Wheels Up - Safety and Security for Business, Executive and VIP Travellers Podcast

"You don't matter until it matters." In close protection, the operator is a highly trained professional waiting in the background until the one percent moment arrives. Then everything depends on awareness, teamwork and the discipline to get the principal off the X rather than win a fight.In Episode 18, Ben Hosking sits down with Ben Hartley, Executive Protection & Training Manager at Panoptic Solutions. They recorded fresh off a close protection task in Papua New Guinea, ahead of Panoptic's October Close Protection Course intake. They talk about why the course is fully residential and immersive, the gaps in Australia's close protection workforce, and Ben's philosophy of protection, which is grounded in Stoicism and in teaching principles rather than rote steps. Ben also explains where students come undone, how daily after-action reviews build accountability, and why getting a principal home safely isn't exceeding expectations. It's the bare minimum.Chapters0:00 Intro0:26 Welcome and what's next for Panoptic training1:48 Back from PNG: situational awareness in semi-permissive environments6:48 Why the course is residential and why it exists12:29 Vetting operators and the standards gap15:13 The intelligent operator: 'You don't matter until it matters'17:02 A philosophy of protection, built on Stoicism19:28 Getting off the X: what the data says protectors actually do24:57 Inside the nine days, through to the full mission profile28:31 Where students come undone, and principle-led thinking37:13 Ego, teamwork, daily AARs and mentored feedback47:24 Doing the job isn't exceeding expectations55:37 The perennial student, and how to join the course58:58 OutroDetails of the next Close Protection Course and SDET dates are at panopticsolutions.com.Look Far, Look Near, Look Rear.This episode contains strong language.

Your body doesn't respond to actual threat. It responds to perceived threat. In close protection, policing and any high-consequence role, that one fact separates the operator who stays composed from the one who becomes a liability to the principal and the team.In Episode 17, Ben Hosking is joined by Panoptic Solutions' Executive Protection & Training Manager Ben Hartley and returning guest Dr Adam Szlezak, a performance coach working in psychophysiology. Ben Hartley describes his path from infantry digger to builder, to professional gridiron player in Germany, to Army Military Police close protection officer. He then opens up the nine-day residential Close Protection Course he wrote, from the barrier fitness test to the final full mission profile.Dr Adam explains the science underneath it: survival biology and the "crocodile at the water hole", Recognise & Regulate, building your own somatic profile, and co-regulation. Co-regulation is how an operator's body language signals safety or threat to a principal and to an aggressor. Together they cover how to read the physical warning signs in a crowd, why failure points are data rather than defeat, why skills fade, and why the best operators never stop training the basics."High-level operators aren't constantly regulated. They're constantly regulating." – Dr Adam SzlezakChapters0:00 Intro0:26 Meet Ben Hartley8:21 Dr Adam Szlezak returns12:08 Inside the nine-day course18:53 Pass/fail pressure: perceived safety vs perceived threat32:08 The crocodile at the water hole: Recognise & Regulate, co-regulation39:24 Combatives, getting off the X and the intelligent operator51:00 Reading people: crowds and physical warning signs1:07:28 Failure points: capability over pass/fail1:13:28 Range day, skill fade and the taser story1:28:51 Reality-based training and what's next1:50:10 OutroCourse dates and intakes: panopticsolutions.comLook Far, Look Near, Look Rear.This episode contains strong language.

In this inspiring episode of the Wheels Up podcast, hosts Troy Claydon and Ben Hosking of Panoptic Solutions engage with celebrated entrepreneur Mark Wright, winner The Apprentice UK in 2014, who went on to be UK Entrepreneur of the year 2018 and listed in Forbes 30 under 30. The conversation explores Mark’s path from small-town Australia to building a digital marketing empire in the UK, highlighting crucial lessons in entrepreneurship, adaptability, mentorship, and the power of staying authentic even under the spotlight. Mark’s experiences and candid advice offer valuable insights into business success, personal growth, and navigating the evolving world of digital marketing. Show Notes 00:00 – 05:00 – Introduction Troy and Ben welcome listeners back after a brief hiatus. Introduction of Mark Wright, highlighting his entrepreneurial journey. 05:01 – 15:00 – Mark Wright's Background and Achievements (Challenges and Success in Business) Discussion on Mark's experience winning The Apprentice UK in 2014. Insights into founding Climb Online, a digital marketing agency backed by Lord Alan Sugar. 15:01 – 30:00 – Entrepreneurial Challenges and Mentorship Mark shares experiences dealing with the pressures of starting and scaling a business. He discusses the importance of mentorship and having a board of advisors for business growth. Emphasis on the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in entrepreneurship and also the role of mentors in accelerating business success in providing valuable insights. 30:01 – 45:00 – Sales Techniques and Customer Relationships plus Digital Marketing Insights Mark discusses the importance of sales and customer relationships in business and of delivering on promise and maintaining high standards to build trust with customers.. The significance of a strong online presence for business. Mark discusses strategies for effective digital marketing and customer engagement.  45:01 – 50:00 – Closing Thoughts Final insights from Mark on the future of digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Emphasizing the importance of mentorship, goal-setting, and continuous improvement. Hosts thank Mark for his contributions and preview upcoming episodes. Key Takeaways Adaptability is Crucial: The business landscape is ever-changing; entrepreneurs must be ready to adapt to new challenges. Continuous Learning: Ongoing education and staying updated with industry trends are vital for success. The Power of Mentorship: Learning from those who have achieved what you aspire to is a game-changer. Strong Online Presence: Effective digital marketing is essential for business growth and customer engagement. Authenticity Wins: Fame and success are easier to navigate when you stay true to yourself. About Mark Wright Mark Wright is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and digital marketing expert, best known for winning The Apprentice UK and being named UK Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018. Featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, Mark grew his business from a share house startup to a multi-million-dollar enterprise. Originally from Australia, he has become a prominent figure in British business through strategic leadership, calculated risk-taking, and a relentless drive for growth. Connect with Mark Wright & Panoptic Solutions Open to Feedback, Questions, and Business Opportunities The episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs at any stage — from startup to scale-up. You can connect with Mark on the links below. But in the meantime throw on the headphones, click the Wheels Up Podcast Link below and enjoy! Don’t forget to subscribe and give us a 5 star rating on your favourite podcast platform!   🔗 Connect Mark Wright Linkedin Instagram 🔗 Follow Panoptic Solutions Linkedin Instagram Facebook Youtube X Website      

