Wheels Up - Safety and Security for Business, Executive and VIP Travellers Podcast

Panoptic Solutions has partnered with PFC for several years. This allows PFC's clients to travel to APAC and access world-class services via Panoptic Solutions, and vice-versa for Panoptic Solutions clients who travel to the US and beyond. 
   The partnership is based on trust and credibility, understanding that either company would only refer a distant service to their clients of the same standard as their own. The similarities don't stop there! Along with the ethos and attention to detail, PFC Group of Companies have an expansive network of verified vendors and services that they provide.
   See how Panoptic Solutions is a trusted partner for companies that are based in the US.

Returning from Iraq after her time as a private military contractor and ending her career in the military, Neryl Joyce looked for a new career that would professionally challenge and motivate her like her previous roles. She made an unusual move and became an Operations Manager at the Christmas Island Detention Centre where she faced an intense couple of years. In this episode, find out how Neryl dealt with being in a high intensity environment while explaining the conditions of the centre and how she handled some high profile incidents. (See here for episode 1 of this discussion) Highlights: Conditions of the Christmas Island Detention Centre Dealing with a high intensity environment that has no policies and procedures Safety and security issues Negotiating with refugees The December 2010 refugee boat incident How to process extreme situations Working on the new Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Mercenary Mum - Neryl’s journey from young mother to Baghdad bodyguard What it takes to be a good leader

Working within the male dominated field of defence and surrounded by boy’s club culture, Neryl Attkins faced many challenges. Her journey as a woman in the armed forces made it harder for her to be heard and stand her ground in particular situations. In this episode, you will hear Neryl’s incredible journey, discharging from the Australian Army to become a private military contractor and how she dealt with numerous events, such as protecting Tier 1 targets in Baghdad and the Root Irish incident, where she lost some close colleagues. Highlights: Working as an Australian Army officer Her time in the Australian Army’s elite close personal protection unit. How the Australian Army close personal protection operatives course differs from Ronin SA Moving from the Australian Military Police to a private military contractor in Iraq Protecting the Iraqi Electoral Commissioners - VIP’s with Tier 1 targets Realisation of being in a war zone Root Irish incident explained Criticism of management during the Root Irish incident What should security operatives take away from this Root Irish incident Identifying risks without fear from backlash Completing Ronin SA after her time in the force. Taking back control when feeling powerless after the Root Irish incident Useful Links  https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/neryl-joyce-b696478/ 

Troy Claydon and Steve Albritton delve deep into setting up your own security industry business. If you’re even thinking about starting your own security business, this episode is a must. Not only do they discuss how to open a security business in Australia and the United States of America, but they also get real honest when talking about their own mistakes and give you set of essential tips needed to get you started. Episode Highlights:  You can own your own business and just be you Approximately, 80% of businesses within the security world are contractors Mistakes Troy and Steve made when starting out A mentor is a must The one biggest mistake that’ll ruin your name/company Not every competitor is an enemy Partnering up A word on licensing Insurance is a must Be prepared to float yourself Marketing is all about finding the right tactic Art to networking – Don’t be a leach Basic tips for newcomers Upskill and continue to train https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Former stunt actor, Russell Price, has worked alongside some of the greatest martial arts actors in the world, like Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Aside from his work as a stunt actor, he has an impressive resume with 10 years in the British Royal Marines, 40 years in the martial arts space and 23 years working within the security industry internationally. Not to mention, he has a 6-dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2015. In this podcast, Russ discusses how his previous experiences have shaped his work in the security industry while giving you some practical tips to looks out for when travelling. Highlights How martial arts can help shape a career in security Acting with Jet Li in one of the coolest fight scenes you’ll see in a movie Working with Jackie Chan Why prominent people like Jean-Claude Van Damme need close protection services How to stay alert when travelling Working with the U.S Secret Services and the European Dignitary Protection Unit Challenges faced when emigrating from the U.K to Australia in the security world Camp Black - the reboot for brain and body retreat Ebook – The Seven Golden Secrets   https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

We’re excited to introduce co-host, Steven Albritton, to our listeners. Steve is the principal owner of OPStructure, based out of Florida. He has vast experience in the security world, not only in the USA but internationally. Executive protection is a very different ball game in the USA, so it will be great to get Steve’s view on particular topics and past experiences working within and outside of the USA. Troy and Steve will be bringing you key professionals at the top of their game in specific industries to discuss key safety and security issues. Highlights:    Politics moulding the security industry    OBStructure overview    Challenges faced by smaller executive protection companies    Update on Panoptic Solutions    What to expect moving forward https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com https://www.opstructure.com/

