The Fearless Mindset

In this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Forhad Razzaque, president and President of Integras Intelligence in New York, to discuss his career path and the security industry’s current risk landscape. Forhad describes immigrating from Bangladesh, growing up in Queens, losing his father in high school, and helping run the family deli in a dangerous Brooklyn area, which shaped his customer-service and security instincts. After starting at NYU on a pre-med track, he switched to economics and joined Guardsmark despite a lower offer, learning relationship-building and account management. He later partnered with Tony Picciano to start a guard-force consulting firm in 2006, sold it around 2008, entered investigations, and in 2016 acquired and rebranded a company into Integris. They discuss industry acquisitions, AI’s impact and client distrust, and Forhad’s view that clients need strategy-first risk assessments; Integris is 60–70% background investigations with other services including executive protection and assessments.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• You don't need a military or law enforcement background to succeed in security — relationships and customer service are the #1 skill
• Adversity early in life (loss, responsibility, necessity) can be the greatest business education
• Taking a lower-paying offer at the right company can outperform a bigger paycheck at the wrong one
• In consulting and investigations, the relationships are the business — you can't just acquire that
• Strategy before tactics: always assess your client's actual risk before prescribing solutions
• Know when to walk away from a client who won't collaborate — bad fits at the start only get worse
• AI is a great accelerator, but not yet a replacement for human judgment in security
• Scalability is the silent killer of good business ideas — great service doesn't automatically scale

QUOTES

• "I got a chance to play for the Yankees right out of college." — Forhad on joining Guardsmark
• "You don't become a doctor by accident." — on losing focus after his father's death
• "My mom said: anything you add is going to be an addition." — the nudge that changed his career
• "Bad relationships at the start only get worse — and good relationships seem to get better over time."
• "Strategy before tactics. Assess your own risk. Your risk is not someone else's risk."
• "I think AI is a great tool. I think it's an accelerator. I just don't think it's a replacement."
• "You're either too busy or too slow." — on the scalability challenge of service businesses
• "The relationships are the business." — on why investigation firms are hard to acquire

Get to know more about Forhad Razzaque through the link/s below.

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

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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 of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Christopher Stitt, an East Coast State Department security professional focused on threat and risk assessments, recent MBA graduate, and first-time author of the leadership book "Scaling Pyramids," discussing the wins, losses, and mindset of serial entrepreneurship and networking. They highlight Mark’s approach to visibility and branding through a Dallas chauffeur driving course filmed like a documentary to create social clips, market to clients and agents, and differentiate executive protection with a more corporate style, emphasizing not letting others derail a clear vision. The conversation also covers capturing industry mixers and forums for ongoing educational content, managing introversion and burnout at events (including a recurring fully clothed “bathtub” photo-op), technology and AI adoption with client privacy concerns, referral-based consulting, and speculation about heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, protests, and election/voting-system concerns.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Innovate boldly, even when your team pushes back. Mark invested in a film crew for his chauffeur training course despite internal resistance — the result was cinematic-quality content for branding and marketing.
• Let others tell your story. Rather than self-promoting, Mark had the agents in the course become the stars of the documentary, which is more authentic and compelling.
• Cross-pollination is a marketing strategy. Giving agents content (with your logo) for their own LinkedIn profiles builds mutual brand amplification.
• Referrals and relationships drive enterprise security consulting — not just name recognition. Smaller firms can compete on quality at a fraction of the price.
• AI is a tool, not a shortcut for sensitive data. Chris emphasizes using AI responsibly, especially when handling client information and privacy concerns.
• Introverts can thrive in high-visibility roles by managing energy intentionally — finding small groups within large crowds, stepping away briefly to reset.
• Geopolitical risk is real and escalating. The US military buildup near Iran (described as the largest since Desert Storm) signals a potential inflection point for global security professionals to monitor.
• Democratic systems are the safeguard. Regardless of political views, elections every four years remain the legitimate mechanism for change.

