Taking Big Risks

Karl de la Guerra

Emmy Award Winner | Professional Speaker | Security Expert

Karl de la Guerra is the Founder & CEO of Karl de la Guerra, Inc. the parent company of KDI Tactical Operations Training and KDI Protective Services located in South Carolina, where he specializes in personal security training and corporate executive protection.

Karl began his law enforcement career in the United States Air Force, and has been a certified police instructor since 1982. Karl's background also includes civilian law enforcement, US Government Security Contracting and International Corporate Security Management. Karl's areas of expertise are in personal security, executive protection and counter terrorism.

He is the Chairman of the International Bodyguard and Security Services Association (IBSSA) headquartered in Budapest, Hungary where he frequently travels to conduct regional executive protection training at the Hungarian National Law Enforcement Academy.

Karl is the Command Sergeant Major of the South Carolina State Guard where he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commanding General.

And for the past nine years Karl has been on TV as the on-air Security Analyst for CBS Charlotte (WBTV) where he covers breaking news on law enforcement incidents and terrorism. In 2022, as a result of working with an investigative news team from CBS Phoenix (KPHO), Karl, and his team, were honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. And recently, Karl was honored with an Emmy Award for his work on evening news.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Karl travels internationally training corporate leaders and law enforcement officials on various topics regarding safety and security.

 

KEYNOTE

Why Karl?

Keynote Karl de la Guerra will have your audience engaged from the moment he steps on stage, and your group will leave inspired to take action. 

Why are Karl’s Keynotes Different? 

Karl’s ability to tell a story and captivate an audience is unmatched. He leverages his unique background that stems from the United State Air Force to being an Emmy Award-winner to receiving an Investiture of Knighthood into the ancient Sovereign Order of Cyprus to take audiences on a journey that will leave them inspired and ready to walk away with actionable items.

Title: Taking Big Risks

Sometimes in our life we have to take risks to achieve our goals. At the same time we have to be able to weigh those risks to ensure our safety. Join Karl De La Guerra as he shares his inspiring journey from joining the United States Air Force at seventeen, to Emmy Award-winner at sixty-two.

You’ll hear Karl’s journey that has led him around the world. He served numerous senior ranking military officials to government dignitaries and how, in 2010, at a Royal Palace outside of Budapest, Hungary, he received an Investiture of Knighthood into the ancient Sovereign Order of Cyprus.

After sitting in a keynote session with Karl, you’ll walk away inspired to take your next step and ready to weigh the risks that may be holding you back.

WORKSHOPS

Attendees will stay engaged and leave with actionable steps to implement on the job.

Title: Security and Your Events

As an event planner, you're concerned with the logistics that go into your guest’s experience. But what thought goes into the safety of your attendees? 

In addition to Karl's background in the military and law enforcement, he also has a background in the hospitality industry and is a Certified Lodging Security Supervisor (CLSS), a certification he obtained while working with Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand and the Starwood brand as a resort security supervisor and resort security director, respectively.

After spending time with Karl during this session, you’ll be ready to take your event, be it a meeting, conference or convention, to the next level, and be more prepared to ensure your staff and attendees safety. You’ll walk away with: 

  • The importance of prior coordination with emergency services.

  • How to coordinate both emergency and extended medical services at any hotel or resort.

  • Knowledge to recognize potential safety concerns and threats in your host city.

Title: Security and Your Members/Clients/Customers/Residents

You know how to build a relationship and provide exceptional service. But, have you thought about how to ensure your member’s safety when it comes to business relations? 

Karl brings more than 40 years of law enforcement and international corporate security management experience to give you the tools you need to consider when it comes to the safety and security of you, your members, and those for whom you are responsible.

Key takeaways from a session
Karl will have you ready to implement real solutions 

  • Recognize points of vulnerability from the eyes of the criminal.

  • The importance of prior planning for a potential emergency event.

  • How building certain community relationships makes you safer.

REVIEWS

  • “This was a very well put together class! This course could not have been run any better. One of the best, if not THE best class I have ever attended.”

  • “I have attended many training courses over the past 35 years and this ranks as one of the Top 5 I have ever attended. Well done!”

  • “Karl is very knowledgeable about this topic, engaged the participants, and was very open to the discussions that ensued. I learned quite a bit we will be incorporating on our team. Thank you Karl!”

  • “Karl, Just wanted to say thanks! It is always a plus when you attend your training and learn a new way to do things, and the reasoning behind those ways.”