Conversations in Close Protection

In this episode team CiCP digs into the practical lessons from recent politically-motivated attacks and what they mean for protectors, event planners, and organizations. Chuck and Chris cover defense-in-depth at open-air events, the limits of crowd control, and why protective intelligence and thorough advance work (sector sketches, Google Earth, rehearsals) are now mission-critical. Chuck and Chri...

In this episode, we talk with Robin Stearns, CEO and Founder of Pacific Resilience Group, to explore what resilience means in today's environment of heightened executive risk. Robin shares insights from her career in government, corporate intelligence, and threat management, offering a candid look at how cultural narratives, social resentment, and shifting perceptions are reshaping the protective...

The CiCP crew is back on home turf. In this episode, Chuck and Chris acknowledge Father's Day, family, and the evolving responsibilities of leadership—in life and in the field. The team unpack the rising risk environment for executives and high-net-worth individuals, the convergence of digital and physical threats, and the uncomfortable but necessary truths facing modern security leaders. With rec...

In " Seguridad Cuantificada ," your CiCP team dives deep with Kevin Palacios, an intellectual architect transforming executive protection from a gut-feeling profession to a data-driven strategic discipline. With a doctorate-level approach and 25 years of global experience, Palacios deconstructs traditional security paradigms, introducing a revolutionary framework that quantifies protection's busin...

Conversations in Close Protection – Shop Talk January 2025 , the team breaks down the critical security developments shaping the corporate and global landscape. We examine the tragic UnitedHealthcare incident and its implications for executive protection, the evolving role of security leadership in corporate governance, and the increasing complexity of cybersecurity threats in 2025. There is also...

The Conversations in Close Protection team discusses insights from Tristan Flannery of Presage Global, focusing on their upcoming Industry Training Survey. The conversation highlights the need for protectors to adapt to modern threats through education, technology, and soft skills. It addresses growth opportunities in the industry, including increased salary expectations and the demand for special...

Fall is here, but the risks are not cooling down.  The team unpacks recent events, upcoming events, and highlights from recent conferences and travels. By all measures, fall is going to be something.  Stay up on the talk and join the conversation at protectiontalk@outlook.com

As the busy season kicks off, the team pauses to reflect on two significant industry events they recently attended. They dive into their experiences at the annual Threat Management Conference  (TMC) hosted by the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) and CTG's 8th Annual Physical Cyber Convergence Forum in Phoenix. Both gatherings offered invaluable networking opportunities, though...

The CiCP team takes time out of their summer travels to discuss recent events, including the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, recent global network issues, and revelations about North Korean agents working inside well-known cybersecurity companies. Don't forget to rate us and send us your comments to protectiontalk@outlook.com

The team breaks tradition in this month's Shop Talk and welcomes an exceptional visitor. Former CiCP guest, bestselling author, and former US State Department Special Agent Fred Burton , who also served as the Chief of Counterterrorism and Assistant Director for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at the Texas Department of Public Safety and former Chief Security Officer, joins the team for a dynami...

Uriah Riley's journey in the close protection industry illustrates his unwavering dedication to learning and growth. While many individuals transition from the military to the private sector, Uriah took the opposite path. He entered the Air Force Reserves after embarking on a career in protective operations, seeking to expand his expertise in the industry. His military (and policing) background is...

Security oversight is a double-edged sword, with many in the industry juggling roles as practitioners and administrators. Even within larger organizations that support distinct leadership functions, those in middle management often find themselves balancing hands-on tasks with supervisory responsibilities. Join the team as they catch up with Eablement Advisors' Ivor Terret. Long overdue, Ivor talk...

Get ready for a compelling blend of global affairs and lively conversation! We're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Treston Wheat, the mastermind behind the acclaimed ' Geopolitics and Gin ' blog. Dr. Wheat, a security expert and our favorite PhD, will guide us through today's most pressing geopolitical issues, offering insights for protectors and leaders alike.  Join us as we unpack complex challenges...

The ides of March are here, and, accordingly, the CiCP team is taking time to break down some recent news regarding the threatscape. This time, they deep dive into: Threats against healthcare systems, CA Senate bill 553 (or is it 533!?!) Asymmetric threats posed by digital risks such as AI or Deepfakes Using software aimed at other industries (like advertising) can be utilized in the targeting spa...

The CiCP team is privileged to have Ivan Ivanovich, a renowned protector who advocates for a proactive, intelligence-driven approach emphasizing prevention and readiness. From his extensive executive protection experience across diverse regions like the Balkans and Latin America, Ivan offers a unique perspective. He argues that the traditional image of bodyguards with armored vehicles and weapons...

Metrics are an essential tool for measuring performance, efficiency, and reliability in any organization, big or small. However, getting started with metrics can be daunting. In this episode, the team speaks with Jim McConnell, a seasoned security expert with over 30 years of experience managing security organizations. Jim shares his expertise in defining and using metrics in a security organizati...

Happy  MMXXIV . After a much-needed break from the action, the team returns with thoughts on immediate risks, opportunities, and issues affecting the protective risk community. The new year comes out of the gate, looking much like the one we just left. What should you be thinking about as we roll into 2024! protectiontalk@outlook.com

As we approach Protector's week, the CiCP team grabs some air time with the editor-in-chief of the IPSB's "Close Protection and Security Journal," Doctor Treston Wheat, and the Close Protection Conference 23 lead, Bryan Flannery. More than a readout, both speak to the power of volunteering, making the industry greater and how the industry has evolved.  Give us your thoughts at protecitontalk@outlo...

Happy Thanksgiving week -  the CiCP team is poised to engage in discussions that promise to dispel any lingering tryptophan-induced haze. Join us as we delve into recent and upcoming symposiums and conferences, spotlighting the IPSB's Close Protection Conference. Additionally, we address inquiries about individual planning for the forthcoming year, navigating personal rest during the holidays, and...

In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, we converse about it with one of our own - Katherine Luther. She founded the Luther Method, which specializes in personal resilience protocols. She also serves as the Director of Operations for Viplomat Protection.

Fall is here. With the change over from summer comes the continued changing threat environment. Join the team as they break down some issues and emerging risks.  Your CiCP team discusses some recent conferences they have attended (including the recent Mexican Close Protection gathering and the Sam Houston State. Critical Infrastructure Thought Leaders' Conference) breeches at high-profile events,...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ed McCormack, progenitor of the modern FBI protection division and former Head of Security for one of America's most high-networth families and one of the oldest consulting firms in the United States . Ed is a pioneer in the field of security and protection, and he has decades of experience protecting some of the most influential people in the world. In...

This week, CiCP caught up with the incredibly busy and accomplished Dr. Michael Guirguis. He's not your average professional; he's the Chief Medical Officer at Raven Medical Support Group, an Emergency Room Physician, a Law Enforcement Flight Physician, and more. We had an insightful discussion with him about the importance of tactical medical oversight in Executive Protection (EP), training, and...

It's time for shoptalk, and the August edition comes in just under the wire.   As always, there is a lot to discuss, and the team discusses current events affecting the security industry.   Listen as we unpack the unique risk issues surrounding social media and online gaming influencers, information security around mobile apps, threats aimed at politicians, and Drew Barrymore's stalker.  Team CiCP...

Ross Hill's career took root in curiosity, a quality that has kept him forward-thinking amidst the ever-evolving corporate intelligence industry. As a [reluctant] leader in the space, Ross emphasizes the importance of actionable intelligence that challenges preconceived notions, enabling policymakers via pertinent information. He advocates breaking away from traditional norms such as specializatio...