QUOTES

• "Do not let people steer you from your vision. If you have an idea, just make it become reality. What's the worst that can happen?"
• "You've got to innovate. You can separate yourself."
• "It's like being a mouse in a maze trying to find the cheese." — on entrepreneurship
• "I always like talking with you because it broadens my perspective and gives me the ability to see something new or different."
• "We're not for everybody, and that's okay with us."
• "It's either strike the deal or do the strike." — on Iran/Trump policy
• "They killed 30,000 protesters in an effort to hang onto power. That many people willing to sacrifice their lives — that shows how scared the regime is."
• "We still live in the greatest country in the world, regardless of who's president."

Get to know more about Christopher Stitt through the link/s below.

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

Check out the Scaling Pyramids (Security, Audit and Leadership Series) book.

https://a.co/d/0fwAPBYd

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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 of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow speaks with security expert and Kroll lawyer Michael Gips about his new book on security networking, which acknowledges the podcast and features insights from 150 professionals. Michael shares his unexpected path to security, initially focused on history and Spanish before choosing law over a PhD.

They discuss the comprehensive demands on Michael's clients, driven by threats like cyberattacks, social media, geopolitics, ransomware, executive protection, polarization, and AI. This requires a shift from compliance to building integrated, industry-leading security and threat intelligence programs.

The conversation also touches on post-COVID workforce challenges, including younger workers' skepticism toward capitalism, and the heightened risk from algorithmic echo chambers and misinformation. Michael emphasizes that leaders must build authentic relationships and teach critical information evaluation, not judgment.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The security industry is shifting from reactive, piecemeal problem-solving to proactive, best-in-class comprehensive security programs
• Mid-size companies are now building dedicated physical security programs, often separate from IT security
• Threats have multiplied — ransomware, executive protection, geopolitical disruption, AI deepfakes, and social media manipulation all demand integrated threat intelligence
• Young professionals entering the workforce post-COVID bring idealism and mission-driven values; organizations must adapt culture and policies to meet them where they are
• Information overload and algorithmic echo chambers are eroding critical thinking — across all generations, not just youth
• The greatest leadership responsibility is developing the next generation; leave your industry better than you found it
• Persistence, patience, and purpose are the keys for young people navigating a complex, values-driven career search

QUOTES

• "There's no higher calling or no greater purpose to leadership than developing the next generation of professionals. You should be leaving an organization, an industry better than you left it."
• "We're at the beginning of a trend — clients are asking, 'What would it take to be best in class?' That hadn't been the case in previous years."
• "To be an objective, reasonable thinking person, you have to fight all these powers."
• "We need to give people the tools to evaluate the information and the environment they're in — not be saying tsk, tsk, I knew better."
• "Young professionals will probably need a few iterations to find a place where their values match the corporate values and the corporation can make money."

Get to know more about Michael Gips through the link/s below.

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

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

In this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Jonathan Perillo, a former Marine, to talk about changes in the security industry and staying adaptable amid geopolitical disruption. Perillo discusses being named ASIS International’s Next Gen of the Year, recognized in the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, publishing in SJA, helping launch the Life Safety Alliance Legends program, and serving as a judge for the US OSPAs. They explore how security is expanding into polycrisis conditions, the need for a unified language across security, IT, and legal to enable convergence, and the shift from protection to enterprise risk management. They discuss AI-driven misinformation, growing geopolitical risk in corporate risk registers, banking’s anxiety over crypto and AI, and the idea that adapting to AI requires becoming more human. Perillo shares his motivation to keep people safe and argues strong security leaders address vulnerabilities and imposter syndrome.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The security industry is shifting from protection to risk management, requiring professionals to speak the language of legal, IT, C-suite, and finance stakeholders
• Common language is the #1 bottleneck slowing down convergence across security, cyber, and business functions
• Geopolitical risk (Middle East, Ukraine, etc.) is now being added to corporate risk registers, on par with cyber risk
• Adaptability over normalcy — organizations should stop chasing "business as usual" and build resilience to ongoing disruption
• AI makes human relationships more valuable, not less — face-to-face trust-building cannot be automated
• The best security leaders are insecure — they identify gaps, address vulnerabilities, and constantly seek to improve
• Military veterans thrive in security because of the "if not me, then who?" ethos
• Imposter syndrome is nearly universal among thought leaders — the breakthrough is the question: "If not me, then who?"

