Playing the Long Game for Big Career Gains

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? What are you doing now to ensure you get there?

In this edition of OntheCircuit, we're looking at the career trajectory of the security professional and asking how an operator should position themself to achieve their professional ambitions?

In line with that theme, this week's podcast episode is very much for anyone looking for longevity in the industry. If you value professionalisation and are prepared to invest in your career growth and development, this one's for you. And as Dr David Rubens reminds us...

“Qualifications don't get you a job. But not having qualifications will stop you from getting a job when you get to a certain level.”

And as we head into a more uncertain world, now, more than ever, we must all work supportively and collaboratively across the entire security sector to improve our profession today, for a better tomorrow.

The Circuit Magazine Podcast

If risk management underpins everything we do in the security industry, why is the delivery of high-level training so underserved? And why are the requisite skills not valued more by all practitioners?

We're joined by Dr David Rubens, founder and executive director of the ISRM (Institute of Strategic Risk Management), as well as MD and CEO of Deltar Training Solutions.

In this episode, we’re going to explore what the professionalization of risk management means to protective services and why it’s relevant. We’ll also be asking…

  • Is there's a shortage of risk management skills within the industry and why?

  • Why are there not more compelling arguments for acquiring recognised risk management qualifications earlier in a career?

  • For operators wondering where to spend their CPD budget? Is risk management something that is going to have immediate returns or do the rewards come later in your career?

If you enjoy listening to the Circuit Podcast and can spare a minute, please rate/review us. Your rating will help us to rank higher making it easier for others to find the podcast.

The Need to Know

The leader of ISIS was killed in a US military raid in Syria on Wednesday night, President Joe Biden has confirmed.

An American hacker took down several North Korean websites as revenge for the alleged attack carried out by the hermit nation against him in January 2021.

The record-breaking luxury yacht is being built by Dutch firm Oceanco and is reported to be 417ft (127m) long and too tall to fit through the Koningshaven Bridge.

How did a self-employed website designer and mother of two come to work for one of the world’s most notorious cybercriminal groups.

‘We cannot favour short-term economic interests over the long-term survival of freedom and democracy in Europe’

A political action committee tied to Democrat Stacey Abrams spent nearly $1.4 million for private security last year, according to federal disclosures — an extraordinary sum that watchdogs say reflects the rising threat of partisan violence in the United States.

Iran-backed Houthis say they plan new military operation inside UAE as seven-year-long conflict in Yemen deepens.

For more timely global updates like this, get the Circuit Daily Briefing delivered to your inbox... daily! Get on the list >

From the Pages of the Circuit Magazine

Being able to operate as a specialist within the confines of any family is challenging. Being wealthy or famous doesn’t change the meaning of family, it only intensifies the dynamics due to potential additional risks. As a specialist working in and around a celebrity and their family, you are privy to certain insights.

Celebrity families have a constant presence of staff in their homes, including security, and it can be overwhelming to the family structure. It is your job as a professional is to limit exposure within the confines of the home until needed.

Mark Roche explains how working with celebrities, especially within a family structure, is a specialized skill to be honed. And if you can master it, it can be rewarding on multiple levels.

If you enjoyed this article and want more great content from across the industry then sign up for the Circuit Magazine >

Situation Report by RANE

Although a Russian invasion of Ukraine is not the most likely scenario at this point, it cannot be ruled out and organizations should start considering the risks they could face were such a conflict to break out. In the less likely but more impactful scenario where Russia conducts a full invasion of Ukraine, the United States and its European allies will likely respond with a myriad of financial and other sanctions that would in turn cause the Kremlin to respond with cyberattacks.

The United States and the West are likely to place sanctions on Russia's financial sector. Such a sanctions strategy would be designed to maximize short-term and long-term economic pain on Russia. The Kremlin would likely view such sanctions as significant economic warfare and retaliate accordingly.

In such an invasion and sanctions scenario, Russia's retaliation would focus heavily on carrying out cyberattacks aiming to disrupt U.S. and European economic activity.

Russia's primary objective will likely be widespread economic disruption aimed at breaking the West's resolve to maintain sanctions. Financial gain will be a secondary or tertiary objective.

In a worst case (low likelihood, high impact) scenario, Russia may be willing to engage in more destructive and disruptive cyberattacks targeting critical U.S. and European critical infrastructure. While Russia and the United States will seek to avoid such a scenario, a Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger a series of events that bring the West and Russia to trade cyber, economic and military blows against each other to significant proportions.

Special Offer for On the Circuit Readers

Be the smartest person in the room with this exclusive offer from RANE.

From the Community

The NABA Protector community have been discussing the challenges and viability of being a celebrity protector and an aspiring actor looking for work.

But if you are pursuing the same career as the people you protect, does that create the potential for a conflict of interest?

Ask questions, get advice, and find industry resources from an active and thriving community of professional, working operators:

🇺🇸 NABA Protector >

🇬🇧 BBA Connect >

On the Circuit Merch

To any industry insider, being 'On the Circuit' means being operationally active in the world of international protection. To anyone else, it's just three words. Those who know, know!

Upcoming Events

Based on the lessons learned over a life-time of experience from multiple practitioners, this programme is designed for security and risk managers tasked with the modelling, planning and management of robust security programmes.

Final Thoughts

Ten years from now, where do you see the role of Corporate Security or Director of Physical Security & Risk Mitigation or indeed, the role/position you find yourself in now?

Over the past decade, top tier security positions have evolved professionally and academically. They are now recognized positions and accepted core functions within organizations big and small globally.

In this article, Ken Smith does a great job exploring what the possible expansion of corporate security will look like. How companies like Facebook are already providing a glimpse into the future, illustrating the potential for the growth and development of this career path, particularly for skilled and professional experts.

Now, more than ever, we must work supportively to promote synergies and collaborations to better our corporate security profession as we know it today, for a better tomorrow.

Until next week...

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