Crisis Management Under the Highest Stakes

Joe Lawless, Senior Transportation and Security Advisor at Edward Davis, LLC, joins TalkLP Host Amber Bradley to talk crisis management.  Joe has not only had an impressive career in law enforcement and in public service, he was also responsible for the security at the Boston Logan Airport on Sept. 11, 2001 — the worst attack against the homeland in our nation’s history.  Joe discusses the unbelievable scope of his responsibility when he was in charge of the Massachusetts Port Authority and how his team prepared for high-stake situations in America’s most vulnerable areas.  Joe also adds how crisis preparation impacts retail and what retailers can do to BE READY for the worst case scenarios.

Joe’s Background:  Joseph Lawless is one of the world’s most respected leaders in transportation security and risk management. In his 37 years in law enforcement, he served as Director of Maritime and Aviation Security for the Massachusetts Port Authority, chaired the American Association of Port Authorities Security Committee and testified before the U.S. Congress on numerous occasions providing expertise on security policy. Lawless is currently a senior advisor at Edward Davis LLC and serves as the Board President of the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police.

To contact Joe, you can reach him here.

Vendor Networking Events: Boondoggle or Valuable?

In this recent edition of Point vs. Counterpoint, TalkLP Host Amber Bradley takes on the value of vendor networking events with two perspectives: Integrator vs. VP of LP Perspective.  Here’s the background:

Recently IPVM ran an article entitled, “Why Integrators ‘Need to do better,’ Train More, Says Fortune 1000 Security End User” which discussed a perspective from Nicole McDargh, Vice President of Safety and Loss Prevention for Domino’s.  A subscription is required to read most of her comments but in short her comments took aim at how solution providers are constantly trying to woo their retail/restaurant end-user targets instead of truly understanding their problems and connecting with them on solutions — NOT “Whiskey and Cigars.” After reading the article, Angie Barnes, Executive Vice President of Sales for NAVCO, decided to offer the integrator’s perspective by offering her opinion in, “Integrator Explains Bourbon & Cigars Event”, again, a subscription is required for viewing the article, however, in short – Angie’s opinion explained WHY integrators put on such networking events and believes the strategy is more complicated and nuanced than Nicole earlier explained.

TalkLP invited BOTH Nicole and Angie on the podcast with host Amber Bradley to discuss their perspectives face-to-zoom-face! Listen today to get the summary of their perspectives and find out if they can truly achieve common ground on this hotly debated issue!

 

In Other News… w/ former CIA Chief John Franchi

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley gets “THE” update from former CIA Station Chief John Franchi.  John and Amber talk the recent cell phone outage – who’s responsible – upcoming elections predictions, Russia elections, cell phone scams, password protection, and more…  John talks about how all this craziness impacts retail and what executives need to be prepared for, such as: What is your organization’s redundancy? What’s your tech back up? How are you guarding your executives from scams?

To subscribe to John’s update or engage him to consult for your organization, contact him here.

Securing the ENTIRE Property with Equity Residential

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley talks securing an entire property with Equity Residential — a nationwide multi-family property management company.  Jenny Price is the Program Manager for Smart Home – which includes access to the buildings and community areas.  With co-host, Executive Vice President of Sales for NAVCO, Angie Barnes, we dive into how Jenny manages the multitude of risks within securing where people call “home.”  Jenny talks about innovative technology from Brivo, facilitated by NAVCO, that helps her keep her residents feel secure WHILE easily accessing their home, common areas and even other properties amenities as appropriate.  What else can technology solve in this environment?  Gotta listen to know because it’s super cool …..

Thank you to NAVCO for sponsoring this podcast!  For more information on NAVCO and the offering they provide – go here.

An Iconic Brand’s Approach to LP

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley is STOKED to be joined by Adonis Jacovides, a Chief of Loss Prevention at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company straight from Cyprus! Adonis talks about the Ritz Carlton iconic brand and how important the empowerment is among its Ladies and Gentlemen. From a prison officer to a chief of loss prevention, Adonis explains how the breadth of experience has helped him navigate such varying cultures.  He also discusses how tricky it sometimes becomes executing some loss prevention strategies in such an unique environment.  Adonis also explains their approach in explaining the policies and ultimately treating everyone with respect – no matter the circumstance.

Listen to his approach and how it may apply to your own environment…?

The Benefits of Your Own ROC (Remote Operations Center)

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Ryan Themm, Corporate Investigations Manager at Meijer to talk tech.  Ryan describes the structure of Meijer in terms of asset protection team and how they support the Meijer operations staff as well.  Any tech conversation wouldn’t be complete these days without addressing how solution providers work together to contribute to an ecosystem that benefits the retailer.