QUOTES

• "The best security leaders are insecure, because those are the ones who strive to better themselves and fill in the gaps of what they don't know."
• "AI will let you be more human. Business relationships aren't made off bits and bytes — they're made off meeting in person."
• "It's not about getting back to the first chapter where everything was green pastures. It's about finishing the book and adapting as you go."
• "If not me, then who?" — the Marine Corps ethos applied to stepping up as a security leader
• "Security through insecurity — insecure people know how to address their vulnerabilities, and that's what makes a good security leader."
• "I can either learn it, or I can hire somebody that knows it."
• "You're the only person that could come up with that idea, because you're you."

Get to know more about Jonathan Perillo through the link/s below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-perillo/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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 of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow is joined by a former State Department and Diplomatic Security Service official Christopher Stitt, who describes transitioning from 28 years in federal service to entrepreneurship. Chris discusses building three efforts: Crisis Lead (risk navigation and preparedness), his book “Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat” as the basis for a leadership development platform, and keynote speaking focused on developing entry- and mid-level leaders. He explains how earning an executive MBA from Quantic helped with business structure, marketing, and communicating with C-suites, and emphasizes mentorship and “return on network investment” through conferences and relationships. The conversation broadens to concerns about anti-capitalism, leadership gaps for younger generations, misinformation-driven polarization, media bias, and how COVID-era remote work and doomscrolling may have accelerated societal divides.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Transitioning to Entrepreneurship Requires a Mindset Shift: Moving from government service to business ownership means learning pricing, value positioning, and operating beyond a “lowest bidder” mindset.
• You Can Build Multiple Value Streams: Christopher Stitt demonstrates how to combine consulting (Crisis Lead), thought leadership (his book), and keynote speaking into a unified entrepreneurial strategy.
• Business Education Helps Translate Ideas to Executives: His executive MBA wasn’t just about knowledge—it gave him the language and perspective to communicate effectively with C-suite leaders.
• Leadership Starts Before the Top: You don’t need a title to lead. Leadership begins with self-management, then extends to influencing others and eventually organizations.
• Mentorship and Network Investment Are Critical: Success often comes from relationships. Stitt emphasizes “Return on Network Investment (RONI)” as a powerful driver of opportunities.
• Your Book Can Be a Strategic Asset: Writing a book isn’t just about sharing ideas—it can open doors to speaking engagements, teaching opportunities, and broader influence.
• There’s a Growing Leadership Gap in Younger Generations: Many young professionals lack direction and belief in long-term success, highlighting the need for stronger leadership development.
• Polarization Is Fueled by Misinformation and Echo Chambers: Social media algorithms, 24-hour news cycles, and lack of critical thinking are deepening societal divides.
• COVID-19 Accelerated Disconnection: Remote work and increased screen time reduced real-world conversations, intensifying polarization and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives.
• Critical Thinking and Source Awareness Matter More Than Ever: Understanding whether information is fact-based or opinion-driven is essential in today’s media environment.

QUOTES

• “I don’t want to be the lowest bidder—I want to be the highest quality bidder and have them take my price anyway.”
• “You can have formal leadership positions and informal leadership impact from wherever you are.”
• “Leadership doesn’t start at the top—it starts with leading yourself.”
• “It’s not just ROI anymore—it’s RONI: Return on Network Investment.”
• “The book helped me focus on my passion to develop entry- and mid-level leaders.”
• “We’ve lost the ability to listen to each other and have civil conversations.”
• “Are you getting fact-based information—or just opinions that reinforce your beliefs?”
• “News is a business—their goal is to get more viewers and subscribers.”
• “COVID disrupted the natural rhythm of relationships.”
• “Without real conversations, people went deeper into their own echo chambers.”
• “A lot of younger people feel like they’ve already lost—so they’ve stopped striving.”

Get to know more about Christopher Stitt through the link/s below.

