A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Protecting VIPs in the World’s Most Dangerous Places

Book The Protector

A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Protecting VIPs in the World’s Most Dangerous Places

A Woman’s Journey from the Secret Service to Protecting VIPs in the World’s Most Dangerous Places

Laced with humor and wit, The Protector delivers an up-close and personal look at life as a female US Secret Service Agent and Freelance International Personal Protection Agent of the rich and famous. 

From flying on private jets to protecting VIPs including Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, members of the Versace family, and the grandchildren of President George H. W. Bush…

… to surviving two and a half years with a bounty on her head while serving as the US Security Advisor to the Minister of Defense in the Kidnap Capital of the world, Dr. Mary Beth recounts the events that helped her redefine female success and leadership in a high-stakes industry willing her to fail.

With a focus on developing mental, physical, and emotional strength and resilience, The Protector is more than a memoir, it’s a guide for women of all ages who want to achieve everything they’ve always wanted but have either been too afraid, have not known how to make it happen, or have just doubted themselves.

There are two main lessons you’ll learn in this book:

 

  1. You choose the lens through which you view the world, others, and yourself. How you think and what you say matters, and it creates your destiny.
  2. You will face challenges and you will face injustices but you have the power to turn your obstacles into opportunities. And those opportunities have the power to transform your future.
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Book Quote
The astonishing story of a real-life Wonder Woman”

Reading about Mary Beth’s journey gave me an entirely new perspective on a woman that I respect and admire. I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Janke during my undergraduate career as a psychology student where I experienced first hand her empathetic and caring nature. She created an atmosphere that cultivated exploration in the purest sense and always encouraged us to live our truths. Although I knew Dr. Janke before reading this book, I found this well-written story to be engaging, thrilling, and inspirational. The way she navigates the obstacles set before her with determination and hope truly reminds me, in the same way that she always has, that all one needs to be successful is persistency and the right mindset. The fresh perspective of such a formidably impressive woman offered in this book is one that you don’t want to miss. Highly recommend!

-Amazon Customer

WHO NEEDS TO READ THE PROTECTOR:

Dr. Mary Beth wrote The Protector to share her story that no matter what age you are or stage of career you are in, despite what society and stereotypes tell us, women can and do flourish in historically male-dominated professions. 

This memoir and guide to success is for:
Protection

The woman who is interested in a career in personal protection or law enforcement and wants an insider’s look at how a driven woman can succeed…

Corporate Success

The woman climbing the corporate ladder who needs guidance navigating life as a woman in a male-dominated or uber-competitive industry…

Finding Your Way

The woman graduating college and trying to figure out where she belongs, both in her career and in life…

Business Success

The woman who is thinking of starting, or are already running, a business and wants practical examples of building mental and emotional strength and resilience during high-stress situations…

The path in front of you may not have been tread by many women before, but Dr. Mary Beth knows every bump, every obstacle, and exactly how to tap into the power of your mind to focus, shift your mindset, and achieve whatever it is you set out to do.
If you’re looking for an engaging real-life story infused with practical lessons on overcoming fears, developing the mental strength to turn setbacks into opportunities, and navigating life as an ambitious woman in a man’s world, The Protector is a must-read for you.
Protection

The woman who is interested in a career in personal protection or law enforcement and wants an insider’s look at how a driven woman can succeed…

Corporate Success

The woman climbing the corporate ladder and needs guidance navigating life as a woman in a male-dominated or uber competitive industry…

Finding Your Way

The woman graduating college and trying to figure out where she belongs, both in her career and in life…

Business Success

The woman who is thinking of starting, or are already running, a business and wants practical examples of building mental and emotional strength and resilience during high-stress situations…

The path in front of you may not have been tread by many women before, but Dr. Mary Beth knows every bump, every obstacle, and exactly how to tap into the power of your mind to focus, shift your mindset, and achieve whatever it is you set out to do.
If you’re looking for an engaging real-life story infused with practical lessons on overcoming fears, developing the mental strength to turn setbacks into opportunities, and navigating life as an ambitious woman in a man’s world, The Protector is a must-read for you.

Get a taste of what it’s like being a Secret Service Agent and international Executive Protection Agent in some of the world’s most dangerous places…

…along with behind-the-scenes insights into how Dr. Mary Beth turned every single one of her disadvantages, setbacks, and “I’m not sure I can do this” moments into opportunities. Opportunities that drove her to pursue two competitive and demanding careers.
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421 reviews
on Amazon

Honest, straightforward and candid account by a true professional

Dr. Wilkas Janke's personal account of her journey as she climbed the ladder of national and international VIP security, taking on every challenge she encountered, not only achieving but highly exceeding each goal is excellent. In a professional field where males outnumber females by a huge percentage Dr. Wilkas Janke not only stood her ground but literally forged the path for not only women but also for men to follow.
One of the many personal attributes that came out in her book, front and center, was the fact Dr. Wilkas Janke never stood behind a feminist shield, she grabbed the standard of professional security and led the way. She took on challenges and when she encountered stumbling blocks she stomped on them and went forward, stronger than before.
As a career (male) security professional, I highly recommend this book, with one caution, the reader will find it almost impossible to put it down!