A valuable tool the Meijer utilizes to keep their employees and customers safe is their Remote Operations Center (ROC). Ryan describes how the ROC plays a critical role in supporting safety and investigations with the stores as well as supporting the operations staff as well.

This episode is sponsored by Genetec!  Find out more about Genetec’s offering by clicking here.

Ben Dugan Goes on the Record with TalkLP

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley catches up with Ben Dugan, Executive Director of Central Investigations at CVS Health to discuss recent headlines about quantifying the Organized Retail Crime (ORC) problem retailers are facing.  As an asset protection industry veteran, Ben Dugan has been fighting for visibility to the ORC issue to help keep customers and employees safer while reducing inventory loss.  However, after some industry debate surrounding numbers — Ben looks to set the record straight from his perspective.

Visit the CLEAR website to read the official CLEAR statement here.

Talking LPR Tech with Auror

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Bobby Haskins, Vice President of Retail Partnerships, at Auror to talk critical technology that helps keep employees and customers safe: License Plate Recognition (LPR).  Most practitioners don’t know that Auror has this technology and Bobby clears up why that is — and many other insights on industry trends. Although this may be new for the folks in the United States — this technology isn’t a new venture for Auror.  Hear how long Auror has been doing this and why they are considered an expert in this field.

Curious to check it out beyond this amazing podcast?  Visit Auror at the NRF BIG Show in NYC at booth 1041!

Need more information on their LPR technology?  Click here!

TalkLP is also STOKED that Auror is supporting our Asset Protection Executive Xchange (APEX) conference September 22 – 25, 2024 as THE title sponsor!  Get SO BIG AUROR!!

 

TalkLP Top 10 Podcasts of 2023

As another year comes to a close and we breathe a sigh of anticipation for another new year to come, it’s always fun and valuable to take a look back at the successes of 2022.  It’s also important to show gratitude to all those supporters of TalkLP thus far: THANK YOU!!

TalkLP has been blowing up with your engagement and we are so grateful for this industry!  Make sure to listen and engage in what TalkLP has to offer: our TalkLPnews APP bringing you breaking LP headlines, job alerts, solution provider info, research and more; as well as TalkLP podcasts, webinars and our Asset Protection Executive Xchange event series! 

Stay plugged in by downloading the app, joining the TalkLP LinkedIn Group, and subscribing here!

Let’s Count Down our TOP 10 most popular podcasts of 2023!

Number 10: Totally Unfiltered with Former Police Chief Kristen Ziman

TalkLP host Amber Bradley gets totally unfiltered with Kristen Ziman, Former Chief of the Aurora IL Police Department (Ret.), Professional Speaker, and Published Author of Reimagining Blue.  In this super real conversation, Amber and Kristen talk about the complexities of power, empathy, the divisiveness of the current state of this country, and more. How do (or should) loss prevention professionals wield their power in the interview room?  Kristen discusses treating suspects with respect and dignity at the same time holding people accountable for their actions.  How, you ask?  Listen to this extremely vulnerable conversation about race, loss prevention ethics, human connection, and more as Amber and Kristen discuss her book and keynote speech premise.

Number 9: Amazon Leadership Lessons A to Z

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley and co-host Angie Barnes, Executive Vice President Sales at NAVCO, sit down with Heather Warner, Head, Global Physical Security Operations Technology for Amazon.  Yep. That’s right – we were lucky enough to pick Heather’s brain about her time at Amazon, her career growth, the importance of leaning in to peoples’ superpowers and more! What is the Amazon culture like when it comes to LP, safety, and security?  Being ok with failing soft and fast > in a nutshell.  Listen as Heather describes “trying to break Amazon” by testing tech in small formats to fail small and fast which leads to greater learning.

Number 8: Assessing Risk Both Personally and Professionally

Josh Phillips, Senior Director and Head of Safety & Asset Protection for Chipotle Mexican Grill sits down with TalkLP Host Amber Bradley to talk deviating career paths, the best way to truly be open-minded, and the BEST career advice he’s ever received.  Josh also talks about the benefits of creating a real and authentic workplace…and WHY should that matter?

Josh also opens up about the worst career advice he’s ever received… AND all those solution providers that don’t bother researching the business your pitching, don’t bother calling Josh.  Great advice: do your research and try to know the problem before walking in the door. Plus, understand how your solution is going to scale in large environments (#preach, Josh)!

Number 7: NRF Welcomes Scott McBride as Council Chair

National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Vice President of Asset Protection & Retail Operations David Johnston and the newly announced Chair of the NRF Loss Prevention Council, Scott McBride, Chief Global Asset Protection Officer & CSO at AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS INC. joins TalkLP Host Amber Bradley to discuss the re-energized direction of the NRF Loss Prevention initiatives under David and Scott’s leadership.  Both loss prevention veterans talk what’s new and what’s coming for the NRF — and it’s time to get excited.