Guest: Michael Byrom – CEO, The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation Consultant at McBride Legal | Director at Southern Cross Soloists Ltd In this episode, we speak with Michael Byrom, a legal expert and philanthropist dedicated to making a difference through The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation. With a career spanning over 40 years in commercial law, corporate governance, and contract negotiation, Michael shares his journey from the legal world to leading one of Australia’s most impactful cycling-based fundraising initiatives. Listeners will gain insight into the intersection of business, philanthropy, and endurance challenges, as Michael discusses how The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation has raised over $44 million for children’s charities and continues to build a legacy of executive networking through high-performance cycling events. Key Takeaways 🔹 Transforming Passion into Purpose – How Chain Reaction uses endurance cycling to drive fundraising and executive engagement. 🔹 The Power of Executive Networks – Why senior business leaders are drawn to this initiative and how they make an impact beyond the boardroom. 🔹 Lessons in Resilience & Leadership – What endurance sports can teach corporate leaders about perseverance, teamwork, and goal-setting. 🔹 Future Goals for Chain Reaction – Insights into the foundation’s ambitious targets for 2025 and the events shaping the next chapter. 👤 About Michael Byrom Michael Byrom is a highly regarded legal consultant with over four decades of experience in commercial, corporate governance, and real estate law. A director of The Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation and Southern Cross Soloists Ltd, Michael brings his expertise and leadership to organizations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Since its founding in 2007, Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation has raised over $44 million for children's charities, supporting more than 50 organizations across Australia. The foundation continues to connect business leaders with meaningful philanthropy through high-endurance cycling events, fostering a culture of giving, leadership, and community impact. 🎧 Tune In Discover how Michael Byrom and Chain Reaction Challenge Foundation are redefining corporate philanthropy through endurance cycling. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network! 🔗 Follow Us 🌐 Website: www.panopticsolutions.com 📍 LinkedIn: Panoptic Solutions 📧 Email: [email protected] #Philanthropy #CorporateLeadership #EnduranceCycling #Fundraising #ChainReactionChallenge #ExecutiveNetworking #Resilience

Guest: Steve Bernard, CFE - LinkedIn Advisor / Board Appointments: International SOS, Metro One, Prescient Formerly the Executive Vice President for Protection at Sony Pictures Entertainment. In this episode, Stevan Bernard, a globally recognized security expert with nearly five decades of experience, shares his incredible journey from leading global security operations at Sony Pictures Entertainment to establishing Bernard Global, LLC. Stevan reflects on his personal health challenges, his commitment to mentoring the next generation, and the wisdom he has gained through navigating security risks across the globe. Listeners will discover how resilience, integrity, and purpose have shaped his life and career, offering powerful lessons for anyone seeking to lead with impact and navigate challenges with grace. Key Takeaways Overcoming Challenges: Stevan discusses his personal health battles, revealing how adversity strengthened his leadership and commitment to helping others. Building a Legacy: His passion for mentoring the next generation of security professionals, rooted in integrity and a vision for a safer world. Lessons from the Field: Stories from his global security operations and the insights gained from managing crises and mitigating risks in diverse environments. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Why integrity is the foundation of impactful leadership and how it shapes meaningful mentorship. 👤 About Stevan Bernard Stevan Bernard brings nearly five decades of experience in security across government and private sectors. As the former Executive Vice President of Global Protection Services at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Stevan led security operations in over 50 countries, overseeing global threat management, cybersecurity, and crisis response. Currently, as CEO of Bernard Global, LLC, he provides advisory services on corporate security, crisis preparedness, leadership, and risk mitigation. Recognized by esteemed organizations such as the CIA and FBI, Stevan remains a respected thought leader, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of security professionals. 🎧 Tune In Listen to Stevan’s inspiring journey and gain insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving world of security. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your network! 🔗 Follow Us Website: www.panopticsolutions.com LinkedIn: Panoptic Solutions Email: [email protected] #ExecutiveProtection #Leadership #CorporateSecurity #Resilience #Mentorship #RiskManagement