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The Protector: A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Protecting VIPs in the World’s Most Dangerous Places
The Protector is not just a title; it’s a statement of Mary Beth Wilkas Janke’s extraordinary life, seamlessly blending the high-octane world of international executive protection with a candid and powerful memoir of resilience and empowerment.
From the adrenaline-fueled corridors of the United States Secret Service to the perilous unpredictability of freelance protective assignments, Mary Beth has etched her mark as a ‘unicorn’ in a profession dominated by men. The Protector unfurls her journey from a green trainee to an elite operator—a journey marked by steely determination, unforeseen detours, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In 1991, Mary Beth’s aspirations took flight as she joined the Secret Service, a role that demanded unflinching poise and unwavering focus. Whether leading investigations, being part of advance teams, or safeguarding high-profile individuals, she embodied the agency’s ethos of vigilance, loyalty, and courage. But when life’s undercurrents unexpectedly nudged her towards the volatile domain of freelance work, she adapted with remarkable tenacity, shifting gears from the structured life of a federal agent to the liberated, yet demanding, world of a contractor.
Her narrative spans glittering metropolitan centers and treacherous conflict zones alike—every stop an episode in her ongoing masterclass of protection, every client a testament to her unparalleled skill. As a trainer and guardian, Mary Beth’s mantra, "Never let them see you sweat," encapsulates her cool-under-fire persona, while her story—a raw and honest account of conquering adversity—inspires a deep, resonant courage.
The Protector is more than a chronicle of safeguarding dignitaries; it’s a beacon for anyone striving to claim their space in challenging fields. Mary Beth’s voice rings showcasing the intricate dance of protecting others while standing firm in one’s own power. The Protector is your next must-read—a tale of one woman’s indomitable spirit to protect, serve, and rise.
From the adrenaline-fueled corridors of the United States Secret Service to the perilous unpredictability of freelance protective assignments, Mary Beth has etched her mark as a ‘unicorn’ in a profession dominated by men. The Protector unfurls her journey from a green trainee to an elite operator—a journey marked by steely determination, unforeseen detours, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
In 1991, Mary Beth’s aspirations took flight as she joined the Secret Service, a role that demanded unflinching poise and unwavering focus. Whether leading investigations, being part of advance teams, or safeguarding high-profile individuals, she embodied the agency’s ethos of vigilance, loyalty, and courage. But when life’s undercurrents unexpectedly nudged her towards the volatile domain of freelance work, she adapted with remarkable tenacity, shifting gears from the structured life of a federal agent to the liberated, yet demanding, world of a contractor.
Her narrative spans glittering metropolitan centers and treacherous conflict zones alike—every stop an episode in her ongoing masterclass of protection, every client a testament to her unparalleled skill. As a trainer and guardian, Mary Beth’s mantra, "Never let them see you sweat," encapsulates her cool-under-fire persona, while her story—a raw and honest account of conquering adversity—inspires a deep, resonant courage.
The Protector is more than a chronicle of safeguarding dignitaries; it’s a beacon for anyone striving to claim their space in challenging fields. Mary Beth’s voice rings showcasing the intricate dance of protecting others while standing firm in one’s own power. The Protector is your next must-read—a tale of one woman’s indomitable spirit to protect, serve, and rise.
- GenresNonfictionAdult
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2020
80 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 13, 2020
A raw and captivating personal journey. Left me wanting a lot more. Looking forward to the next book!!
July 26, 2023
*5
Wow. I could not put this book down! From each chapter comes a new adventure in public/private executive protection—with all the danger, political intrigue, and gossip that follows. I enjoyed the author’s voice, incredibly raw and personal at times, with her sense of humor drawing a few laughs along the way.
I should also mention that this book was recommended to me by my sister, who had the privilege of taking one of Dr. Wilkas Janke’s classes as an undergrad at George Washington University, where the author currently teaches.
I was floored by the author’s incredible career, with fascinating jobs and celebrity employers, yet her humble nature in recounting the events.
The author does an incredible job detailing her struggles, as a female, in the Secret Service—from the application/interview process to daily on-the-job quips, to a suspicious internal affairs investigation. In the fight to retain her dream job, we see the author’s strong desire to cut her own path and stand up on her own credentials, eventually turning to the world of private executive protection, taking jobs in Peru, Florida, Haiti, and Dallas before making the decision to go back to school.
Through her struggles, Wilkas Janke describes perseverance, adherence to principles, and unfettered resilience in the face of fear. Her striking memoir was raw, unforgettable, and reminds us to persevere above all, for any challenge presents opportunity for growth.
Wow. I could not put this book down! From each chapter comes a new adventure in public/private executive protection—with all the danger, political intrigue, and gossip that follows. I enjoyed the author’s voice, incredibly raw and personal at times, with her sense of humor drawing a few laughs along the way.
I should also mention that this book was recommended to me by my sister, who had the privilege of taking one of Dr. Wilkas Janke’s classes as an undergrad at George Washington University, where the author currently teaches.
I was floored by the author’s incredible career, with fascinating jobs and celebrity employers, yet her humble nature in recounting the events.
