Derek Arden, Joined By The Remarkable Sean West—former British Soldier Turned Successful Entrepreneur And Elite Security Specialist. Negotiators podcast

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Negotiators Podcast »
Derek Arden, joined by the remarkable Sean West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist.

10d ago 28:48

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Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!

Hello everyone, I’m Derek Arden and welcome to another inspiring edition of Monday Night Live.

Incredible Journey of Sean West

Welcome to this week’s Monday Night Live hosted by Derek Arden, where we were joined by the remarkable Sean West—former British soldier turned successful entrepreneur and elite security specialist. In this gripping episode, Sean opens up about his time in the British Army, high-stakes missions around the globe, and the surprising lessons he learned on his journey to becoming a business owner in the ultra-demanding world of private security.

🪖 Life in the British Army: Grit, Growth & Global Missions

Sean’s journey began at just 16 years old when he enlisted in the British Army, entering a world of extreme physical and mental challenge. He shares what it was like to grow up fast in the military—how tough the initial training was, how many didn’t make it through, and what it meant to finally “earn the beret.”

From Northern Ireland to Beijing and Afghanistan, Sean found himself on presidential security teams and deep within hostile regions, gaining life-changing experience and resilience. He spoke about the camaraderie and chemistry among soldiers from diverse backgrounds—people from all over the world uniting in shared missions.

💣 On the Ground in Afghanistan: Frontline Perspective

Sean gave us an eye-opening look at early post-9/11 operations in Afghanistan, including some close calls and complicated missions. While he didn’t personally negotiate with the Taliban, he worked closely with government agencies and serious organized crime units—always with the aim of protecting others under incredibly high-pressure conditions.

💼 Transitioning to Civilian Life: From Operator to Entrepreneur

Returning to the UK, Sean pivoted into the private security industry, starting out as an operator for high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities and professional athletes. His reputation for calm professionalism quickly grew: clients often asked, “Can we have Sean again?”

But running a business was a whole new battlefield. Sean candidly discusses the difference between being a top-tier operator and running a company—where you have to switch from chess piece to chess player, thinking strategically rather than just executing tasks.

📈 Business Booms and Busts: Lessons in Resilience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean’s business flourished. Russian clients were doubling down on protection, creating a boom in demand. But that success was short-lived. When sanctions hit after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sean lost 90% of his business in just three weeks.

It was a brutal lesson in client diversification and risk management—but one that didn’t break him. Instead, it forged a smarter, more agile entrepreneur.

⚽ Protecting Footballers, Families & Fortunes

Ever wondered what it takes to protect a footballer earning £350,000 a week? Sean takes us behind the scenes of match-day security, residential protection, and family safeguarding. Footballers might not always need round-the-clock bodyguards, but their schedules are public, making them vulnerable—and Sean’s team is ready for every scenario.

🐶 Dogs, Networks & Due Diligence

We also talked about the crucial role of security dogs and how intuitive they are in escalating or de-escalating situations. Sean shared how trust and a tight-knit professional network help him avoid “bad actors” trying to sneak into the industry—his vetting process is all about reputation, referrals, and relationships.

💡 Final Thoughts: Resilience, Public Speaking & Facing Your Fears

Sean leaves us with some incredibly powerful insights into mental toughness, taking action despite fear, and why he found public speaking scarier than being shot at. Yes, really! Even after everything he’s faced, stepping on a TEDx stage was his Everest.

His advice to the younger generation?
👉 “Step into the ring. You don’t need the conditions to be perfect—just take the action.”

📣 Don’t Miss This Episode!
Whether you’re in the military, building a business, or just trying to find your path—Sean West’s story is packed with lessons on courage, resilience, and transformation.

👇 Watch now, leave a comment, and tell us:
What was your biggest takeaway from Sean’s story? subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Monday Night Live with Derek Arden.
✅ Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

Derek Arden

134 episodes

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