Elijah Shaw's Blog

Every Protector yearns for the point in their career when they can lock in their dream client:  One that will respect their work both professionally and financially.  That is the brass ring in our business, aka, the sacred cow, however, on the road to eating Filet Mignon, there are bound to be several Big Mac’s along the route.  So, as we proceed on this journey to success, we have to make sure we navigate the potholes, namely, doing the job as required without becoming too comfortable in our role, leading to potentially disastrous results. 

Throughout my career, I’ve seen an unfortunate occurrence happen time and time again.  An agent works hard to reach an established position with a client and after a length of time, sometimes months, sometimes years, they do something that gets them removed from the Detail.  Now there is absolutely no doubt about it, some VIP’s are just temperamental, and their need for security, or the removal of their current team could change based off of a number of different factors, none of which could have anything to do with job performance.  It could be financial, coming in the form of a phone call from the business manager who advises the Protectee that he has been overspending for the past 12 months and there have to be some budget cuts.  When faced with paying for their 2nd Lamborghini or paying for security services that perceptually they may or may not need, some clients will choose the wheels with little hesitation. 

In other cases, the separation of services is justified, say the Protectee had a specific threat against them and they were utilizing your services until that threat was mitigated (i.e., a stalker that was jailed) they may then scale back security or suspend it all together, such is life in the business world, and as I always say, even high net worth individuals count their dollars – about certain things.  

However, another example leading to separation of services it the worst simply because it could have been avoided, and that’s the dreaded monster of complacency that seems to strike some in our profession.  It’s like after a while we forget how badly we initially wanted the assignment, not to mention all of our promises that, if given the opportunity, we would be the hardest working, most diligent agent ever.   Instead, we start of sharp as a sword, and slowly over time we become duller and duller until we have about as much value as a Toys-R-Us prop in the real Trojan War. 

Particularly in the entertainment sector, I can see a direct correlation between this type of complacency and the status of the Protectee.  Meaning, if we are working with the next big thing since sliced bread and all the artist demands, -- from private jets to 5 star accommodations, are immediately taken care of, sometimes the trickle-down effect makes us feel like we too are a star. 

If that’s the mindset, consciously or subconsciously, then it will start to affect how we go about our days.  I mean, if the artist is always 15 mins late, why can’t we be?  If the artist gets free clothes and other merchandise gifted to them, what harm can it be to ask for some for ourselves?  The slippery slope then becomes easier and easier to slide down, but that's no problem as everything is going great… all the way until the client or their senior handlers notice that you are enjoying yourself a bit too much, especially considering they are paying you to be there.  

The other group I see it with in entertainment, is Protectors working with new artist who themselves don’t know how they are supposed to interact with security.  The client is overly accommodating, and the agent takes advantage of that to their long-term determent.  While there are some “buddyguards” who have survived in this business, most, have found themselves unemployed once their client came to the realization that if they are paying someone a professional wage they need a professional service, not a new friend.  When that agent then gets the rug pulled out from under them, their response is often shock, disbelief and even anger.  However, if they were to look objectively back on the situation, they might see that they might have painted themselves into a corner by allowing the VIP to view them and how they carry themselves in a different light.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying there is only one way to interact with clients.  In fact, I am a firm believer that you have to have different approaches to different client types if you want long term success in this industry.  With that said, it’s vitally important that whatever your approach, you always present yourself in a professional manner that can’t be picked apart. That does not mean you can’t have a personality, or enjoy some of the fringe benefits that sometimes come with the job, but we do need to makes sure we do not sacrifice long term stability for short term comforts. 

First off, what do I know about Gangsters? Well, I’m originally born and bred in Chicago Illinois, the Mecca of some of America’s most notorious gangsters. Al Capone made his bones here and Sam Giancana was so infamous they used part of his life story in The Godfather.

I also grew up in the inner city housing projects of the South Side of Chicago, and would not be overstating it one iota by describing my neighborhood as a warzone between two of the largest street gangs in the nation.

