The Top Five Executive Protection challenges

The Top Five Executive Protection Challenges

By Charles Randolph, Senior Director of Executive Protection and Intelligence for Microsoft Corp.


1. New landscapes. Protection agents must have knowledge well beyond security issues to give advice to their clients. Vectors such as cyberthreats and the ease of information sharing brought on by social media have added to the responsibilities of a protection agent.

2. New players. The events of 9-11 led to lasting changes in the security industry as a whole. The protection field experienced a marked increase in private military and security contractors as these groups participated in paramilitary activities around the world. Flashing forward, drawdowns and sequestration activities have many of these professionals seeking to develop and refine new skills as they look for employment in the executive protection field.

3. New targets. While any good advance tries to cover all aspects of the detail, there are some random events that contain a “black swan” element. For example, the Al Shabaab attack in Nairobi, Kenya, last September was unexpected in many ways. The Westgate Mall was known to be frequented by the expatriate community, making it a high-value target. It is difficult to protect against being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but planning and training help to mitigate issues.

4. New environments. Activists have found a new voice via social media outlets. In addition to Facebook and Twitter, an ever increasing pool of apps such as Instagram, Vine, and Snapchat are becoming social media mainstays. Managing the social media bubble around the designate can also help set up a screen or cover for movements by sending multiple messages to draw attention away from your location.

5. New skills. Protection agents have long been asked to play many roles—bodyguard, butler, travel agent, medic—and the toolbox is expanding even further. Appropriately merging these extra skills is what can turn an agent into a trusted advisor. Executive protection professionals may find themselves checking on dietary requirements, financial markets, and baseball scores to facilitate movement and keep the client focused.

In a nutshell : be OPEN MINDED.

I see way too many operators without any interest for the country they work in, who don't try and understand the world as it works.

People who last in this industry are the ADAPTABLE ones. New quals needed ? pass them. A whole market is closing down ? Find a new one ! Nothing to do ? Learn a skill ! Read, train, follow the news, travel, meet people, analyze what you see.

Great posts guys!
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