The author does an incredible job detailing her struggles, as a female, in the Secret Service—from the application/interview process to daily on-the-job quips, to a suspicious internal affairs investigation. In the fight to retain her dream job, we see the author’s strong desire to cut her own path and stand up on her own credentials, eventually turning to the world of private executive protection, taking jobs in Peru, Florida, Haiti, and Dallas before making the decision to go back to school.
Through her struggles, Wilkas Janke describes perseverance, adherence to principles, and unfettered resilience in the face of fear. Her striking memoir was raw, unforgettable, and reminds us to persevere above all, for any challenge presents opportunity for growth.
July 2, 2021
A superb read
"The world is difficult and dangerous, and to survive and thrive, you’ve got to be prepared to deal with curveballs swiftly and with a clear head. Never let them see you sweat, remember?"
This is one of the quotes from Mary Beth's book which has been a fascinating read for me. No truer word was ever spoken but in this case, the author walked the walk, or shall I say trail-blazed? This is a woman who has never shied away from challenges in her life. In fact, seeking them out and excelling under adverse conditions has become quite a character trait throughout the last quarter of a century. From moving alone to live in a foreign country to becoming a Secret Service Agent, from protecting dignitaries to training protection details from around the world, Mary Beth embraced her status as a unicorn in a male-dominated world but this is not a feminist story. This is the story of a woman who chose to live her life with integrity, authenticity, humility and a can-do attitude. She is a great inspiration and I have thoroughly enjoyed her book. I can't wait to interview her on the show "Into the Light - A Different Life Story" on YouTube and as a podcast.
"The world is difficult and dangerous, and to survive and thrive, you’ve got to be prepared to deal with curveballs swiftly and with a clear head. Never let them see you sweat, remember?"
This is one of the quotes from Mary Beth's book which has been a fascinating read for me. No truer word was ever spoken but in this case, the author walked the walk, or shall I say trail-blazed? This is a woman who has never shied away from challenges in her life. In fact, seeking them out and excelling under adverse conditions has become quite a character trait throughout the last quarter of a century. From moving alone to live in a foreign country to becoming a Secret Service Agent, from protecting dignitaries to training protection details from around the world, Mary Beth embraced her status as a unicorn in a male-dominated world but this is not a feminist story. This is the story of a woman who chose to live her life with integrity, authenticity, humility and a can-do attitude. She is a great inspiration and I have thoroughly enjoyed her book. I can't wait to interview her on the show "Into the Light - A Different Life Story" on YouTube and as a podcast.
November 12, 2021
Overall good but a challenging read
I'll admit that I nearly put this book down for good several times. If you are a person that is more interested in events than someone's feelings on a matter as I am it is a bit hard to get through the first quarter of it at least. The book would be a 1/4 quarter if we weren't constantly be reminded a woman is doing a job alongside men as if this wasn't published in the 21st Century and that should be common knowledge and experience to most readers. But she related some interesting experiences and provided valuable insight into contract security that made the read overall worthwhile.
I'll admit that I nearly put this book down for good several times. If you are a person that is more interested in events than someone's feelings on a matter as I am it is a bit hard to get through the first quarter of it at least. The book would be a 1/4 quarter if we weren't constantly be reminded a woman is doing a job alongside men as if this wasn't published in the 21st Century and that should be common knowledge and experience to most readers. But she related some interesting experiences and provided valuable insight into contract security that made the read overall worthwhile.
September 23, 2023
Review
This book took me less than 24 hours to finish. It was so engrossing, I could not put it down! I was expecting a book full of Hollywood names and tidbits. What I got was a little bit of that, but a busload of historical details about events the world over. Told by a brilliant storyteller, who made the stories real. It was like talking to a friend. I hope the author continues writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
This book took me less than 24 hours to finish. It was so engrossing, I could not put it down! I was expecting a book full of Hollywood names and tidbits. What I got was a little bit of that, but a busload of historical details about events the world over. Told by a brilliant storyteller, who made the stories real. It was like talking to a friend. I hope the author continues writing, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
August 10, 2023
Security is an ever changing concept
This book was an easy read for me. I continued to return to it for about two weeks, and when it ended I was shocked. She should have transitioned slower vice such an abrupt here is the end good night….
This book was an easy read for me. I continued to return to it for about two weeks, and when it ended I was shocked. She should have transitioned slower vice such an abrupt here is the end good night….
September 24, 2023
fascinating - to me at least
Good writer and interesting content. Lance I started reading I never wanted to put it down. Kept me engrossed for most all the book. I was only disappointed when I came to the end. I wanted to go on and on
Good writer and interesting content. Lance I started reading I never wanted to put it down. Kept me engrossed for most all the book. I was only disappointed when I came to the end. I wanted to go on and on
September 27, 2022
Interesting personal memoir of a woman in personal security. A bit hokey at times but okay.
May 28, 2024
A fascinating read about an extraordinary women who life is like a action script from a thriller/Bond movie but it's not fantasy but amazingly true.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews