Seasoned Perspective
CASE STUDY #218
A retired CEO tackles security head-on – and engages a Family Chief Security Officer
FAMILY’S CHALLENGE
“This is great,” the former CEO said with a smile. “But who is going to make sure all these recommendations are implemented properly?” This was a new client relationship for Paladin and we had just completed our first in-person meeting to review the results of our physical, technical and cybersecurity of their prominent primary residence.
As an exceptionally high-profile estate in this affluent southern community, the multi-acre compound included both gulf and ocean access, a long frontage access road and “a lot of eyeballs from all sides.” “When we conduct an assessment” we said, “we design our recommendations to give you latitude in how you want to address them. If you would like us to help in this arena, we’d be pleased to do so. We work on both sides of the ‘assess + execute’ fence with equal passion and intensity.”
PALADIN’S SOLUTION
After working through the pros and cons of an effective execution model – a narrow, assignment-specific mandate vs. an ongoing purview as a private client “Family Chief Security Officer” – the CEO selected the latter.
By the end of the week, we had submitted a project implementation plan for all recommendations, and by the following Friday, provided the principal with a tightly curated overview of proposals from technical vendors needed to effect the changes, improvements and new capabilities we wanted in place to protect the family. After guiding the CEO through the vendor-selection process, we oversaw all projects, from design through implementation.
When each vendor’s work was completed, we validated and tested the results before giving this client the “green light” to issue payment. In addition, we developed, and trained the family on appropriate response and safety protocols including shelter-in-place and evacuation.
VALUE TO THE FAMILY
Pleased with the results of the engagement, the family has since retained Paladin as the family Chief Security Officer to provide background checks, travel advisories, and comparable services as required by the family on an ongoing basis.
The Project Manager’s Thoughts on this Engagement
“Most families appreciate learning about the risks to their safety and which countermeasures are needed to mitigate them.
But they’re often challenged in (1) overseeing execution of these tasks immediately after receiving their report, and (2) monitoring and adapting security measures continuously over time – as risks change and the family’s lifestyle evolves.
That’s where a Family CSO can make an enormous difference.”