EXECUTIVE PROTECTION LIFESTYLE

EP 17 Considerations V4 Building Yourself New year New you Time for the new year… I hope you made the most of the last one, we will all see who makes the most of this next one. In this life you can only have excuses or results, there is only victory or capture. So, if you don’t work hard, work smart and stay consistent, you will lose. This podcast episode of considerations is all about the mindset I approached the new year with and I share this in hopes that I might inspire a few people, encourage a few people, empower a few people and contribute in a way that helps someone take their game to the next level. This podcast is not only about Executive Protection tips, tactics and principles but it is also about lifestyle because it is the right lifestyle behind what we do that empowers us to truly be good at our work. Don’t let this new year be the type of year that requires you to create a “new you” at the end of it. Make this year the year that you create a version of yourself that is the foundation of your greatness and that you can not only love but also respect for years to come. Learn to leverage everything that you’ve gone through in order to make it all work in your favor. Be the Alchemist of your life by finding the purpose in all of the pain of the processes you’ve been going through over the years. If you can do this then you will unlock the potential hidden in those processes. Most people are blinded by the pain, the hard work or the shame and so they miss out on the lesson and the purpose of the process. They see it only as struggle but not as providence, so they stay weak. If you learn to face the struggle valiantly and don’t let it destroy you, then you will realize that it is that same struggle that you need and is necessary in order for you to be strong enough not only to make it to but also to maintain at the next level. This episode is all about considerations for the new year, enjoy and thank you so much for listening. God bless, Semper Fi and happy new year!# Support the podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For more www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

Considerations 2 - Close Protection I’ve heard that it’s been done many different ways, many schools teach this and there’s definitely more than one way to skin this cat. I still chose to make this consideration episode because there are still many in this game who haven’t had the opportunity to go through any type of solid training before being thrust into their position. Even for those who have been to school, there’s always something we can learn from each other I personally think. I definitely would not say that I am any type of expert on this topic but rather I am simply willing to give my perspective, opinion and any knowledge I have acquired over the years to the industry in order to help others get better, hopefully and also to add to the things they consider when conducting body work on a client. If and when you all see holes, please don’t hesitate to let me know, I will appreciate the information. In this chapter of considerations, I walk you through blow-by-blow the things I’m looking for, taking into account, planning for and my overall frame of mind when working close protection on a client. I’m sure I did not cover everything in this brief explanation but it’s definitely enough information to gain a deeper understanding of how I prioritize and execute when walking with a VIP. Here are a few topics covered: • Reading the crowd • Reading the client • Reading your surroundings • Judging context • Changing scenarios • How to think when on the move • Choosing your next location • Evacuation plan • Offenses/defensive tactics relative to situation • Inward/outward orientation • How and why I walk behind client • How and why I walk in front of client • Body placement • How to deal with unknowns/threats • Maintaining contact with client • Getting sucked in • Thinking ahead • Touching your client • What to do in an emergency • Communication Support the podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For more www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

Violent attacks and incidents have been on the rise for the last three years straight with a crescendo last year making 2018 the most violent year in faith-based organizational history. Because violence at churches and places of worship is becoming more and more prevalent it has sparked the growth of a new frontier in the private security industry. The unfortunate reality appears to be that faith-based organizations tend to be targets of violence for a number of different reasons organic to their natural functions. These days faith-based organizations are not just worried about the other religious extremists but things like domestic violence which is actually the number one cause for violence on many campuses are just one of many salient considerations with regards to protecting a facility and its congregation. Insurance companies are now becoming more and more interested in the security measures these organizations are putting in place and parishioners are also beginning to look at the quality of security as an important component that is necessary for worshiping safely. How do you put your security program in place while honoring your faith and contributing to your organizational goals and mission? These are the types of questions we help answer in the following podcast as I talked with Luke Agajanian who is the director of security at a mega church on the West Coast and a man that I’ve worked all over the world with in the faith-based genre of the security game. Just a few of the topics - Church politics - Friction points to implementing your security program - Winning the congregation over - Protecting the place or the person? - Bag searches - Hiring retired law enforcement personnel - Positioning - Kicking people out of the sanctuary - Who to bring on your security team? - How to use all assets and leverage other departments - equipment - Pastoral protection - Where to place who - Setting up your overall security structure and strategy

