FEP Briefs
FEP Briefs is the primary insight series from François Executive Partners. Led by Founder & CEO Matt François, the series delivers executive-level perspectives drawn from real-world protective operations, leadership decisions, and risk management at the highest levels.
Episodes focus on how principals, family offices, and organizations think, decide, and operate in high-exposure environments.
Select FEP Briefs are produced by the firm’s Intelligence Division, reflecting disciplined intelligence and risk analysis to anticipate threats, inform strategy, and enhance operational readiness.
All briefing content across François Executive Partners reflects the firm’s standards of discretion, clarity, and operational relevance. Content is produced for informational and educational purposes and does not reference specific clients, operations, or protected individuals.
All Videos
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Lindsay Kaplan
The most effective protection begins before a threat becomes visible. Meet Lindsay Kaplan, FEP’s Intelligence and Risk Analyst, and discover how Protective Intelligence helps identify risks before they impact a principal.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Robert Houston
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet Robert Houston, Director of Protective Operations at François Executive Partners, and the leader responsible for translating protective strategy into readiness in the field.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Mark Pagan
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet Mark Pagan, Director of Training at François Executive Partners™, and the leader responsible for preparing FEP Agents to meet the standard before they ever step in front of a client.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: James Powers
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet the people behind François Executive Partners as we introduce our C-Suite and the expertise that drives every protection operation.
FEP Brief 036 — In-Person Interview: Aging Spouse and NYC
Exceptional executive protection should support the life a principal wants to continue living. The goal isn't to change routines. It's to create the confidence to move through them safely and seamlessly.
FEP Brief 035 — In-Person Interview: Old Money Nothing Flashy
Executive protection shouldn't become the center of attention. The most effective protection creates the confidence for principals to move through their lives naturally, without unnecessary disruption.
FEP Brief 034 — In-Person Interview: Discreet NYC Dinners
Exceptional executive protection isn't measured by how visible it is. It's measured by how naturally the evening unfolds when every detail has been considered before the principal arrives.
FEP Brief 033 — In-Person Interview: Franklin Lakes Snowbird
Executive protection extends beyond a single journey. For principals who move between residences, cities, and commitments, every movement must connect through thoughtful planning and operational continuity.
FEP Brief 032 — How Executives Discreetly Arrange Executive Protection
Most executives don't make the first call. Executive protection often begins with trusted advisors working behind the scenes to identify the right protection partner.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 3
In executive protection, trust is built before the mission begins. Every interaction, decision, and detail reflects the preparation behind the professional.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 2
The best opportunities are not always earned through connections. They are earned through
preparation, performance, and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 1
High-profile protection details are not earned overnight. They are built through preparation,
professionalism, and the trust developed throughout a career.
FEP Brief 030 — Day in the Life
Executive protection leadership is not defined by what people see. Behind every successful
operation are decisions, intelligence, and constant adjustments happening behind the scenes.
FEP Brief 029 — ESOC 2026
Executive protection is evolving. Modern security strategies require more than presence alone. They require planning, collaboration, and operational excellence.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 3
AI can streamline the process, but effective executive protection will always require expert
judgment, customization, and strategic decision-making.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 2
Innovation can strengthen executive protection, but trust, discretion, and human judgment
remain at the center of every successful operation.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 1
AI can enhance the client experience, but executive protection will always depend on human
judgment, strategy, and operational expertise.
FEP Brief 027 — Judging Protection Through Social Media
Can executive protection be judged through social media alone? Content can introduce a firm, but it can never replace the experience, processes, and professionalism that define effective protection.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 3
Modern executive protection is the result of decades of evolution. History, intelligence, and
disciplined execution continue to shape how today's most effective protection programs operate.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 2
Some moments in history redefine an entire profession. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 became another turning point in the evolution of executive protection.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 1
One event changed the course of executive protection in the United States. The assassination
of President William McKinley in 1901 reshaped how leaders would be protected for generations to come.
FEP Brief 025 — Four Executive Protection Terms Every Client Should Know
The right terminology leads to better conversations. Understanding a few key executive
protection terms can help you make more informed decisions and communicate more effectively with your protection team.
FEP Brief 024 — How Protection Firms Evaluate New Clients
Choosing an executive protection firm is a two-way evaluation. The right partnership begins with understanding whether your needs, risks, and expectations align.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 3
What habits and lessons shape an executive protection professional? Part 3 of our rapid-fire
series explores the mindset behind the mission.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 2
What does executive protection look like behind the scenes? From last-minute client requests to long operational hours, Part 2 of our rapid-fire series offers a glimpse into the realities of the profession.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 1
Get to know the perspective behind François Executive Partners.. In this rapid-fire Q&A;A, Matt François shares quick insights drawn from years of executive protection experience.