Ronin is one of (if not the most) renowned civilian training academies for protection training globally. Located in Cape Town South Africa, the academy has an unmatched environment that covers all aspects of protection training from firearm competency training to experiencing frontline ambulance shifts, all in the heart of South Africa and its unpredictable climate. In this episode, you’ll hear from the founder of Ronin, Timm Smith, who has an unprecedented CV within the personal protection arena. You'll learn all about Timm’s journey, the creation of Ronin and its high standards while learning what it takes to be a Ronin student and graduate. Episode Highlights: Differences between the UK and the US for close protection training The evolution of close protection training Battles within a unified war Bringing the medical aspect into the protection space Despite Ronin’s strict application process, their high standards mean 25% of students do not make it to graduation What makes a great Ronin student How do highly qualified doctors hold up against Ronin’s standards What’s next for Ronin?  

Sorry to have left you hanging - we’ve been on a quick breather due to the workload with clients across multiple countries. We’re back, and we’ve made some exciting new changes to the format of our podcast. In this podcast, you’ll find out about our changes, hear our outstanding lineup of guest speakers for the next several weeks and get a quick update on Panoptic Solutions. Episode Highlights: What’s been happening. Our latest lineup of guests to appear on the show Announcing a new part time co-host. Update on Panoptic Solutions Missing persons case, Annapuranee Jenkins. Quick note on ANZAC Day.

When we think of stalkers and death threats we tend to think of it as being a problem for high profile personalities or celebrities. Most situations involving ‘normal’ people rarely make the news unless the circumstances are drastic but it is a problem much more common that most of us realise. In this podcast, we look at the nature of stalking and stalkers and how to respond to stalking situations. Episode Highlights: The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2012 did a survey and they reported that one in five women will experience stalking at some stage in their life and one in thirteen men will actually experience stalking in their life. 95% of cases where women are stalked involve men as the perpetrator while male victims have a more even split with men and women roughly accounting for 50% of the perpetrator count. What are the four stalker profile types? Seven Actions To Take If You Suspect You Are Being Stalked Stalkers are irrational and unpredictable and often mentally unstable so it’s best to get the experts involved as early as possible. https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Are you aware that up to 2,000 people around the world are currently being held against their will in one form or another? Or that somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 people a year are kidnapped for ransom or held hostage? The fact is, risk is ever present whoever and wherever you are, and being prepared to deal with a situation like detainment, kidnapping or surviving captivity can never be a bad thing. Luckily, there are organisations that provide training for these eventualities and today we chat with a course instructor from the adverse environments team at Panoptic Solutions about the kinds of strategies he recommends. Episode Highlights: Everyone is at risk of captivity The differences between being illegally kidnapped for ransom or held hostage (where you’re a captive) versus being pulled over by the police for speeding and legally taken to the station (where you’re a detainee). Developing situational awareness Why preparation is key What to do in the event of capture https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com https://expertsonair.fm/12-000-to-15-000-people-held-captive-every-year/ http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/12-000-to-15-000-people-held-captive-every-year

Can mindset really help travellers and security operatives respond safely to uncertain circumstances? This podcast interview with former Australian Special Forces soldier and hostile environment security expert, Rhys Dowden about the benefits of a preparation mindset. He explains his holistic approach to confidence in any situation and his tips for getting the edge on life. Episode Highlights: About Rhys Dowden and Operator Edge Types of travellers explained The preparation mindset Mission planning puts you in control A holistic approach to planning travel assures the best results 5 tips for getting the edge on life https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/getting-edge-life-interview-rhys-dowden https://expertsonair.fm/getting-edge-life-interview-rhys-dowden/

Last week we published a podcast episode outlining the ins and outs of hiring a bodyguard or executive protection agent. In the second and final part of the series we look into the medical aspects of an engagement, the importance of local knowledge, some of the contractual details and what should happen before an engagement commences. Episode Highlights: Should We Look For a Medical Capability  in Our Executive Protection Team? What Other Threats Will An Executive Protection Agent Need to Consider When Working With A Client? How Important Is Local Knowledge For An Executive Protection Agent? What Agreements Should We Enter Into With An Executive Protection Agent? On What Basis Does An Executive Protection Agent Set Their Fees? Should I Meet The Team Before Operations Are Underway? What Kind Of Preparation Does The Client Need To Undergo For An Executive Protection Operation? Conclusion and Free Guide https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