-Amazon Customer

READ THIS NOW!!!

Every review of this book will say it’s courageous, inspirational, impossible to put down, etc. because it’s simply true. You will not find a more level-headed, devoted, and empathic individual than former US Secret Service Special Agent, freelance Protection Agent, Investigator, Forensic Psychologist, VIP Protection Instructor, Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Psychology Professor, Self-Esteem Mentor, and now Author, Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke. She wears so many hats because there is not a single challenge that she will not fight endlessly for and overcome with remarkable ability. This memoir is captivating, inspiring, VERY entertaining, and more importantly, carries a message that everyone should hear. Mary Beth is a voice for the generations. She is woman, hear her roar.

-Callie

Incredible Book!!!

Having had the opportunity to learn under Dr. Janke as an undergraduate student I was greatly looking forward to reading this book. From the prologue to the final pages, I struggled to put the book down... probably why I finished it in 3 days. Particularly as a young woman, many of the situations are very easy to relate to, and give a glimpse into the life of a female in the realm of federal law enforcement and protection work. Each adventure and fascinating mission in the book brought new challenges and life lessons, each of which gives the reader a look into Dr. Janke's strong character, passion for her work, and overall kindness and humility. In essence, she's one badass lady. I consider it an honor to have had her as both a professor and a mentor, and highly recommend this memoir. It's both an exciting and awe inspiring read!

-Emily Preston

The astonishing story of a real-life Wonder Woman

Reading about Mary Beth's journey gave me an entirely new perspective on a woman that I respect and admire. I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Janke during my undergraduate career as a psychology student where I experienced first hand her empathetic and caring nature. She created an atmosphere that cultivated exploration in the purest sense and always encouraged us to live our truths. Although I knew Dr. Janke before reading this book, I found this well-written story to be engaging, thrilling, and inspirational. The way she navigates the obstacles set before her with determination and hope truly reminds me, in the same way that she always has, that all one needs to be successful is persistency and the right mindset. The fresh perspective of such a formidably impressive woman offered in this book is one that you don't want to miss. Highly recommend!

-Amazon Customer

If you are looking for a peek into the life of an agent, you have found it.

An unicorn protection agent - bilingual and female with overseas experience - Mary Beth Wilkas first served the United States as Secret Service Agent, protecting the family of President Bush. Mary Beth's career, however, really takes off after leaving the Service and going into private industry where she provided protection and training in a variety of settings including the State Departments Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Program. This book is a PAGE TURNER. From start to finish. Mary Beth's prose is unadorned and refreshing. No complaints. No excuses. You will be drawn through a fascinating portrait of the life and career of a female agent. I'd love to see this made into an audiobook. It is the perfect road story.

-Emma L Matthews

A goal achieved and then suddenly taken away; recovery, discovery and perseverance.

Mary Beth takes us through her journey to reach a long desired goal of becoming a Federal Agent with the United States Secret Service, only to have a past indiscretion become the basis for questioning her veracity and ultimately for her dismissal. The adage, "When one door closes another door opens," fits Mary Beth who recovers and kicks open the next doors in her path, making her way nationally and internationally into the specialized field of personal and physical security as a female pioneer; trail blazing and earning an enviable reputation as not only a protector, but also as a security analyst and Antiterrorism expert. The book is an enjoyable and fascinating read, laced with humor, self deprecation and honesty. I've worked with the author and she is a true professional.

-Donald E.

A Page Turner!

I loved that this is a story of setbacks and triumphs. Due to the way Mary Beth viewed things in her life, she rose to challenges most people would not have dared, especially women. She writes about these challenges and how they motivated her to do things that seemed impossible. She did not let perceived setbacks get her down. She used them as learning opportunities. I enjoyed the details of a career in government and international protection and then the down to earth nature of her upbringing with a large family in a Chicago suburb. I loved how honest Mary Beth is in this biography. Her story is exciting, dangerous at more points than I would like to know and intriguing. This is a GREAT read for anyone! I highly recommend this book.