This interview was absolutely amazing, where else can you listen to a conversation with an individual who has done so much for the industry and evolved through what could be considered a full cycle of development in the Private Security Game. Starting in the realm of basic square badge / club security, evolving into Executive Protection, launching his own company and eventually selling it for millions, all with no LEO or Military experience. With a background and experience working some of the first and largest tech contracts in the game and also legendary hip-hop artists; Christian West needs no introduction as an individual who has much to contribute from his journey. As you would expect there is so much that many of us stand to learn from this episode, it is packed with absolutely priceless principles, tactics and security game upgrades for those who are willing to listen and able to recognize wisdom. This episode breaks two hours but the content and conversation was so good that we didn’t even realize it until the very end, listen and enjoy! Conversation consists of but is not limited to: • Introduction • Where did you come from – your story? • The dream– did you plan on the success you have had? • Why are you in this field? • What does executive protection mean to you? • What single principle, value or set of values has contributed to success on your journey the most? • Working hip-hop stars how did race effect your job. • Biggest differences working tech companies - dues and don’ts. • Covert protection dues and don’ts. Do you prefer covert or overt protection pros and cons? • Major choice points on the road to success. o Growing panes both operationally and internally • Developmental chapters you can recall as you developed • Example of a mistake you've learned from. • Example of proudest moment in this game. • A word to anyone who wants to get into executive protection? • Most important skill set for success in this industry • What do you love most/least about what we do? • Executive protection mindset - describe what you believe the perfect mindset is when doing this work • People - personalization - pushing • Safe – happy – productive o Productivity support • Your new apps • AS training solutions • Advice for security business owners • Rituals- daily, weekly, that you think make you better at what you do • How would you like to be remembered? • Where can the world find you and what are you doing these days? Please push me any links you would like me to add to media post-production. https://assolution.com/people/christian-west/

From time to time I’m going to simply put together episodes where I talk about a number of different topics that have either been coming up for me, out in the field or have been touched on during the podcast episodes. I’m going to call these episodes simply “CONSIDERATIONS”. I will call them this because they are simply my two cents on a number of different things that I think private security practitioners and professionals should consider. My way is not the way but rather it is only a way, therefore my goal is never to get everyone to think like me but rather to get them thinking for themselves. In this first run of considerations, I cover various topics that I believe are pertinent to situations many of us are facing on a daily basis in this industry. A few topics I spoke on: • Social media and private security • How to generate a valuable brand • Finding your new fight in life • Ego management • Security detail team dynamics • Living in the tactical imaginary world • The most dangerous and seductive battlefield in the world • Why discipline over comfort/ pain over pleasure • Your number one enemy and competition • What you are truly dying to do www.patreon.com/join/ByronR • For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

MASSIVE Depending on where you play in the world and in the country, the private security game is always played a little bit differently. After starting my career on the West Coast in Orange County California, I ventured out to South Florida to be closer to my father and work on building my own empire. This is where I met one of the most genuine, hard-working and respectable men I would ever work or contract with. Marc and I met after I came in at the ground floor all over again and he came from a career in construction. We had to build clout in the security scene bouncing at the hard rock in Fort Lauderdale. Since then both of our journeys have caused us to grow and experienced success exponentially. This interview and conversation between myself and Big Marc T. of MASSIVE PROTECTIVE SERVICES of which he is the CEO is about the journey from working the clubs to working royal families in South Florida. If you're looking for information on how to level up in the private security industry, this interview is for you. We have not reached our apex, zenith or highest levels by any means but we are two gentlemen that are willing to contribute to others by sharing our experiences. We hope you enjoy this conversation no matter where you are in your development as a private security practitioner. A few of the questions asked and topics covered: • Introduction • Marcs story • The dream • Why the security industry • What does executive protection mean to you? • What single principle, value or set of values has contributed to success on your journey the most? • Major choice points on the road to success. • Developmental chapters on the road from bouncer to CEO • Example of a mistake you've learned from in the protection game • Example of proudest moment in this game • A word to club security, nightlife security operators who want to get into executive protection • Most important skill set for success in this industry • Barriers to entry MASSIVE PROTECTIVE SERVICES https://massiveprotectiveservices.com Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

As I find myself managing security operations on an international level for various clients, inevitably there are various tasks and events that require strategic alliances. Some companies I work with and am disappointed, other companies give me a pleasant surprise but I work with very few companies that cause me to feel real congruence and connection almost instantly on a level that supersedes the business transaction. I was thrown a curve ball while operating internationally, on a bad weekend in the industry when everyone had their “A” team out in the field at the big game. I needed a professional shop to help me make a play. I needed solid agents who would contribute to my brand integrity and maintain my report with the client of being that clutch specialist who gets things done and that can be counted on. Sentinel Security answered the call and was able to facilitate those needs seamlessly when no one else that I called on that day could. Since then myself, Constantine and Michael have gotten to know each other better and I believe that they have a value system in their company that the entire industry truly could benefit from learning about. I’m glad I brought them on because their contribution to the podcast in this episode turned out to be the exact type of conversation I think if taken seriously can make all of us better at our jobs no matter what position we are in on the detail. Sentinel Security Plus https://www.sentinelsecurityplus.com Just a few topics we covered: -How we met -Backgrounds -Why we called this meeting -Qualities of an ideal agent -What separates a truly successful agent from the rest? -Soft skills versus hard skills -The evolution of the executive protection Agent -Values of a good executive protection agency -What does executive protection mean to you guys? -Working without firearms -Executive protection mindset -What would you say to newcomers to the industry? -Biggest failure or learning experience and what did it teach you? -Proudest moment in the industry -Rituals that you believe make you better as a human being and better at your jobs. Support the Podcast https://www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More http://www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