For those who aren’t familiar with it, the task of hiring a bodyguard or executive protection agent can be overwhelming. Knowing whether you actually need one can be a mystery, let alone knowing what to look for. With that in mind, we recorded a couple of episodes of the Wheels Up Podcast where we covered what an executive protection agent or operative is, who might need one and how to go about selecting one. Here’s a summary of what we covered in the first episode. Episode Highlights: What Exactly Is An Executive Protection Agent Or Operative? Who Needs An Executive Protection Service? Where Do I Look For An Executive Protection Operative or Company? Is Executive Protection Only Needed When Travelling or Do You Need Protection At Home As Well? In What Situations Would Family Members Need Protection As Well? What Would I Look For In An Executive Protection Provider? In Addition to Security Services, What Else Can We Expect of an Executive Protection Operative? Free Guide - How to Hire an Executive Protection Agent https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Google "shareholder meeting attack" and you’ll be amazed at the number of stories that come up. Most of them are about non-violent attacks - protest groups, people launching hostile bids or shareholders complaining about executive salaries or positions. But, violent or not, looking at the Google results (and reading this blog post or listening to this podcast episode) you’ll soon see why it's imperative for CEOs and prominent company executives to have executive protection and risk mitigation strategies in place. Episode Highlights: Can executives and board members really be attacked during meetings? What kind of businesses have a higher risk of protest or violent behaviour against executives? Do these executives need protection just at meetings, or are there other situations where they might be at risk? At what point should a board or an executive team bring in a professional to help or at least have their risk assessed? Should people attending shareholder meetings or business breakfasts or similar go through a security screening, or is that taking things too far? https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/how-protect-executives-and-board-members-against-hostile-shareholders-and-protesters https://expertsonair.fm/protect-executives-board-members-hostile-shareholders-protesters/

How do high levels of comfort and safety affect our attitude toward risk and how does this impact our level of preparedness and ability to respond to risky situations? In this podcast episode we interview Dr Gavriel Schneider, an expert on integrated risk management and safety and security. We take a deep dive into the psychology of risk and the influence it has on our planning and response mechanisms. Episode Highlights: An intro to Gavriel Schneider The psychology of risk explained Why Schneider refers to Maslow's hierarchy of needs Silo Busters The changing context of threat Situational Awareness Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/psychology-risk-interview-dr-gavriel-schneider https://expertsonair.fm/psychology-risk-interview-dr-gavriel-schneider/ 

When most people think of executive protection, or bodyguards in general, they tend to think of VIPs, celebrities, and high net worth individuals (HNWI). Though they may not always travel to hazardous locations, their risk is enhanced by virtue of their position or status. For journalists and media crews though, travelling to hazardous locations is often part of the job, thus provision sometimes needs to be made for risk management and personal security. Episode Highlights: What’s the difference between executive protection for VIPs and protection for journalists and media crews? A typical example of a project in a volatile zone would be one where we supported a freelance journalists covering stories in Basra during hostilities in Iraq A key part of any risk management project is to remember that it’s not our role to set the agenda. With journalists, they usually have a pretty adventurous spirit and take more risks than most people With the advent of mobile phones and camcorders, it’s often the case that a journalist will travel without a production crew. This shouldn’t be used as an excuse to avoid risk management or bypass a security presence when it might still be in their best interests to do so. Travelling incognito Kidnapping - what to do Seek help, even if you think you can’t afford it 3 quick tips to wrap up http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/travel-safety-and-security-journalists-and-media https://expertsonair.fm/travel-safety-security-journalists-media/

In a previous podcast episode we discussed executive protection recruitment and more with Steve Albritton, a respected security industry consultant based in Florida, USA. In this continuation of our discussion Steve shares how to build a security team from scratch, how to factor medical issues into a risk mitigation task, why staff sometimes need to be at more risk than the principal client, what really goes on behind the scenes of a travel task, what the options are for companies that cannot afford a full security team or to have advances done for them and more. Episode Highlights: The reality of risk mitigation for corporate entities How to be medically prepared The tough choices of risk management Travel planning for the rest of us Behind the scenes and starting out https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ info@panopticsolutions.com https://expertsonair.fm/realities-executive-protection-interview-guest-steve-albritton-part-2/ http://www.panopticsolutions.com/security/content/realities-executive-protection-more-interview-guest-steve-albritton-part-2

The executive protection industry isn’t one that has a clear path for those looking to get into it. In fact most people find themselves in the field almost by accident, usually after a career in the military or police. In this episode we tap into the brain of one of the long-term players in the industry. Steve Albritton served in the military and state police in the USA before taking on a role as security manager for a high net worth individual, working out of Seattle, Washington. Since leaving that role, Steve has established OPStructure, an industry consultancy taking on project work but focussing on executive protection recruitment and team building. Episode Highlights: Executive protection industry trends Why preparation really is key Steve compares the difference between travelling with a single client vs a client and their family as being similar to the difference between checkers and chess As service culture makes the difference You're only as good as your support network! https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