-Maria Nowicki

Wonder Woman

What an inspiration. As a movie fan: When does production start? Bond. Mary Beth Bond. No. Wait. She’s better than Bond. She’s a real person. This is a best seller. No. Wait it’s a textbook. Women, girls and men who want to excel need to read this book. No. Wait. It’s not a book. It’s a story. A true story. Wow! I’m out of breath.
Thank you!

-Dennis Mazzeri

Engaging, couldn’t put it down!

I feel overwhelmed and humbled by Mary Beth’s narrative and recounting of her journey. I know her personally. I always understood bits and pieces however, admittedly, never pieced together her entire story. Thoroughly engaging from start to finish...... and so totally her.... I chuckled many times just knowing how the words come out of her mouth, the intonation of her voice and the smile on her face. I have nothing but the deepest respect for all her guts, accomplishments and determination. My hats off to you, Mary Beth ! Amazingly well done. I enjoyed every single word on every single page...... Now when is the sequel coming out????? LOL!!!!!

-Susan

Truly Inspirational

Mary Beth Janke's memoir pulled me in from the very beginning. I was unable to put her book down as one exciting adventure proceeded another. She is at the very least to say, a badass and an inspiration to me. Get ready to be thrilled and captivated from the start!

-Lauren Smith

Amazing book about an inspiring individual

I downloaded this book yesterday and haven’t been able to put it down. This is an amazing story about working hard and fighting for what you believe in, and dealing with adversity every step of the way with a positive outlook. Mary Beth is a bad ass to say the least, and stronger than anyone I know (mentally and physically). A must read.

-Kenz

INSIDE THE PROTECTOR:

In 2003, when the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia needed a woman who was a former federal agent, bilingual in Spanish, and willing to travel to and work in Colombia, they called Mary Beth Wilkas.

At the time, Colombia was nicknamed the “Kidnap Capital of the World.” Its government was in the throes of a bloody war with guerilla and terrorist groups and the drug cartels. Three Americans had just been kidnapped and the State Department had issued an alarming Level 3 (Orange) Travel Advisory.

To Mary Beth, this was a dream job.
This assignment would push Mary Beth both physically and mentally. But she had mastered something that guaranteed to give her an advantage over the enemy and show her colleagues and supervisors that women are just as powerful as men.

She had mastered her mind.

To find out how Mary Beth earned her place as a highly-respected, badass female Secret Service Agent, Freelance International Executive Protection Agent, investigator, and the first and only female instructor in the history of the U.S. Department of State as the Antiterrorism Assistance Program (ATA), grab your copy of The Protector here.

In 2003, when the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia needed a woman who was a former federal agent, bilingual in Spanish, and willing to travel to and work in Colombia, they called Mary Beth Wilkas.

At the time, Colombia was nicknamed the Kidnap Capital of the world. Its government was in the throes of a bloody war with guerilla and terrorist groups and the drug cartels. Three Americans had just been kidnapped and the State Department had issued an alarming Level 3 (Orange) Travel Advisory.

To Mary Beth, this was a dream job

This assignment would push Mary Beth both physically and psychologically. But she had mastered something that guaranteed to give her an advantage over the enemy and show her colleagues and supervisors that women are just as powerful as men.

She had mastered her mind.

To find out how Mary Beth earned her place as a highly-respected, badass female Secret Service Agent, freelance international Executive Protection Agent, investigator, and the first and only female instructor in the history of the U.S. State Department’s Anti- Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA), grab your copy of The Protector here.

From The Author
Never let them see you sweat.
I not only won at a game no one ever expected me to play – I kicked ass at it. Every single time I wasn’t taken seriously in my career or I was expected to fail because I’m a woman, I saw it as an invitation to excel.

You may feel like the world is waiting for you to screw up and if you’re trying to make it in a competitive or male-dominated field, that may even be true – but you take that emotion, you take that fear, that anger, and you channel it. Master your mind and leverage the power of positive thinking and I promise you that you’ll open your own doors.

The Protector is the story of how I turned what I felt was impossible – becoming a strong, respected female Secret Service Agent – into reality. I invite you to read it and see the wealth of possibilities and opportunities open to you.

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Never let them see you sweat.
I not only won at a game no one ever expected me to play – I kicked ass at it. Every single time I wasn’t taken seriously in my career or I was expected to fail because I’m a woman, I saw it as an invitation to excel.

You may feel like the world is waiting for you to screw up and if you’re trying to make it in a competitive or male-dominated field, that may even be true – but you take that emotion, you take that fear, that anger, and you channel it. Master your mind and leverage the power of positive thinking and I promise you that you’ll open your own doors.

The Protector is the story of how I turned what I felt was impossible – becoming a strong, respected female Secret Service Agent – into reality. I invite you to read it and see the wealth of possibilities and opportunities open to you.
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