The Fearless Mindset

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 contr...

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 inc...

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 larg...

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 I...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow joins Ken Carrasco’s podcast, Fortify Your Future, to discuss handling adversity and building a fearless career in corporate and physical security. Mark offers actionable value by inviting listeners to DM him on LinkedIn for guidance on transitioning into the industry and emphasizes that relationships and back-channel networking often open doors more than resumes. He r...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow and Eddie Garcia, a 22-year Army veteran and former Airborne Ranger, who has extensive experience in special operations and policy work on Capitol Hill, discuss the complexities of the military-industrial complex, recent geopolitical dynamics, the economic strategies behind military spending, and the evolving role of technology in defense. Eddie provides valuable...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Phelim Rowe, an industry analyst, from the United Kingdom, diving deep into Phelim's journey in the security conference industry. They discuss the challenges small business owners face when investing in conference booths and exhibitions. Through his conversation with a guest, Phelim delves into the common complaint about lack of return on investment (...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Eddie Garcia, a 22-year Army veteran and former Airborne Ranger, who has extensive experience in special operations and policy work on Capitol Hill. Eddie provides insights on the current geopolitical landscape, particularly focusing on Venezuela and the strategic moves by the Trump administration. They discuss various topics, including the impact of...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Phelim Rowe, an industry analyst, from the United Kingdom, diving deep into Phelim's journey in the security conference industry. The discussion covers various aspects of organizing and running conferences, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the differences in conference culture between the US and Europe. Phelim also shares insights on how to...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow emphasizes the importance of building personal relationships within the executive protection industry, spotlighting the Texas-based TEPP event created by Mike Gonzalez. Mark shares insights on how such events foster trust and deeper connections beyond mere business transactions, illustrating his point with personal anecdotes about meeting various industry leaders and c...

As we reflect on 2025, this episode pulls together the most important themes shaping the year ahead — from the rapid acceleration of AI and automation, to the evolving realities of security, leadership, and trust in an increasingly complex world. What was once hidden behind the scenes is now accessible to everyone. AI has moved from the “Matrix” into daily workflows, forcing organizations to rethi...

In this Special Rewind Episode, host Mark Ledlow revisits an impactful conversation with Mike Trott, a former Air Force veteran and CIA Special Agent, whose career has been defined by protecting some of the world’s most high-profile individuals. Mike shares the journey of writing his seminal book, The Protected, and the immense pressure of securing an endorsement from former CIA Director George Te...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow is joined by Kyle Scott to discuss the importance of patience and adaptability in the security business. They emphasize continuous learning, technology adaptation, and the value of networking. Kyle shares his journey from being a Marine to becoming a key player in the security industry, stressing the significance of providing discreet and high-quality client prote...

In this episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast, we dive into the nuances and challenges of the Executive Protection (EP) field. The discussion covers the importance of having a clear plan, the necessity of execution in business, and the distinction between W2 and 10-99 employment in EP. The guests share their personal experiences and the inherent instability in the industry due to client indecisi...

In this episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast, we delve into the importance of security and open communication within organizations. With a record number of elections and global distrust in institutions, security teams must foster collaboration and personal connectivity to build trust and ensure everyone's safety. The discussion covers the challenges of balancing security measures with human int...

In this episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast, we delve into the importance of leadership and creating a safe, inclusive work culture in security with industry experts. The conversation touches on the critical role of trust, leading during times of crisis, and managing risk in a rapidly changing world. Ludlow and guests share insights from recent events, the evolution of organizational threats,...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow welcomes long-time friend and retired body agent, John Fisher, a seasoned security professional with experience in both the Marine Corps and the private sector, to discuss the transition from government to the private sector in the security industry. They reflect on Fisher's experience working with the Texas Governor's detail and his journey to starting a private...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow welcomes long-time friend and retired body agent, John Fisher, a seasoned security professional with experience in both the Marine Corps and the private sector. They delve into topics such as handling adversity, the importance of mental preparation, and tactical maneuvers in personal protection. John shares his experiences of managing security at high-stakes event...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow welcomes long-time friend and retired body agent, John Fisher, to discuss recent events, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The conversation delves into the complexities of security protocols, the challenges of open-air venues, and the nuances of adapting to different geographical and political climates. John shares his experiences from his extensive bac...

In this episode, host Mark Ledlow discusses the significant role of the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) with guest Martin Gill, a professor of criminology and the founder of the awards. Sponsored by Lead Security Group, the conversation delves into the origins and purpose of the OSPAs, emphasizing their credibility and ethical standards. Martin explains how the awards aim to elimin...

In this episode of the Fearless Mindset Podcast, we delve into the strategies and visions that drive business growth in the security industry. Join us as we interview the key figures from Ledlow Security Group including CSO Eric Samdahl, COO Marc Beeson, and Director of Operations Nate Sanders. They discuss the importance of visionary leadership, the significance of seizing opportunities, and the...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Benjamin Whitfield, for the third installment of their insightful conversation, explore the evolving landscape of global security, the impact of Middle Eastern affairs on U.S. policy, and the challenges faced by intelligence professionals transitioning into the private sector. Benjamin shares practical advice for those leaving government roles, the importance of hu...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow is joined by Mary Gamble, an attorney who transitioned unexpectedly from law to the security industry. Mary shares her unorthodox journey, starting from her days at law school and moving through various roles in corporate law, sports, and entertainment before landing in security. She discusses the importance of risk management, the evolving technology landscape particu...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow explores the dynamics of family offices, wealth management, and protective intelligence with Jennifer Laurence, an Estate Management Consultant in Private UHNW Service, and a Founder and President of Luxury Lifestyle Logistics, as they delve into the complexities of servicing high-net-worth individuals. They discuss the evolution of protective intelligence, the necessi...

In this episode, Mark Ledlow and Benjamin Whitfield, a seasoned security professional with a military and agency background and a former CIA, delve into the journeys of various figures transitioning from government roles to entrepreneurship, particularly focusing on Mike and Chris's post-CIA careers in the security industry and bourbon production. The conversation touches on the unique skill sets...