The Protector: A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Guarding VIPs and Working in Some of the World’s Most Dangerous Places

by Mary Beth Wilkas Janke

Considered a “unicorn” in the dangerous and predominantly male world of international executive protection, Mary Beth Wilkas acquired a unique skill set over the course of her career that made her one of the most sought-after professionals in the field. But the road from bright-eyed trainee to top operator was anything but straight and narrow. In 1991, Mary Beth landed her dream job as a United States Secret Service agent. Ever level-headed, she thrived in the high-pressure position, conducting investigations, traveling with advance teams, and working protection details. But when the career path Mary Beth trained for took a radical turn, she was forced to carve out a new identity as a freelance protective agent. As a contractor, she was freed from the red tape of a federal agency but also, sometimes to her chagrin, its standards and resources. Working for clients that ranged from foreign diplomats to the wildly wealthy, Mary Beth jetted between conflict zones and lavish destinations, ensuring the safety of VIPs and their families and eventually training others to do the same. “Never let them see you sweat” became her credo. The Protector tells the exciting and inspiring story of how Mary Beth learned to navigate a male-dominated field with grit, integrity, and courage, and reveals how the ability to bounce back from adversity can transform even the worst setbacks into epic growth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Autobiography

284 pages, Paperback

Published June 27, 2020

Reviews

[Chris Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved re-reading this book as I got to reconnect with Dr. Janke’s story and how her expertise guided the courses she taught at GW. By diving deep into her desire to be a federal agent, she documents her time at the USSS and the world as a private executive protection agent. Through her eyes, you see a world against the role of women in the security field, but through her hard work, education, and dedication she is by far one of the best security professionals in the field.

[Kaye Wyly · Rating 4 out of 5]

All she ever wanted to be was a member of The Secret Service. That single goal drove Mary Beth Wilkas early life and the decisions she made. Of course, it didn’t hurt that her father’s office buddy was Marlin Johnson, former head of the FBI Chicago Field Office.

With a set of specialized skills and training, Wilkas forged a life not only protecting some of the world’s most well known people, but she helped break the male dominated bro code in protection services. Often she was the only female on the team.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fast pace memoir. When life would have derailed most people, she found ways to continue to use her training and her education and her skills doing what she loved most - protecting people. She is a trail breaker, fearless, ethical to a fault, and oh so brave. Here’s hoping there will be a second book!

A four star read and eager for reading more about this fascinating woman.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating real life story of a talented and strong woman. My friend who recommended it to me was friends with the author from college at Indian University. Even without that connection, it was an amazing account of a woman’s successful path in a male dominated industry.

[Julie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, seeing how she reinvented herself, faces challenges eye to eye. I really enjoyed the book, highly recommend.