Madelyn Coetzee is one of our female CPOs at Arcfyre. We touched base with her to get some thoughts on her role and the industry.
How do you prepare before an assignment?
‘Mental preparation is crucial. I run through what the task demands and where it could go wrong, and build a plan for each scenario. So when something changes on the ground, I’m a step ahead and the operation keeps moving.
Consistent upkeep of physical fitness, firearm training and self-defence training – goes without saying. Client research beforehand can go a long way in understanding their needs.’
What’s a common misconception people can have about close protection work?
‘That you’ll always work with glamorous clients! That you’ll work normal working hours, that the environment will always be comfortable, and that you’ll implement only what you learned during training.’
What’s a skill that’s more important in this role than people might expect?
‘Communication – when to speak, when to stay quiet, when to just act. Reading a situation and trusting yourself to act on it. Body language – understanding the client’s needs before they’re voiced.’
What is it like working as a woman in a male-dominated field?
‘You need to show up and perform the same or at a higher level or you do not last. You must respect yourself. The industry is challenging and I believe it is due to my passion for the industry that I became a successful CPO.’
Are there situations where being a female operative is an advantage?
‘Yes, a female CPO can become an element of surprise to an adversary. You don’t look like a threat, whether with a female or male client, and you blend in better. I do believe that female CPO’s tend to read situations differently – used well, it’s a real operational advantage.’
What would you say to women considering close protection as a career?
‘If you have passion and pure drive for the industry, then go for it. Yes, it will be challenging, and yes, you will have to work around a lot of testosterone and males thinking that this is not a place for a female. If you can stay true to yourself and work hard, this is for you.’