Overview
In this next episode, I was joined by Ben Hosking, executive protection leader, and Business Manager with Panoptic Solutions, who serves as clients’ go-to provider in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.
Ben contributed great insights to this episode from his about 2 decades of experience, ranging from serving as a Territory Response Group Operator supporting Dignitary Protection, Tactical Medicine, Search And Rescue, and more. Plus, his experience on the security service provider and business operations side with Panoptic Solutions.
Today’s conversation focused on Ben’s career path, moving from law enforcement and protective services to the private side, his thoughts on what makes one successful in close protection roles, the role of emergency medical training, and so much more.
Also, everyone listening is welcome to join Ben and I for a beer at the Executive Security Operations Conference next week at the JW Marriot Indianapolis (June 19-21), tickets are still available.
Learn More about Panoptic Solutions here:
- Wheels Up Safety and Security Podcast (LinkedIn)
- Wheels Up Safety and Security Podcast (Apple Podcasts)
- Wheels Up Newsletter (LinkedIn)
Highlights from This Episode
- Importance of Soft Skills: Ben emphasizes the critical role of interpersonal skills and relationship management in executive protection, over hard tactical skills.
- Medical Training: Highlighting the importance of having medical skills and a medical professional on the team to handle potential health issues of principals.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding and respecting the cultural differences in the regions where they operate, particularly in Australia and Asia.
- Blend In, Don’t Stand Out: The need for EP professionals to blend in and not draw attention to themselves or their principals.
- Learning from Experience: The value of attending conferences and training sessions to learn and improve continuously.
- Building Relationships: The significance of building genuine relationships with clients and other industry professionals.
- Economic Engine: The business aspect of EP work focuses on building rapport and trust to generate contracts and revenue.
- Specialization and Local Knowledge: Leveraging local expertise and networks to provide high-quality EP services in specific regions.
- Continuous Improvement: The importance of ongoing training and upskilling in areas like medical response, tactical response, and client relations.
- Logistical Challenges in Australia: The unique logistical challenges of operating in a vast country like Australia require careful planning and resource management.
Memorable Quotes:
- On being covert: “You either brand out, or you blend in.”
- About medical: “It’s better to have it [medical training] and not need it than to need it and not have it.”
- Networking: “Your network is your net worth.”
- Humility: “Check your ego at the door and face the fact that this is a big old part of the world.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- Training and Education:
- Executive Security Operations Conference: JW Marriott, Indianapolis, June 19-21
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Training
- CPR/AED Training
- Stop the Bleed Training
- Referenced by Ben: “Fishing community in shock after man snatched from boat while fishing in Kakadu“
Use CONTROL + F to search the transcript below if you want to learn more!
Related Episodes
- Emergency Medicine in Protective Security
- Building a Medical Kit
- Executive Security Operations Conference
- International Executive Security Ops
- Mastering Security Excellence
