The Professionals Podcast

How Do You Outthink Unthinkable Threats? Ask Bart E. Womack.

Episode Summary

PARENTAL ADVISORY: EXPLICIT CONTENT This episode contains mature subjects. Listener discretion is advised. What does it take to stay one step ahead of a crisis—and how can those same skills help in any career? Hosts Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim talk with Bart Womack, a retired Command Sergeant Major and security expert, about insider threats, situational awareness, and leadership under pressure. Bart shares hard-earned lessons from a traumatic insider attack, revealing the critical skills that make a difference in security careers—and any profession that requires quick thinking, risk assessment, and decisive action. Whether you're considering a career in security or looking for practical leadership insights, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stay sharp and prepared. Subscribe and Rate The Professionals on: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🔊 Spotify Or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. For comments, show ideas, or advertising opportunities visit our show page or email us: TheProfessionals@gwu.edu

Episode Notes

PARENTAL ADVISORY: EXPLICIT CONTENT 
This episode contains mature subjects. Listener discretion is advised.

What does it take to stay one step ahead of a crisis—and how can those same skills help in any career? Hosts Amanda Gillespie and Luke Kasim talk with Bart Womack, a retired Command Sergeant Major and security expert, about insider threats, situational awareness, and leadership under pressure.

Bart shares hard-earned lessons from a traumatic insider attack, revealing the critical skills that make a difference in security careers—and any profession that requires quick thinking, risk assessment, and decisive action. Whether you're considering a career in security or looking for practical leadership insights, this conversation is packed with advice to help you stay sharp and prepared.

Subscribe and Rate The Professionals on:
🍎 Apple Podcasts
🔊 Spotify
Or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

For comments, show ideas, or advertising opportunities visit our show page or email us: TheProfessionals@gwu.edu 

Show Notes

• Awareness and preparedness are crucial for survival.
• Trust should be approached with caution.
• Observing and reporting suspicious behavior can save lives.
• Listening carefully can reveal potential threats.
• There is no specific profile for potential attackers.
• Situational awareness is a shared responsibility.
• Military experiences provide valuable insights into security.
• Education and training can empower individuals to act.
• Preventative measures must evolve with changing threats. Identifying tattoos can hint at affiliations with organizations.
• Background checks are limited in their effectiveness.
• Manpower shortages in the military affect recruitment standards.
• Situational awareness can prevent potential attacks.
• Community members play a crucial role in safety.
• Parents must monitor their children's environments for signs of violence.
• Mental health issues are often linked to violent behavior.
• Gun ownership requires responsible education and monitoring.
• Global perspectives on gun laws can inform local policies.
• Continuous education is vital for those in security careers.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Unthinkable: Insider Threats in the Workplace
• 01:59 Bart Womack's Mission: Security Awareness and Preparedness
• 06:03 Lessons from Combat: Recognizing Insider Threats
• 09:56 Strategies for Prevention: Trust, Observe, and Report
• 18:52 The Evolving Nature of Threats: Military Insights and Adaptations
• 22:5 6Identifying Red Flags in Military Personnel
• 26:23 The Importance of Situational Awareness
• 29:17 Strategies for Preventing Attacks
• 32:29 Parental Responsibility in Gun Safety
• 36:58 Global Perspectives on Gun Ownership
• 40:50 Career Paths in Security and Safety Awareness
• 43:43 Final Thoughts on Preparedness and Awareness

Links: 

• Womack's Website: https://bartwomack.com/
• Womack's latest book, Embedded Enemy: https://bartwomack.com/book/
• Embedded Enemy, the movie: https://bartwomack.com/movie/
• Womack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bart-womack-28170417/