I say all of this to say, that I’ve got a bit of a historical pedigree when it comes recognizing basassness. (For some it’s a word) In short, I know gangster. Gangsters do deeds that run the risk of punishment from the powers that be, and live by a code (however corrupt) that forms a philosophy that they latch onto. They do the crime, and even those that think they are invincible know somewhere in the back of their head, that if caught they must face the consequences — in many cases ending with incarceration or even death.

And then there are what I like to term the “Internet Gangsters,” those that use social media to bully, and intimidate the area residents in order to pave the way for their own agenda. Much like in the streets, they try and claim territory, except in this case, instead of neighborhoods and blocks, they try and stake their claim on message boards and news groups.

You know the type, just like the flashy mobsters of old; they try and impress the denizens with tales of their prowess. The give flowery examples of their superiority with a handgun, or hand to hand combat. They hint at their extensive client list that OWES them their life, and boast to whoever’s logged on at the time that they KNOW someone “legendary” that’s done SOMETHING “impressive.” Which I assume by default, makes them legendary as well.

In the urban areas there are two types of gangsters, “OG’s” AKA, Original Gangsters. Individuals who have lived the life ages ago, and by virtue of that past pedigree have the influence and respect of their peers. They often can get away with what other’s cant because they have “been there done that” even if it was 3 decades ago. Then there are the “BG’s” or Baby Gangsters, which are the newcomers that have just entered the gangster lifestyle, and are trying to “earn their strips” by proving how tough they are.

Unfortunately in the Executive Protection community we have both types of gangsters, plying their trade on Social Media, those that look down on civilians and warriors alike for not having their level of experience, as well as those that overdo it so aggressively in an effort to gain recognition and respect that it’s almost comical. If it only affected themselves, that would be one thing, but remember, intimidation is a tool of tradecraft for the Gangster.

That means that on social media their outlet is usually those who are younger, more inexperienced, and less inclined to opposition.   In the message board, “neighborhood,” you see it play out in the form of comments and post. The new guy will ask a new guy question, and the response from the “OG” is how dumb a question it is, or reply back in such a condescending manner that the questioner runs for the hills.   And then there’s the “BG” who writes a post or responds to one with such a tall tale about, “their Saudi Prince Client” or the “20 man security detail they were involved in,” that it’s beyond belief.

The only one spared these attacks? The person that the Original Gangster sets his sights on for grooming into the gang. That person, usually young and inexperienced, is typically spared the virtual lashing when they ask a question, and encouraged when they write a post that seems to focus more on the negative than the positive. They are being inducted, and without the proper interventions, suddenly they are exhibiting the same traits as the other gangsters.

Gang violence is an epidemic in some communities, and unfortunately it’s also starting to gain a foothold in social media. I mentioned earlier that I grew up in a gang infested neighborhood. One of the things I attribute to making it out of there (relatively) unscathed is the fact that there was “community policing” in the form of concerned citizens who said, “not on my watch, not on my block.” They didn’t stop the gang’s activities, but they did make their presence unwelcome and by sheer force of will, more than force of arms, compelled the gangs to take their activities a bit further in any direction but there.

I vote we do the same for Internet Gangsters.

▪️ F E A R▪️

In January I released my first book, An Introduction to Celebrity Protection & Touring. If you spoke to one of the handful of people that knew ahead of time (my motto: show, don’t tell), they would agree that I was extremely hesitant. For one, I hadn’t ever written anything full length before. Additionally, I would be writing during the same time I was running the business and all that comes with it. (As life would have it, that period also saw one of my clients release two monumental albums and the international tours that accompany that.) But the real reason was, I was afraid. Afraid of how it would be received, afraid that it wouldn’t measure up to the books that don’t just come and go, but that last for decades, and are read and reread.