This interview was definitely a good time because it was like two Marine Corps grunts catching up. Daniel Shaw is a very dynamic fire arms trainer in our industry who also has a very inspirational and motivational way of looking at life. This interview contributes in a number of different ways by speaking at length about firearms and combat principles while also touching on a number of different life principles that have not only help myself and Daniel but that I believe will be helpful to everyone listening to this episode is well. As we all know by now, what truly makes a good protector is much more than simply hardware and that is why I believe this interview is definitely worth your time. Topics and questions -Background -“Strategies for stopping violence with violence” what does that tagline mean do you?(Storytime?) -what types of instructors should people be looking for? Real instructors versus fake Instructors? What should people look for in an instructor before studying under them? -Best use of range time for improving skills sets? -can you train firearms skills without a range? -In terms of hard skills what types of firearms drills do you think executive protection guys should run? -Do you think that most of the firearms Training out there needs an upgrade or is it OK? - “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast”… What do you think about this phrase and is it still relevant? -Your top two or three principles for surviving a decisive engagement. What should people be focusing on, implementing and executing on? -Active killer defense? Interesting looking course on your website… Please tell us more. -What direction is your brand moving in these days? https://shawstrategies.com Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

This was a live question and answer session myself and Aaron conducted inside of our Facebook group, "Executive Protection Lifestyle." I try to do these live question-and-answer hangouts personally and with other industry professionals from time to time in order to contribute to our group in the same way that this podcast is hopefully contributing to the industry. We go over many interesting industry topics and talk about a number of under the table dark art forms of executive protection that not be conventional but have definitely helped us over the years. Just a few topics we touch on consist of:-Managing expectations -Positioning with your clients -Communicating with clients -Layering your security approach -Principals over tactics -Executive protection leader ship -Giving clients space -EP is like dating -Everyone on the team is a leader This was a shorter episode but I assure you it is still packed with many jewels of industry knowledge. Aaron is a good friend and fellow agent that I love working with and I look forward to having on the podcast again, as well as working with him again in the near future. Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

WARPATH We all come from various places, such diverse backgrounds and experiences into the private security industry. To me this principle and way of life actually has less to do with where you come from and what you have done but more to do with who you truly are as a person on the inside, you're either going to get this topic or you're not. When it comes to warrior culture you're either in or you are out, you are either a protector or you will need to be protected. The podcast is about the very fabric of every protector, the thing that truly makes us different and the reason I believe that jobs such as Executive Protection, Law Enforcement and the Military are more of a calling that a vocation. This episode is all about the warrior's heart that many of us have beating inside of our chests and the warrior blood that drives us to do the amazing things we do when we put our lives on the line for those who we love. In this podcast I talk about getting back to your roots and how to keep your inner warrior alive on a daily basis. This is a topic that has proven to be a struggle for many agents I've seen and worked with. Making the transition from warlord to guardian is something I talk about quite a bit but it is also part of what this subject matter is about. How does a warrior keep his edge and stay sharp in today's PC, entertainment and comfort driven, entitled, fluffy, cartoon world? In this episode I offer my advice on the topic of how to stay on the WARPATH. Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

Elijah Shaw is an industry professional that I have respected for a very long time in this game. His company icon is a name that is well known and has proven itself in the industry by working with various celebrities on an international level for years. They also conduct high-quality training for private security professionals as well that has gained considerable recognition within the industry. I learned a lot in this interview and it was truly special for us both to finally catch up. This interview has a lot to give any industry professional. No matter where you are on your journey within your professional career, you will learn and appreciate the content found here. It was an informative and pleasurable conversation about industry trends, norms, how to become better and mistakes not to make. During this interview Elijah and I talked in depth and at length about specific topics such as: • Love most and least about the industry? • Advice to new agents getting into industry • Most important skill set for the industry professional • Primary component that hurts the growth of security professionals • Significant Rituals that you think make a better person and Agent • Mistakes and learning experiences • Executive protection mindset • Direct questions o Why are you in private security? o What are you doing in the field these days? o What is it all about for you? o What does executive protection mean o What are you doing now? o Where can we find you? “Elijah Shaw is one of the USA’s top bodyguards. He has protected most of the biggest names in Hollywood. As CEO of Icon Services Corporation, a U.S. based security agency which provides Executive Protection services, Elijah Shaw is one of the more recognizable “bodyguard to the stars” – The Circuit (https://circuit-magazine.com/interview-with-elijah-shaw/) Links http://industry-icon.com https://circuit-magazine.com/interview-with-elijah-shaw/ https://twitter.com/ElijahShaw?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/sunsear/?hl=en https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah_Shaw Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

