In this episode, Mark Ledlow emphasizes the importance of building personal relationships within the executive protection industry, spotlighting the Texas-based TEPP event created by Mike Gonzalez. Mark shares insights on how such events foster trust and deeper connections beyond mere business transactions, illustrating his point with personal anecdotes about meeting various industry leaders and clients. Additionally, he talks about his podcast and new initiatives such as starting a chauffeur driving course and organizing networking events to give back to the industry. The narrative highlights the value of face-to-face interactions over social media networking and underscores the growing opportunities within Texas.

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to

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or listen on major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

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As we reflect on 2025, this episode pulls together the most important themes shaping the year ahead — from the rapid acceleration of AI and automation, to the evolving realities of security, leadership, and trust in an increasingly complex world.

What was once hidden behind the scenes is now accessible to everyone. AI has moved from the “Matrix” into daily workflows, forcing organizations to rethink efficiency, security, and human value. At the same time, rising geopolitical tension, information warfare, and emerging technologies like quantum computing are redefining what risk really looks like — both for businesses and for people.

This conversation also explores the human side of 2025: leadership under pressure, the importance of culture, mentorship, and professionalism, and why kindness, trust, and preparation are no longer “soft skills,” but strategic advantages.

From executive protection and estate management to corporate security, AI leverage, and career longevity, this episode highlights where leaders must adapt — and where getting it wrong even once can have lasting consequences.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• AI has crossed a critical threshold — no longer theoretical, but operational, accessible, and increasingly powerful
• Automation and optimization are now survival tools, not optional efficiencies
• Security threats are no longer siloed — digital, physical, personal, and reputational risks are deeply interconnected
• Quantum computing looms as a disruptive force that could render today’s encryption obsolete
• Executive protection is expanding beyond the C-suite into broader personnel and brand security
• Leadership today requires relationship capital, situational awareness, and long-term thinking
• Culture, kindness, and mentorship deliver measurable performance and retention advantages
• Careers are becoming less linear — leverage, adaptability, and mindset matter more than pedigree

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

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In this Special Rewind Episode, host Mark Ledlow revisits an impactful conversation with Mike Trott, a former Air Force veteran and CIA Special Agent, whose career has been defined by protecting some of the world’s most high-profile individuals. Mike shares the journey of writing his seminal book, The Protected, and the immense pressure of securing an endorsement from former CIA Director George Tenet. They delve into the "layers of security" model, the dangers of social media misinformation, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion as a critical case study in risk management and incompetence. Mike also discusses his current role as VP of Global Safety and Security at Discovery Land, highlighting how the security industry has pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation covers the vital importance of utilizing operational downtime for training and preparing for the massive impending resurgence of global corporate travel.

This Special Rewind Episode offers timeless, practical lessons for security professionals, executives, and principals seeking to strengthen decision-making, preparedness, and resilience.

Learn about all this and more in this episode of The Fearless Mindset Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mastering the craft of security requires decades of lived experience and continuous learning.
• Security programs must be holistic; removing a single layer compromises the entire foundation.
• The endorsement of a high-level principal stems from a commitment to excellence and professional pressure.
• Social media misinformation is a growing "failed experiment" that poses significant risks to global stability.
• Effective risk assessment involves evaluating "all-hazard" scenarios, including neighboring industrial threats.
• Professional EP teams must utilize downtime for rigorous training to remain sharp for future surges in travel.

QUOTES

• “I don't think you can write a book, especially about our career... and hit all the points unless you've lived through it. That’s going to take you a few decades.”
• “If you take one or two layers out... it's like removing the foundation from your building, from your house. You're gonna have issues.”
• “Social media does a lot of good, hands down... but I think we haven't seen or been able to measure how bad it does in terms of false information.”
• “As CSOs or VP of Security and Safety, we probably didn't see this coming where we'd have to step up and be more involved with helping to understand this pandemic.”
• “If EP teams are not training right now and taking advantage of this opportunity and they're just staying at home... you're probably wrong.”
• “The executives are gonna own a full launch and it's gonna ramp up pretty quick. Get ready. It's gonna be madness.”
• “Fearless isn't just your ability to handle a high stress situation. I think fearless also applies into your ability to make good decisions.”

Get to know more about Mike Trott and his work through the links below:

• Book: www.TheProtected.us
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwtrott/

To hear more episodes of The Fearless Mindset podcast, you can go to https://the-fearless-mindset.simplecast.com/ or listen on major podcasting platforms such as Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, etc. You can also subscribe to the Fearless Mindset YouTube Channel to watch episodes on video.

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