Do you ever feel like you're constantly bombarded by one crisis after another with no end in sight? I know I do. My newsfeed is an endless stream of one catastrophe after another. Civil unrest, natural disasters, terror attacks, increased crime levels... When will it end? Can't we go back to the good old days when we dealt with one crisis at a time?

Have you ever heard the term "left of bang"? If you are in the security industry, I'm sure you have. This term is just another way of saying, "get out in front of the problem," which seems to be a challenge for government entities and security agencies.

We've all witnessed it, especially with the numerous conflicts unfolding worldwide. The temptation to sensationalize a situation to gain support used to be reserved for politicians. However, increasingly, we see it creeping into the field of professional intelligence analysis.

We're witnessing a profound shift in the landscape of security threats, and a significant part of this shift can be attributed to the inadequate medical treatment of mental health disorders and a lack of comprehension regarding their underlying causes. Consequently, there has been a marked rise in incidents perpetrated by individuals struggling with mental health issues, many of which could have been prevented.

Traveling through conflict zones has become second nature in my line of work. I often find myself journeying into risky regions to provide essential support to organizations despite the potential hazards. Balancing mission success with personal safety is a constant challenge. However, as I learned firsthand, no matter how meticulous your plans, unforeseen circumstances can throw everything off course.

Kidnap and ransom situations, though relatively rare on a global scale, remain a serious concern in specific locations. While responses to kidnappings are crucial, prevention remains the ultimate goal. By cultivating awareness, adopting an informed mindset, and implementing proactive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to such harrowing situations.

As a professional security consultant, I have witnessed the reactive nature of the industry firsthand. It has always bothered me how the textbooks and prevailing wisdom suggested approaching clients for security assessments only after they had been victimized. Why was it so difficult to convince customers of the benefits of proactive risk mitigation?

In today's digital age, we are increasingly reliant on mobile devices and technology to keep track of our daily schedules and plans. With the convenience of having a smartphone in our pocket at all times, it's easy to rely on it to keep us organized and on track. However, there are significant benefits to memorizing plans instead of relying solely on technology.

I cannot recall how many crisis situations I have found myself in the middle of, but each one has something in common. The crisis typically provides opportunity for everyday individuals to step into a heroic role. I have seen employees put themselves in extreme danger outside of their area of expertise, to save a life in a war zone.