KEEPING YOUR EDGE: WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED?By Elijah ShawBoy: Are the stories about you true? They say your mother is an immortal goddess. They say you can't be killed. Achilles: I wouldn't be bothering with the shield then, would I? Boy: The Thessalonian you're fighting, he is the biggest man I've ever seen. I wouldn't want to fight him. Achilles: That's why no one will remember your name. That exchange is from the 2004 movie Troy starring Brad Pitt as the ‘god like’ Achilles, a warrior known for his prowess in battle.The inherent arrogance of the quote aside, that scene has always stuck with me throughout the years. The original Achilles of the epic poem, The Iliad, was from the time where heroes were defined by how many stories were told of them throughout the ages. Their legacy was cemented by their deeds on the battlefield and victories under their belts. I understood that even in modern times, both in and out of warzones, the need still remains for certain warriors to distinguish themselves from the pack. With that said, the conflict area doesn’t require shields and swords, or even guns and ammo. Just as often, the battle could entail the slash of a pen or the jab of a word. And remember, if there is conflict, there are also victors.The Alpha personalities of the Executive Protection industry, can stand in the ranks of the modern age of heroes, but how does a person in a profession in which success is measured by things NOT happening, be remembered? For some, they see their path in the, ‘tale of the tape.’ They video, (or obtain video), of their clients and active assignments as a way of bolstering their visibility.Others take the credentialed path, gathering up paper certificate after paper certificate, and showcasing those wherever possible. The implication is that their studies, be it attendance, participation, or accreditation, qualify them for the role of Protector. Both of these approaches are a form of marketing, and there are pro, cons, and most importantly, nuances, in each. However, when you separate the wheat from the chaff, you find that the underlining objective in most case is to be remembered.Looking inwardly, I can see my personal quest to be remembered quite plainly. Initially it was seeking the recognition of Detail Leaders in order to gain experience in the field. Later it became about solidifying an image in the mind of potential clients so they would continue to see my service in contrast to the competition. Now in this stage of my career, the remembrance I want is in the form of legacy.I want to continue my quest to build, not one, but several brands that can exist independent of my day to day actions. My hope is that long after I am gone, these entities will continue to operate and perpetuate. That years, decades, hell even centuries from now, anyone who wishes to trace the path backwards, can follow it and eventually arrive at me.“ For me, the seeds are the Executive Protection training programs I’ve developed and the students that have come out of that, and gone into prosperous careers in a variety of disciplines. To accomplish this, I know I have to continue to both plant seeds, as well as build monuments with strong foundations. For me, the seeds are the Executive Protection training programs I’ve developed and the students that have come out of that, and gone into prosperous careers in a variety of disciplines.Likewise, the foundation is in the form of business entities such as my consulting firm, publishing company and apparel company. For me, these aren’t vanity projects, they are viable endeavors that fulfill a need in the marketplace, as well as provide support for myself and others.When I started writing the Keeping Your Edge column over a decade ago, the intent was to offer a more personal, editorialized view of our industry, and my time in it. Part of that should be unpacking truths of why we (I), do what we (I) do. Returning to the story of Troy, Achilles was near-invincible, but he had flaws and made mistakes, all of these traits made him who he was. His story outlasted him, and can now be used as both inspiration and a cautionary tale for the warriors of our day that wish to make an impact on the profession.Elijah Shaw is the National Director of the North American Bodyguard Association and the CEO of ICON Global, and International Executive Protection Consulting Firm. Elijah, who has been featured in international publications such as Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, and Portfolio, runs the ICON Academy, an EP Training Program specializing in Celebrity & VIP Protection. He also currently sits on the Board of Directors of Executive Security International (ESI), the United States oldest Executive Protection Training School. His book, An Introduction to Executive Protection & Touring: A Guide to Mastering the Business of VIP Security, hit the Amazon best sellers list, and is available now worldwide.