In this episode I am being interviewed by a good friend and colleague named Luke Agajanian. He is a 10+ year veteran with a wealth of knowledge on many aspects of private security, he's worked on many continents with various client demographics. He has a black belt Brazilian Jujitsu from AOJ and he is a highly -ranked competitive shooter at the Masters level in at least one division. We worked together for years and we are currently working together on an ongoing detail during the time of this podcast. Luke is the man who opened the door to me and let me into the world of private security. During this interview we talk about how our first meeting changed my life as he recruited me from a bouncer position and brought me to the next level. We study the dynamics of this encounter in order to help all the replicated and understand a little bit more about what it takes to make it in private security. After talking about who I am, my background and how I got into private security we go into a number of different topics around the subject. • Who am I • My background • Networking • Humility and confidence • Warlord and Guardian • Ideal executive protection mindset • What is executive protection? • Branding you represent three brands • The vanity of the industry • Why you may not be able to find work Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

The Groundwork The primary goal of this podcast is to lay the groundwork for what the podcast and thus the Executive Protection Lifestyle brand is all about. I talk about the goals I have for the brand and where things will be going. I lay my intentions out straightaway and also clearly explained that I'm not doing this because I think I’m the best, but rather of doing it in order to improve myself and the industry at large. After that stuff out of the way I get it to more specifics, principles, techniques and tactics that relate to private security, protection and becoming a better human being overall. The episode is brief but absolutely integral for understanding what this podcast is going to be about. TOPICS • What the podcast will be about • Goals for the podcast and brand • What it takes to be an Executive Protection Agent • The lifestyle behind a successful agent • Values for success • Hidden skill sets for success in private security • From Warlord to Guardian • Industry of service • The ultimate super fly master Jedi ninja EP agent • Humility and authenticity – a way, not the way • How Executive Protection Lifestyle started • Becoming more dangerous and a little bit smarter all the time • Your first line of defense • The utility of shooting competition • What this podcast can do for you personally and professionally • The atrophy of identity • Why the EPL lifestyle is so important Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

EP3 Solo Operations This episode I recorded right after conducting an international solo operation for client and family. As you can see in the video I'm actually still sitting in my hotel room after dropping them off at the private airport. I wanted to make this episode all about how to operate all alone in another country from start to finish. I go over the advance work and into what to do the second you touchdown on foreign soil. I follow it up with actions to conduct after the objective is met and your client is taking off. This episode is heavily focused on executive protection tactics but it also has many principles in it that will help you in various areas of private security and life as usual. Support the Podcast www.patreon.com/join/ByronR For More www.executiveprotectionlifestyle.com

EP5 48 LAWS OF POWER What makes a successful Executive Protection Agent? How does a private security professional carve out a place for himself on a detail and in a client's life that is somewhat secure, reliable and will gives him enough authority / report to be able to do his job at a high level? Why is it that many highly skilled, highly tactical and high-speed security agents simply do not do well in the private security industry? While I don't know the answer to all of these questions I do know for a fact that social dynamics do play a very heavy parts in the answers to those questions. One of my all-time favorite books and a book that's principles have assisted in the profit of hundreds of thousands of dollars at this point but more importantly the acquisition of positive brand equity, is a book called 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene. The problem with many agents is not that they don't know how to protect someone rather it is simply that they do not know how to survive the socially treacherous booby-traps, tripwires and minefields surrounding their clients in many cases. Every private security detail is a very sensitive and sophisticated social ecosystem that can either crush and eliminate an agent or catapult him to lasting success if he learns how to play his cards wisely on a daily basis. The 48 Laws Of Power book is one of the most valuable books I know of on the topic of social dynamics and that is why I chose to review it on this podcast. No matter what your vocation is, you are dealing with people on a regular basis and studying the principles in this book will benefit you.

Yousef Badou is the founder of Emergence and he has the honor of being the longest standing member of the Marine Corps Combat Hunter Program. Before founding Emergence, he was the Lead Instructor for Behavior Analysis and the Certifying Authority for all new instructors over the past decade. His company and its instructors maintain real world backgrounds in Behavior Analysis and adult learning sourced from various military, intelligence and law enforcement organizations. In this episode Byron and Yousuf dig deeply into the topic of pre-threat indicators and predicting people with regards to private security and close protection. This episode is highly technical and is designed to help you see the world around you differently and in a way that will give you an edge to stay ahead of the game and on the left side of “bang.” If you don't understand what that term means, you will by the end of the episode. As good guys we are forced to be highly reactionary because the bad guys get to choose the time and place. The sooner you can begin reacting, the higher your chances are of winning the day.