset and offerings can provide stability and growth in unpredictable markets.

QUOTES

• "You have to evolve every few years... you can't just stay in one role because if you do, you will become stagnant and fade."
• "Get out there, meet people, even if you're an introvert. Sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to grow your business."
• "Volunteering within organizations and associations puts you out there with the big players... when you volunteer, when you're giving something to them, you will get back."
• "People are relational; they do business with people they trust and like."
• "Business is completely personal because the only way you're going to be able to do business and do it right is when you know the people you're dealing with and trust them."

Get to know more about Sandra Stibbards:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camelotinvestigations/

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 and Roy Lemons delve into the essentials of staying fearless in the face of adversity. The discussion focuses on fundamental business principles of creating, fulfilling, and supporting demand, highlighting the importance of leadership in these areas. The conversation transitions to executive protection, emphasizing its role in maintaining organizational functionality and security risk management. Roy shares perspectives on the evolving nature of executive protection, including the impact of AI and protective intelligence. Valuable advice is provided for military and law enforcement professionals transitioning to the private sector, stressing the importance of networking, due diligence, and continuous improvement in achieving career success.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Triad of Business Roles: Businesses function on the creation, fulfillment, and support of demand. Leadership exists at the intersection of these roles, ensuring that all processes are streamlined and effective.
• The Power of Influence: Without influence, a security professional's skills mean little. Influence is essential for communicating value propositions and ensuring organizational buy-in for security measures.
• Executive Protection's Business Value: Executive protection is not just about physical security; it’s about preserving the organization's ability to function efficiently, protecting shareholder equity, and reducing distractions for leadership.
• Adapting to the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The advent of AI and the increasing importance of protective intelligence demand that security professionals continuously upskill and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Security decisions must be risk-based and supported by data to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

QUOTES

• "If you do not have influence, you have nothing. All these skill sets at the end of the day come together for you to have influence."
• "How much value can you put on peace of mind? When a leader knows you've got their back, they can focus on creating value for stakeholders."
• "Executive protection is more than just physical security; it’s about ensuring the organization's ability to function effectively."
• "The greatest risk to anybody is a teenager... because they put everything out there."
• "The world is evolving, and we have to evolve with it. Being curious is the way you evolve with it."

Get to know more about Roy Lemons:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roy-lemons/

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.