FEP Brief 022 – Executive Protection True or False
Executive protection is often surrounded by misconceptions. Understanding what is true and
what isn't is essential to understanding how modern protection actually works.
FEP Brief 021 — What’s the Budget of Executive Protection?
The cost of executive protection isn't defined by a single price. It depends on the level of risk, operational requirements, and the protection strategy designed for each principal.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 3
Executive protection has evolved beyond visible security. Today's most effective programs prioritize intelligence, preparation, and discretion to help leaders operate without unnecessary distractions.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 2
Major historical events transformed executive protection from reactive security into the
disciplined profession it is today. Understanding that evolution reveals why modern protective operations are built the way they are.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 1
The origins of executive protection stretch back thousands of years. Long before modern
security programs existed, trusted protectors safeguarded history's most influential leaders.
FEP Brief 019 — 3 Reasons Executives Hesitate to Invest in EP
Waiting until a problem occurs is one of the biggest misconceptions about executive protection. The most effective programs are designed to prevent issues before they develop.
FEP Brief 018 — 3 Mistakes Clients Make When Choosing EP
The most effective executive protection is often the work you never see. Behind every
successful operation is careful planning, intelligence, logistics, and risk management.
FEP Brief 017 — Can I Have a Live‑in EP Agent? + vertical
Strong executive protection begins long before a principal steps into a vehicle. It starts with
seamless coordination between the people managing the schedule and the people managing
the risk.
FEP Brief 016 — 5 Ways EAs Can Safely Move Executives Through NYC
Strong executive protection begins long before a principal steps into a vehicle. It starts with
seamless coordination between the people managing the schedule and the people managing
the risk.
FEP Brief 015 — The 5 Layers of Executive Protection
Executive protection isn't built on a single measure. It relies on multiple layers working together to reduce risk before it becomes a problem.
FEP Brief 014: Is Buying EP Easy?
Executive protection isn't just about assigning coverage. It's about creating the confidence leaders need to move, decide, and operate without unnecessary risk.
FEP Brief 013: How To Build Trust Selling EP
Trust isn't claimed in executive protection. It's earned through every interaction.
Discover the principles that build lasting confidence between protection teams and the people they serve.
FEP Brief 012: Why I Founded François Executive Partners™
Every organization begins with a purpose. Matt François shares the vision, experience, and
principles that led to the creation of François Executive Partners.
FEP Brief 011: Why FEP Briefs Exist
Executive protection is often misunderstood. FEP Briefs were created to share the knowledge, principles, and standards behind modern protective operations.
FEP Brief 010: The FEP Partnership: How Our Exclusive Retainer Model Continuously Serves You
Executive protection is not just about responding to a moment of risk. It is about building a long-term partnership designed around preparation, continuity, and proactive support.
FEP Brief 009: The FEP Executive Tier System
Every client faces different risks. The FEP Executive Tier System helps assess protection needs through a structured approach built around each principal’s unique environment and
requirements.
FEP Brief 008: The FEP Standard
The FEP Standard is built around more than technical skills. It represents the discipline,
judgment, and professionalism required from every FEP Agent entrusted with protecting clients.
FEP Brief | Special Intelligence Brief — NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade
Ahead of the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade, FEP’s Intelligence Division examines the
operational and security considerations surrounding one of the world’s largest public events.
FEP Brief 007: Executive-Grade Protection in New York City, Done Right
Discover what sets FEP’s executive protection in NYC apart from standard security operations.
FEP Brief 006: How FEP Builds Options Into Secure Transport
See how secure transportation is designed with flexibility, contingency, and executive protection in mind.
FEP Brief 005: Inside the Intelligence Division (with Lindsay)
Get a rare look at how FEP’s Intelligence Division informs operations and anticipates risk.
FEP Brief 004: How We Build Travel & Movement Briefs (with Lindsay)
Learn how FEP creates detailed travel briefs to ensure safe and efficient executive movement.
FEP Brief 003: Inside François Executive Partners NYC HQ with Matt François
Step inside FEP’s New York City headquarters to see how the team operates at the highest
level of executive protection.
FEP Brief 002: What Clients Don’t See: Planning & Coordination
A behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning that keeps executives safe and operations seamless.