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

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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.

Upcoming Event: Executive Protection & FIFA World Cup 2026

As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, join leading security professionals for a live session on executive protection and risk management for this global event.

April 29 | 6:00 PM EST

Register here: https://bit.ly/Webinar_WorldCupSecurity

In this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast, host Mark Ledlow speaks with security expert and Kroll lawyer Michael Gips about his new book on security networking, which acknowledges the podcast and features insights from 150 professionals. Michael shares his unexpected path to security, initially focused on history and Spanish before choosing law over a PhD.

They discuss the comprehensive demands on Michael's clients, driven by threats like cyberattacks, social media, geopolitics, ransomware, executive protection, polarization, and AI. This requires a shift from compliance to building integrated, industry-leading security and threat intelligence programs.

The conversation also touches on post-COVID workforce challenges, including younger workers' skepticism toward capitalism, and the heightened risk from algorithmic echo chambers and misinformation. Michael emphasizes that leaders must build authentic relationships and teach critical information evaluation, not judgment.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The security industry is shifting from reactive, piecemeal problem-solving to proactive, best-in-class, comprehensive security programs
• Mid-size companies are now building dedicated physical security programs, often separate from IT security
• Threats have multiplied — ransomware, executive protection, geopolitical disruption, AI deepfakes, and social media manipulation all demand integrated threat intelligence
• Young professionals entering the workforce post-COVID bring idealism and mission-driven values; organizations must adapt culture and policies to meet them where they are
• Information overload and algorithmic echo chambers are eroding critical thinking — across all generations, not just youth
• The greatest leadership responsibility is developing the next generation; leave your industry better than you found it
• Persistence, patience, and purpose are the keys for young people navigating a complex, values-driven career search

QUOTES

• "There's no higher calling or no greater purpose to leadership than developing the next generation of professionals. You should be leaving an organization, an industry better than you left it."
• "We're at the beginning of a trend — clients are asking, 'What would it take to be best in class?' That hadn't been the case in previous years."
• "To be an objective, reasonable thinking person, you have to fight all these powers."
• "We need to give people the tools to evaluate the information and the environment they're in — not be saying tsk, tsk, I knew better."
• "Young professionals will probably need a few iterations to find a place where their values match the corporate values and the corporation can make money."

Get to know more about Michael Gips through the link/s below.

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

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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

This rewind episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast features host Mark Ledlow interviewing two-time UFC champion Frank Mir about handling adversity with an “adapt, improvise, overcome” mindset, illustrated by Mir escaping a guillotine against Nogueira by calmly breaking problems into immediate steps. Mir advises business leaders during COVID-19 to accept what’s out of their control, focus on controllables, and keep improving using available options. For executive protection and law enforcement, he stresses constant training because skills and mental toughness are perishable, and better hands-on ability can prevent situations from escalating to lethal force. He highlights situational awareness, reading body language, problem-solving before issues arise, and verbal de-escalation rooted in self-confidence, drawing on his years as a Las Vegas bouncer. Mir discusses free agency, his management support, trial-and-error business learning, and his daily training and strength work while managing injuries from a past motorcycle accident.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Adapt, Improvise, Overcome — Break overwhelming situations into small, immediate steps rather than freezing under pressure
• Control what you can control — Stop wasting energy on what's outside your control; focus on what's available to you right now
• Combat skills are perishable — Warriors, bodyguards, and athletes must train continuously or lose their edge, no matter their past achievements
• Verbal de-escalation is a superpower — The ability to defuse conflict without force is the greatest skill in security and protection work
• Body language awareness wins — Observing nonverbal cues lets you neutralize threats before they materialize
• Your best EP agents solve problems before you know you have them — Anticipation and situational awareness matter more than physical ability
• Self-confidence enables verbal control — If you're not secure in yourself, emotions take over and you lose the ability to de-escalate
• Losses are the best teachers — In fighting and business, failures teach more than victories

QUOTES

• "You have about a second to feel overwhelmed, and now I get to work."
• "I've learned a lot more through my losses than I ever had through my victories — and that's not just fight mentality, that's business mentality."
• "A warrior mindset is a perishable skill. It can lessen. If you're not constantly pushing yourself, you will get weaker."
• "My best guys I've ever worked with didn't necessarily know how to fight — 'cause they solved problems before they ever became a problem."
• "To be good at verbal de-escalation, that comes from self-confidence. And that comes from being in the gym, constantly training."
• "I wouldn't have to wrestle a guy for three minutes. He's probably gonna be asleep in the next 15 seconds — and it never got to that point because I'm confident in my abilities."

