Gavin de Becker is an author and security specialist, primarily for governments, large corporations and public figures. His work around fear and understanding gut instincts are the foundation of his highly successful book The Gift Of Fear.
The book demonstrates how every individual should learn to trust the inherent “gift” of their gut instinct. By learning to recognize various warning signs and precursors to violence, it becomes possible to avoid potential trauma and harm.
The Gift of Fear spent four months on The New York Times Bestseller List, was a #1 National Bestseller, and has been published in 14 languages. The book has been endorsed by a wide variety of celebrities including Marcia Clark, Carolyn Hax, Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, David Mamet, and others who have referred to the book in interviews.

In terms of Gavin’s day job,
GDBA (Gavin de Becker & Associates) protects several thousand clients, including more than 80 of the world’s most prominent families and at-risk individuals. We provide consultation on security programs, and protective coverage at home, during travel, and at public appearances. GDBA investigates and assesses threats, and manages cases of inappropriate pursuit.
His discussion with Joe Rogan, about phone hacking and privacy, is worth a listen.
The Gift Of Fear masterclass, cited by Gavin in his conversation with me, has its own website, is free and contains some remarkably insightful and practical thought processes.
Our conversation
He covered a lot of ground including risk, denial, suspicion, dark humour, logic, instinct, scepticism and why lions are awesome.