FEP Brief 001: What Executive Assistants Actually Need From a Security Firm
Discover how executive assistants shape security operations and why understanding their
needs is critical to successful executive protection.
FEP Brief 012: Why I Founded François Executive Partners™
Every organization begins with a purpose. Matt François shares the vision, experience, and
principles that led to the creation of François Executive Partners.
FEP Brief 011: Why FEP Briefs Exist
Executive protection is often misunderstood. FEP Briefs were created to share the knowledge, principles, and standards behind modern protective operations.
FEP Brief 010: The FEP Partnership: How Our Exclusive Retainer Model Continuously Serves You
Executive protection is not just about responding to a moment of risk. It is about building a long-term partnership designed around preparation, continuity, and proactive support.
FEP Brief 009: The FEP Executive Tier System
Every client faces different risks. The FEP Executive Tier System helps assess protection needs through a structured approach built around each principal’s unique environment and
requirements.
FEP Brief 008: The FEP Standard
The FEP Standard is built around more than technical skills. It represents the discipline,
judgment, and professionalism required from every FEP Agent entrusted with protecting clients.
FEP Brief | Special Intelligence Brief — NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade
Ahead of the NYC Thanksgiving Day Parade, FEP’s Intelligence Division examines the
operational and security considerations surrounding one of the world’s largest public events.
FEP Brief 007: Executive-Grade Protection in New York City, Done Right
Discover what sets FEP’s executive protection in NYC apart from standard security operations.
FEP Brief 006: How FEP Builds Options Into Secure Transport
See how secure transportation is designed with flexibility, contingency, and executive protection in mind.
FEP Brief 005: Inside the Intelligence Division (with Lindsay)
Get a rare look at how FEP’s Intelligence Division informs operations and anticipates risk.
FEP Brief 004: How We Build Travel & Movement Briefs (with Lindsay)
Learn how FEP creates detailed travel briefs to ensure safe and efficient executive movement.
FEP Brief 003: Inside François Executive Partners NYC HQ with Matt François
Step inside FEP’s New York City headquarters to see how the team operates at the highest
level of executive protection.
FEP Brief 002: What Clients Don’t See: Planning & Coordination
A behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous planning that keeps executives safe and operations seamless.
FEP Brief 001: What Executive Assistants Actually Need From a Security Firm
Discover how executive assistants shape security operations and why understanding their
needs is critical to successful executive protection.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 3
In executive protection, trust is built before the mission begins. Every interaction, decision, and detail reflects the preparation behind the professional.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 2
The best opportunities are not always earned through connections. They are earned through
preparation, performance, and the ability to deliver when it matters most.
FEP Brief 031 — Getting Selected for the Mayor’s Protection Detail Part 1
High-profile protection details are not earned overnight. They are built through preparation,
professionalism, and the trust developed throughout a career.
FEP Brief 030 — Day in the Life
Executive protection leadership is not defined by what people see. Behind every successful
operation are decisions, intelligence, and constant adjustments happening behind the scenes.
FEP Brief 029 — ESOC 2026
Executive protection is evolving. Modern security strategies require more than presence alone. They require planning, collaboration, and operational excellence.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 3
AI can streamline the process, but effective executive protection will always require expert
judgment, customization, and strategic decision-making.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 2
Innovation can strengthen executive protection, but trust, discretion, and human judgment
remain at the center of every successful operation.
FEP Brief 028 — Quo Panel w/ Matt François Part 1
AI can enhance the client experience, but executive protection will always depend on human
judgment, strategy, and operational expertise.
FEP Brief 027 — Judging Protection Through Social Media
Can executive protection be judged through social media alone? Content can introduce a firm, but it can never replace the experience, processes, and professionalism that define effective protection.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 3
Modern executive protection is the result of decades of evolution. History, intelligence, and
disciplined execution continue to shape how today's most effective protection programs operate.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 2
Some moments in history redefine an entire profession. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 became another turning point in the evolution of executive protection.
FEP Brief 026 — Executive Protection Evolution – Part 1
One event changed the course of executive protection in the United States. The assassination
of President William McKinley in 1901 reshaped how leaders would be protected for generations to come.
FEP Brief 025 — Four Executive Protection Terms Every Client Should Know
The right terminology leads to better conversations. Understanding a few key executive
protection terms can help you make more informed decisions and communicate more effectively with your protection team.