Number 6: Debut of New TalkLP Host David Lund

TalkLP Host David Lund, CFI, LPC, interviews marketing and communication expert Amber Bradley about her role in the loss prevention industry, what inspires her, and of course, David’s signature “Terrible Twelve” questions to get her warmed up for the podcast!  Check out David’s debut episode with an industry veteran of a different sort.  For more information on Amber Bradley and what her company, the Calibration Group, does for the loss prevention industry, check it out here.

Number 5: Workplace Violence Threat Assessment with Frank Patercity

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Frank Patercity, Director of Corporate Security, Investigations & Organized Retail Crime (ORC), for Kroger.  Frank & Amber discuss the evolution of learning when it comes to identifying potential workplace violence threats, what we need to understand and why it’s important to your organization.  Frank also explains exactly what a threat assessment professional’s duties are and are not.  Frank also discusses the broad potential fix for the active assailant issue and how a smaller company can implement a program without a ton of staff.  And what about “soft” landings? Listen to this today!

Number 4: In Other News: The Impact of Middle East Tensions on Retail

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with former CIA agent and station chief John Franchi to discuss the war in the Middle East and its impact on retail.  Learn about how this conflict erupted and the prediction for the future.  Also hear from an expert on international affairs about executive travel, supply chain impact and more.  John brings the TalkLP audience real education about world affairs and their impact on the retail industry. To subscribe to John Franchi’s periodic update on domestic and international affairs contact him at johnfranchi (at) hotmail.com.

Number 3: The Proof is in the ROI, Here’s How to Create It

TalkLP host Amber Bradley chats with Gianna Davis, Asset Protection Director of National Investigations for Albertsons Companies about establishing an ROI for needed investments.  Return-on-Investment (ROI) is often a played term, but it’s use is not going away any time soon…..so, better understand it.  ROI analysis of technology is often a cumbersome process.  Gianna walks the audience through her successful ROI process — including what numbers she needs, how she gets her departmental partners on board, and how to obtain funding for mission-critical technology.

Number 2: Priesthood or LP: A different type of Confession

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with James Cosseboom, Director of Asset Protection for Retail Business Services (AHOLD) – but he’ll explain that.  As a grocery asset protection industry veteran, Jim has seen his share of change and growth throughout his extensive career.  Hear how Jim decided he preferred catching shoplifters over becoming a priest….both involve confession, just different types as Jim tells it. Jim also discusses the structure of his team and all the various responsibilities they have in support of the AHOLD brands.  Jim also unveils the ONE technology that he says he just can’t live without right now….. check it out! 

Number 1: Everything is an Interview

Paul Jaeckle, Vice President of Asset Protection of Meijer Stores, sits down with TalkLP Host Amber Bradley to talk grocery SUPERBOWL, setting a non-linear career path, the two way street of mentorship, and how to target learning specific skills to truly move forward.  Paul also talks about when to take a step back in your career and why.

Paul talks about his belief that you are responsible for your own career and how to take the reins of your own destiny!  Define yourself for who you are and why you are.  Forget competitive states – are you more capable than the rest?  Does your body of work represent that?  Take a listen to some salient points about how to grow in your career.

How do you define an asset?  It’s a changing landscape and Paul discusses how these definitions have changed recently and what else is on the horizon…  Listen today to this value-packed episode with this industry expert.

These were the top 10 most popular, by super narrow margin, so check out the other value-packed podcasts at here.  And we totally realize we didn’t give many of the Q4 released podcasts a chance!  So don’t miss them here!

Don’t forget to download the TalkLPnews app for easy access to the podcasts and breaking loss prevention headlines constantly updating throughout the day! 

Click here with your phone!  You can also find the TalkLPnews app wherever you find your favorite apps!

Workplace Violence Threat Assessment with Frank Patercity

TalkLP Host Amber Bradley sits down with Frank Patercity, Director of Corporate Security, Investigations & Organized Retail Crime (ORC), for Kroger.  This was a MUST HAVE from a podcast perspective because his APEX presentation was so highly rated and the peeps wanted more! And at TalkLP, we’re here to serve!  So, Frank expands on the critical importance of threat assessment.

Frank & Amber discuss the evolution of learning when it comes to identifying potential workplace violence threats, what we need to understand and why it’s important to your organization.  Frank also explains exactly what a threat assessment professional’s duties are and are not.  Frank also discusses the broad potential fix for the active assailant issue and how a smaller company can implement a program without a ton of staff.  And what about “soft” landings? Listen to this today!

Get ahead of de-escalation by teaching your employees conflict prevention and how to identify behaviors of concern.  To learn more about this 6-module conflict prevention awareness course Amber’s company, Calibration, offers  – message her here.

Books/Research Frank and Amber mention: