Lessons in the Field

In this episode of Lessons in the Field, Nate Bennett sits down with security consultant Greg Warden to discuss his path from U.S. Army Infantry to leading global protective operations.Greg brings experience as:• A former U.S. Army Infantryman with multiple deployments• A Department of State WPS contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan• An instructor in close-quarters combat and small-unit tactics• A leader of corporate security and executive protection programs for Fortune 100 companies, UHNW individuals, and private family offices worldwideIn this episode, we discuss:– The defining moment in the Infantry that shaped his professional mindset– How he transitioned into protection work– What executive protection looks like when it’s executed correctly — and goes unnoticed– The most underrated skill in protective operationsThis is a candid, field-driven conversation on leadership, discipline, and what it truly means to operate at a professional standard in executive protection.Subscribe to Lessons in the Field to stay up-to-date with all of our releases!

This episode's guest is Nate Bennett, Vice President of Embedded Protective Operations at Rescor Group. He’s a former U.S. Marine with nearly two decades of international experience in executive protection and risk management, including work across 45+ countries and prior contracting with the U.S. State Department in Baghdad, Iraq. Nate is also a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and an Advanced EMT, bringing a rare blend of operational, medical, and strategic perspectives to the job.In this conversation, Nate and Malinda get into the real “behind the scenes” of protective work—how identity, leadership, and decision-making get forged over time, and what it takes to build teams that operate under pressure with consistency and trust.Malinda pulls back the curtain with Nate on:Leadership under pressure (and why “leadership is an insulator”)The reality of international protective work and what makes it “get real” fastBuilding a career in EP through problem-solving, grit, and cutting through red tapeThe mental side of the industry: bitterness, resilience, and learning from hard lessonsWhy the best protection is often a high-touch, concierge-level partnership—not a transactionThis is a candid, narrative-driven episode for security professionals, operators, and anyone curious about the mindset behind protective operations.Available on: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.If you’re enjoying the show:Subscribe to YouTubeLeave a comment with the biggest takeawayShare with someone in the security/risk/leadership worldDisclaimer: Experiences and opinions are those of the guest. Sensitive details are intentionally omitted, and nothing in this episode is intended as legal or professional advice.

In this episode of Lessons in the Field, we sit down with Malinda Gilbert, a seasoned executive protection specialist whose career has taken her across 15 countries, safeguarding high-net-worth individuals, Fortune 5 executives, and diplomatic delegations. With over nine years of frontline experience, Malinda shares insights from her work in covert operations, high-threat environments, and red-carpet security, all while maintaining an unmatched standard of professionalism and discretion.From tech campuses to private aviation hubs, and from residential protection to conflict zones, Malinda offers a rare inside look into the mindset and skill set it takes to thrive in this field. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the protection industry or those curious about what it really takes to lead under pressure.