My road to overcoming that is what led me to shop the book around to a publisher instead of self-publishing (shoutout to all the self publishers, much respect/smart business model!) For me it was providing the work wasn’t a vanity project, but was something literary professionals could see existing in the marketplace. Plus I’d have an editor holding me to a deadline. — Oh and I really wanted the concept of a Signing Advance, so yes, I guess there was some vanity to it.

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of celebrity protection as well as getting a deeper understanding of the science of behavioral intelligence, join Elijah Shaw, Bob Duggan & Mark James, May 27-29, 2009  in Grand Junction, Colorado for the ESI - ICON Celebrity Protection & Behavioral Intelligence Course.  

Accredited
Scholarships Available
We Accept the GI Bill

For more info call: 651-695-8778 x 2 or click HERE. 

Learn the value of a durable suitcase and a portable steamer.  If you are on the road for any duration of time, your suitcase is going to take a beating.    Additionally, unless you are a seasoned packer, what’s inside the case may not be “ready to wear,” when it’s time to hit the ground running.  Of course if you’re lucky, the nicer hotels may do your ironing for you at no charge, but it pays to be prepared for the worst.
Make sure you take advantage of all the frequent flier programs.   An insider secret is that while outside parties usually make the arrangements and pay for the bodyguards travel, in most cases the actual traveler gets the mileage credit.  A worldwide tour (provided your not flying private) could easily mean a few free roundtrip tickets when you finally do get some downtime.
Be careful what you eat, especially in a foreign country.  The exotic dishes shown on the food channel might look tempting but they may come at a cost, if you don’t have a ironclad stomach.  Running back and fourth to the airplane lavatory is not fun, and let’s not even discuss tour bus facilities (let’s just say, that’s a good way to loose allies quickly).
Always pack your own luggage and know what you’re carrying!  TSA security does not care who you work for, you hold it, you own it.   Also, for those of us in the profession who carry firearms, we also know the additional hassle of trying to check one in prior to boarding, so give yourself some extra time.
Remember: Reporters are not your friends. Say something and you might be (mis)quoted, so if you find yourself in a situation where you are corned by you, it’s best to point them to the client’s publicist or someone in else in management.  With that said, contrary to popular belief, the worst person to be “heavy handed” to is the media. You might not get mentioned by name, but overly aggressive actions could cast your client (and therefore your potential future earnings) in a bad light.
Avoid Groupies.  Bad things can happen to good people.  Meet an unscrupulous person who’s intent on scoring a payday by putting you or your client in a compromising position, and you could end up in the papers, or worst, the back of a police car.
Find the hotel gym, not the hotel bar.  In theory, Close Protection Agents are on call, so you don’t want to be pounding a few down just before something happens.  Tour life means lots of travel, more convenient access to fast (junk) food, and long day and nights.  Staying fit is a vital part of the equation if you are going to do it for the long haul.
Don’t get caught “flat footed.”  There is a routine to tour life, I mean when you think about it; it’s the same show, over and over.  After the 100th viewing you probably can even do the dancer’s chorography yourself. However, with that comes the creeping monster of complacency, and before you know it, instead of being in the wings with a close eye on your client, you are at catering getting a second helping of that delicious apple pie.  And while nothing has happened until now, that’s just the time when Murphy’s Law strikes.  Stay in the moment
If you are assigned to protect the client, you cannot delegate YOUR responsibility.   Sure there may be event security, law enforcement, ushers and production staff, but at the end of the day, if your role is to ensure the safety and security of the client, you are responsible for 360 degrees of total coverage, everyone else might make your life easier, but the buck stops with you.
Remember why you are there. This is an important one.  Sure a tour means seeing new and exciting people, places and things, but the role of the Executive Protection Agent is to be the first line of defense in protecting the client from harm. Often in a tour setting you might find yourself playing several different positions just to make it all run smoother, but no one in our profession wants to be known as the person who was on the scene when something goes bad and couldn’t fix the problem, or worse yet, the Protector who was distracted to notice.