Executive Protection Articles

Female Bodyguards

Harlan (Hucky) Austin

More and more, female bodyguards are being sought after by women celebrities. Because executive protection has been a male-dominated field, there is a lack of female bodyguards from which women celebrities have to choose.

I attribute this shortage to the on-going perception that “size matters.

The simple fact is that a successful bodyguard should never have to use violence or draw a weapon. The belief in “brawn over brains” is a misconception. With that in mind, there’s no reason to doubt a woman can successfully manage the job.

There is also a “boys club” attitude towards the field of Executive Protection, simply because the pools from which a female bodyguard is selected has traditionally been from a male-dominated workforce; law enforcement, military personnel, martial arts and the like.

Because women have now been more integrated into these traditionally male careers, they too, are candidates worthy of consideration for careers in executive protection.

Female bodyguards are as well trained in threat assessment, self-defense, weapons and tactics as their male counterparts. In addition, women have some highly prized skills that may be considered inherent in females–the ability to listen carefully, utilize intuitive skills and successfully manage conflict negotiations.

Women celebrities (Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce Knowles, and JK Rowling, to name a few) often gravitate toward female bodyguards.

The preference is to have a protector who is attentive, alert, quick on their feet, and won’t draw attention in public–the way a 6’5, 350-pound man would. For some celebrities, even the need to have a Bodyguard on hand can feel disruptive to living a “normal” life. A female celebrity accompanied by a woman protector is a more natural fit and less obtrusive.

There may be fewer opportunities for female bodyguards, but because they are rare, these positions can be quite lucrative.

If you are a woman interested in learning more about training programs or employment opportunities as an Executive Protection Specialist, contact Harlan Austin at hucky@bodyguardcareers.com for more information.