Get to know more about Frank Mir through the links below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-mir-9072b017a/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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, host Mark Ledlow is joined by James Hamilton, a former sheriff’s deputy and FBI special agent who spent 18 years with the Bureau, served on SWAT and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and was selected in 2004 for the FBI Director’s protective detail under Director Mueller. Hamilton later became a Quantico tactical instructor and created a 10-day protection school used by agencies including NSA and CIA. Influenced by Gavin de Becker’s books The Gift of Fear and Just Two Seconds, he joined de Becker’s firm and now serves as Senior Vice President overseeing quality, licensing, training, and equipment for roughly 650 protectors. He emphasizes fundamentals over firearms-heavy training, focusing on time/distance, evacuation, interpersonal skills, professional presentation, and robust medical training (CPR/AED, first aid, TCCC, quarterly refreshers). The discussion also covers liability insurance, 1099 work concerns, California self-defense standards, confidentiality and social media risks, and how 2020 unrest and police defunding may increase demand for private security.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Medical skills over firearms: EP professionals use medical kits 60 times per quarter vs. rarely drawing weapons - invest in comprehensive medical training (CPR, AED, TCCC, trauma care)
• Two seconds principle: Research shows ~2 seconds between moment of commitment and moment of recognition in attacks - understanding time and distance is critical
• Cover and evacuate: Default response should be protecting the principal and evacuation, not engaging threats or "getting drawn out" into crowds
• Professional presentation matters: CEOs notice quality - invest in interpersonal skills, nice clothes, polished shoes, and personal fitness
• No preemptive shootings in US EP history: Study of 1400+ attacks shows no documented case where US close protection stopped an attack preemptively with firearms
• Insurance is non-negotiable: Operating without professional liability insurance in 2020's legal climate is reckless - you're judged by civilian defensive standards, not law enforcement
• Confidentiality kills careers: Social media selfies and public disclosures destroy the trust-based protector-client relationship
• Position over firepower: Most attacks fail because protectors are out of position, not under-armed - distance and proximity matter more than weaponry

QUOTES

• "There's about two seconds between the moment of commitment when the assailant commits to the act...and the moment of recognition, that's when the protected person or the protectors get their head around what's happening."
• "We have 650 some odd bodyguards and we routinely go into our medical bags 60 times a quarter...and we're rarely drawing weapons."
• "If you can only do one, go to the principal. If you go out into the crowd...it's one to three, one to four, one to five, you could get drawn out into something and you lose sight of the principle."
• "I do not believe that bodyguards or protectors wake up in the morning and say, 'Hey, I wanna fail today.' Maybe they haven't been properly trained. Maybe they're mentally not prepared."
• "They always say that. They're like, man, I couldn't get there fast enough. I saw it happening."
• "The protectee protector relationship is based on trust. You can't really buy it. You gotta earn it, and you definitely don't earn it by blabbing your mouth."
• "These folks that hire us are discerning people. They know quality, they understand professionalism. And they don't suffer fools."
• "This isn't the government. They will fire you tomorrow. There's no union protection in the EP industry."