The Philippines is becoming a more common destination for business travellers. As well as being home to the Asian Development Bank, the rising use of Filipino personnel for international call centres makes business travel to the area more frequent. We’ve also had the good fortune to work locally in The Philippines and internationally with a high-profile international Filipino sportsman and have considerable experience with the country and its people. While we’ve had no drama, so to speak, that’s as much due to our high level of preparedness as it is due to the good nature of the Filipino people. Episode Highlights: What you need to be wary of when travelling to the Philippines especially in the south What you need to do in terms of risk management in the Philippines What are the local risks in the Philippines All you need to know about mobility and accommodation in the Philippines Travel with a grab bag and make sure you have contact details of local embassy and consulates on hand as well as details of pre-screened hospitals in case the need arises.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com https://expertsonair.fm/business-vip-travel-security-safety-philippines/

While a lot of travel security and safety advice is generic in nature, different locations often have specific conditions that make them worthy of special mention. Our area of expertise is the Asia-Pacific region and we’ll be discussing several different countries in this area in the coming weeks. In this episode we look at China. Episode Highlights: What are some of the diverse cultures and languages that coexist within the nation As friendly as Chinese people are,, it takes time to earn their trust so business travellers need to take this into account What you need to do before you leave and the visa process in China General safety tips you need to keep in mind Cyber safety within China and how a VPN will be useful How to tell the difference between genuine and counterfeit money Some tips around arranging a taxi in China What to look out for when eating in China Corruption and fraud laws in China are similar to most countries but the consequences may be greater so be cautious about entering into any dodgy practices Some general tips around cultural respect within China https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Show notes In our last post we ran through the essentials that business travelers should cover before setting out on a journey. I this post, we run through the safety and security essentials for during and after the journey. This is much shorter than the pre-travel section, which highlights how much value there is in being prepared. If you prepare yourself well, then the travel itself should go smoothly and, in the event that misadventure does arise, you’ll be in a better position to respond to it. Episode Highlights: How to check your corporate travel policy The pros and cons of touts, rideshares and public transport Why you should ask for accommodation on the 3rd, 4th or 5th floors Why you should hang the Do Not Disturb sign on your door, even if you aren’t in the room Ask for a room away from the fire escape. Thieves prefer to work rooms near fire escapes for a quick exit if needed What to do when things go bad (Riots, Terrorist Attacks, etc) What to do if prompted for a bribe by an official What you need to do after your travels https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Show notes For seasoned business travellers the notion of safety and security while travelling may seem like an unnecessary concern. Safety demonstrations by flight attendants are for the benefit of ‘others’ and, beyond that, all you need to worry about is keeping your belongings safe. Perhaps not. That may be the perception - indeed 99% of travels do occur without mishap - however, the consequences of misadventure are serious enough to warrant a little preparation. Just as our seatbelts are redundant for the vast majority of our car travels, when we actually need them, we’re glad that we took the trouble to put them on.   Episode highlights: If your business has a travel policy, now would be a good time to run through it to check that everything is covered in it. What you need to know about visas when travelling. Don’t be tempted to cut corners! The importance of booking your accommodation,transport and flights in advance. Ensure you have at least six months remaining on your passport. What questions you need to ask when booking a hotel. Scope out the locations of police stations and hospitals before you leave (much easier than doing so in an emergency) Find out the details of the embassy or consulate nearest your destination and carry these details on you. Makes them easier to find when needed and helps others get in touch with those important to you if you are out of action. What to do with your medications when travelling. Carry a dummy wallet on you. What is a grab bag and why do you need it? What you need to know about your travel insurance https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com

Show notes Welcome to the Wheels Up podcast, the resource to help business, executive and VIP travellers stay safe on the ground and in the air. Join travel security and executive protection expert Troy Claydon as he shares tips on how to give yourself or those in your care a safe journey no matter where your travels take you. Episode Highlights: Who is the Wheels Up Podcast for? Hint: safety and security for business, executive and VIP travellers Boring is best How to improve your  travel safety and security How to make business, executive and VIP travel more relaxing Who is Troy Claydon? Why is a military background needed for executive protection? How you can subscribe and get all the latest info from the Wheels Up Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/troypanopticsolutions/ https://www.facebook.com/PanopticSolutions/ https://twitter.com/Panoptic01 http://www.panopticsolutions.com/ info@panopticsolutions.com