FEP Brief 024 — How Protection Firms Evaluate New Clients
Choosing an executive protection firm is a two-way evaluation. The right partnership begins with understanding whether your needs, risks, and expectations align.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 3
What habits and lessons shape an executive protection professional? Part 3 of our rapid-fire
series explores the mindset behind the mission.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 2
What does executive protection look like behind the scenes? From last-minute client requests to long operational hours, Part 2 of our rapid-fire series offers a glimpse into the realities of the profession.
FEP Brief 023 – Rapid Fire with the Founder & CEO – Part 1
Get to know the perspective behind François Executive Partners.. In this rapid-fire Q&A;A, Matt François shares quick insights drawn from years of executive protection experience.
FEP Brief 022 – Executive Protection True or False
Executive protection is often surrounded by misconceptions. Understanding what is true and
what isn't is essential to understanding how modern protection actually works.
FEP Brief 021 — What’s the Budget of Executive Protection?
The cost of executive protection isn't defined by a single price. It depends on the level of risk, operational requirements, and the protection strategy designed for each principal.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 3
Executive protection has evolved beyond visible security. Today's most effective programs prioritize intelligence, preparation, and discretion to help leaders operate without unnecessary distractions.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 2
Major historical events transformed executive protection from reactive security into the
disciplined profession it is today. Understanding that evolution reveals why modern protective operations are built the way they are.
FEP Brief 020 — The History of Executive Protection Part 1
The origins of executive protection stretch back thousands of years. Long before modern
security programs existed, trusted protectors safeguarded history's most influential leaders.
FEP Brief 019 — 3 Reasons Executives Hesitate to Invest in EP
Waiting until a problem occurs is one of the biggest misconceptions about executive protection. The most effective programs are designed to prevent issues before they develop.
FEP Brief 018 — 3 Mistakes Clients Make When Choosing EP
The most effective executive protection is often the work you never see. Behind every
successful operation is careful planning, intelligence, logistics, and risk management.
FEP Brief 017 — Can I Have a Live‑in EP Agent? + vertical
Strong executive protection begins long before a principal steps into a vehicle. It starts with
seamless coordination between the people managing the schedule and the people managing
the risk.
FEP Brief 016 — 5 Ways EAs Can Safely Move Executives Through NYC
Strong executive protection begins long before a principal steps into a vehicle. It starts with
seamless coordination between the people managing the schedule and the people managing
the risk.
FEP Brief 015 — The 5 Layers of Executive Protection
Executive protection isn't built on a single measure. It relies on multiple layers working together to reduce risk before it becomes a problem.
FEP Brief 014: Is Buying EP Easy?
Executive protection isn't just about assigning coverage. It's about creating the confidence leaders need to move, decide, and operate without unnecessary risk.
FEP Brief 013: How To Build Trust Selling EP
Trust isn't claimed in executive protection. It's earned through every interaction.
Discover the principles that build lasting confidence between protection teams and the people they serve.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Lindsay Kaplan
The most effective protection begins before a threat becomes visible. Meet Lindsay Kaplan, FEP’s Intelligence and Risk Analyst, and discover how Protective Intelligence helps identify risks before they impact a principal.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Robert Houston
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet Robert Houston, Director of Protective Operations at François Executive Partners, and the leader responsible for translating protective strategy into readiness in the field.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: Mark Pagan
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet Mark Pagan, Director of Training at François Executive Partners™, and the leader responsible for preparing FEP Agents to meet the standard before they ever step in front of a client.
FEP Brief 037 — C-Suite Series: James Powers
One Executive. One Week. One FEP Standard. Meet the people behind François Executive Partners as we introduce our C-Suite and the expertise that drives every protection operation.
FEP Brief 036 — In-Person Interview: Aging Spouse and NYC
Exceptional executive protection should support the life a principal wants to continue living. The goal isn't to change routines. It's to create the confidence to move through them safely and seamlessly.
FEP Brief 035 — In-Person Interview: Old Money Nothing Flashy
Executive protection shouldn't become the center of attention. The most effective protection creates the confidence for principals to move through their lives naturally, without unnecessary disruption.
FEP Brief 034 — In-Person Interview: Discreet NYC Dinners
Exceptional executive protection isn't measured by how visible it is. It's measured by how naturally the evening unfolds when every detail has been considered before the principal arrives.
FEP Brief 033 — In-Person Interview: Franklin Lakes Snowbird
Executive protection extends beyond a single journey. For principals who move between residences, cities, and commitments, every movement must connect through thoughtful planning and operational continuity.
FEP Brief 032 — How Executives Discreetly Arrange Executive Protection
Most executives don't make the first call. Executive protection often begins with trusted advisors working behind the scenes to identify the right protection partner.