Get to know more about James Hamilton through the link/s below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hamilton-752894104/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Scott Ware, a senior recruiter at Amazon and former Microsoft recruiter who supported 11 Xbox organizations, about transitioning to Amazon just before COVID-19 sent employees remote and extended work-from-home into January. Ware explains Amazon’s leadership culture, his role hiring product leaders across about 15 consumer organizations, and notes large-scale hiring during COVID-19 (including tens of thousands of warehouse, delivery, and corporate roles) alongside smaller contractor adjustments such as DDSP layoffs. They discuss remote onboarding, productivity gains, and work-life balance. Ware shares hiring advice and red flags (resume/LinkedIn mismatches, frequent job hopping, overly long resumes), explains degree requirements versus equivalent experience and certifications, outlines the interview process (phone screens plus a five-interviewer loop), and emphasizes preparing with Amazon’s 14 leadership principles, especially customer obsession.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Amazon hired 175,000+ new positions in 2020 (75,000 + 100,000), making them one of the largest employers during COVID-19
• Remote work has increased productivity - eliminating commute time allows better work-life balance and mental space
• Certifications matter as much as degrees - Microsoft certifications, Udemy courses, and equivalent experience can substitute for bachelor's degrees
• Interview prep is critical - Amazon's full loop includes 5 one-hour interviews testing 14 leadership principles
• Customer obsession drives success - prioritizing customer needs over profits creates long-term sustainability
• Career consistency beats job hopping - stay 2+ years to prove yourself before moving
• Keep resumes concise (2-4 pages max) with data points, not paragraphs
• 2020 is a year of forced change - use disruption to expand interests, develop talents, and eliminate distractions

QUOTES

• "If you can do right by who your customer is... you don't make a profit unless you do right by the customer."
• "Do more for others than they can do for themselves." - Zig Ziglar quote (adopted by Scott)
• "The best time to start a new business is right after a market crash." - Robert Kiyosaki
• "2020 is a year of forced change... when you take a step back... you're being forced to change and learn new things - that's good."
• "High tide raises all ships."
• "The biggest leaders are the biggest servers of all."
• "It was never necessarily about making money. It was about doing right by the customer." - Jeff Bezos philosophy

Get to know more about Scott Thomas Ware through the link/s below.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott%E2%98%81ware/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Robert Lamm, a Montana rancher, Marine veteran, and security professional they met on a confidential Northern California disaster project. Robert recounts joining the Marine Corps in 1999, deploying with 2/1 and a special-operations-capable unit, then serving in a security platoon supporting special operations across Southeast Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. After leaving the Marines, he guided hunts, then entered State Department contracting with Blackwater and Triple Canopy, later working nearly 10 years in Afghanistan, including base security, threat assessments, and training local nationals; he describes attacks, a VBIED blast injury, and concerns about TBI. He discusses executive protection work, industry backstabbing, and the importance of networking and teamwork. Now lead instructor at Tactic MT and director of training for Veterans Covert Protection Group, he focuses on mindset, firearms safety, soft skills, and raising security standards amid COVID, unrest, and ammo shortages.

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Security industry success depends on networking and consistent performance - every detail is an interview
• Teamwork and supporting colleagues during difficult times is essential in high-stress environments
• Mindset determines survival - refusing to "go quietly" and maintaining mental resilience is critical
• The security industry needs to evolve beyond 1980s-90s standards with better training and professionalism
• Training should cover both hard skills (firearms) and soft skills (communication, medical, client service)
• Families and clients increasingly want consistency in security personnel rather than constant turnover
• Americans need to take personal responsibility for their safety and not rely solely on authorities
• Living each day as if it's your last is both a strength and challenge for veterans transitioning to civilian life
• Real security training must include mindset preparation, not just technical skills
• Unity and helping each other matters more than political divisions

QUOTES

• "You're only as good as your last detail" - on reputation in executive protection
• "Your network is your net worth in this industry"
• "Every firearm made is to kill another person easier than they can kill you" - on honest mindset training
• "One mind, any weapon" - Marine Corps philosophy on adaptability
• "If any politician's mouth is moving, he's lying"
• "It boils down to your team - that's what you're really there for"
• "We've gone from love to hate" - on social media and division
• "I'm not gonna go quietly" - on survival mindset
• "If you don't have the mindset, all you're doing is learning to sport shoot"
• "We're social creatures - they're playing us from both sides"

Get to know more about Robert Lamm through the links below.

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

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on 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.