EP Women - Braunig

WOMEN IN EXECUTIVE PROTECTION SHOULD THEY BE THERE?

By Martha J. Braunig

Yes, of course. Why not? There are a number of (though not nearly enough) successful female executive protection agents. In Fact, it is puzzling to us at ESI that there are, comparatively, so much fewer females than males in the business. Females have broken through the barriers in law enforcement, firefighting, the military, construction, and other traditional male domains.

What do females "bring to the table" as executive protection agents? They are low profile-a must in any situation other then some of the headier entertainment groups. They are used to avoiding problems as opposed to busting heads-a distinct advantage in our litigious society. They are good planners-a must in conducting good advances. And, as a female agent once said to me, "this business brings out my fierce protective nature. I protected my children until they were grown, and now I'm protecting clients. At the hint of danger, my female warrior protector nature leaps to the surface."

Last but not least, there are numerous clients who are either female or who are male but worry about providing discreet protection to their families who prefer (even demand) female agents.

I think is important, however, that all prospective agents, both male and female, have a clear, unromantic, reality-based view of executive protection. This is not James Bond. It is not an exotic routine of unmitigated excitement and glamour. It is largely routine, often boring work, with the biggest percentage of time spent doing meticulous detail work. It is long, long hours, with little privacy or concern for personal concerns. It's hell on social life and very tough on marriages, as the assignment or job may take the agent away from home for long periods of time.

The rewards? Good agents make good money and derive a lot of satisfaction from doing a job well. Those agents who are proprietary agents can enjoy a fair amount of autonomy. If the job is finished and he or she wants to take some time off and sit in the sun in Bermuda, this is possible. If the agent works for a corporation, there are (probably) the usual corporate perks, otherwise known as employee benefits. There is a good chance of job tenure. And there is the opportunity to become engaged in some business activities not available in the proprietary arena. For example, let us say, female agent X is listed as an Executive Assistant to Company CEO Jones. Agent X may have a chance to assist in planning the huge Ride the Rockies special 5-day event. Or, participate in the planning for CEO Jones to attend an economic summit in Geneva, coordinating with Interpol and the U.S. Secret Service. Or, assist in implementing a computer security program, Etc. etc.

These are facts. More individuals and more corporations and agencies are employing protection specialists. There are still some, but far fewer, barriers to women in executive protection. The profession, itself, has acquired more respect, which means that the level of professionalism has risen. Successful agents must be well trained, able to multi-task, and able to operate within increasingly sophisticated environments.

Good luck!

Martha J. Braunig is Vice President of Executive Security International, Ltd. (ESI), located in Aspen Colorado. She wishes more women would consider the profession. She can be reached at 1-800-874-0888.