Inspired by our Four Pillars of a Secure Lifestyle – Physical, Digital, Reputational, and Emotional Security – we’ve curated a list of thoughtful stocking fillers designed to support the people you care about in every aspect of their lives. From practical tools to uplifting essentials, these gift ideas combine purpose with meaning.

As we prepare to welcome a new year, there’s no better time to inspire strength, balance, and confidence in your loved ones. These small but impactful gifts are a perfect way to show you care and set the tone for a secure and fulfilling year ahead.

Physical Security Stocking Fillers

Ancient & Brave True Hydration

Staying well hydrated is a simple way to feel your best. Ancient & Brave’s True Hydration is a thoughtful stocking filler, helping you stay strong, refreshed, and ready for anything this festive season.

Anti-theft Phone Strap

This anti-theft phone strap is a handy stocking filler, helping to keep your device safe and close. A small addition that creates peace of mind.

Grey Wolfe Treatment

For those in or coming through the UK soon, Grey Wolfe’s range of treatments is designed to support your physical well-being, helping you feel stronger, healthier, and ready to face whatever comes your way. Book a treatment for someone you love now.

Get a Stride Testing Kit

Stride empowers you to take action, take control and take steps towards better health every day – from nutritional supplements to personalised diet, exercise and behaviour coaching backed by in-house lab diagnostics (DNA, microbiome and blood tests), and Telehealth/ePharmacy support. Buy a test and supplement plan for yourself or someone you love.

Oura Ring

Unlock the secret to personalised health tracking with Kate’s go-to wellness companion: the Oura Ring. Our Founder’s favourite device is now available at an exclusive 10% discount on the latest Generation 4 model, offering accurate, personalised health insights to help your loved ones optimise their 2025 and beyond.

1-2-1 Security Review with Ceri – Head of UBMRA Secure

Give the gift of peace of mind. A one-to-one security review with Ceri – UMBRA’s Head of Secure, provides tailored insights to strengthen your Physical Security. It’s a thoughtful way to help loved ones feel prepared and protected in every aspect of their lives. Click here to book a one-to-one now.

Digital Security Stocking Fillers

Gomi Powerbank Made from Recycled Plastic

The Gomi powerbank ensures your devices are always charged, keeping you online and accessible when it matters most. Made from recycled materials, it’s a sustainable way to power your protection and peace of mind.

RFID Blocking Faraday Pouch

This signal blocker is a game-changer. It prevents potential thieves from accessing your car’s keyless entry system, ensuring your car remains secure.

The ‘Be Hard to Hack’ – Digital Review Package with Mike Wills

In today’s digital world, security is essential for everyone, from teens to ‘silver surfers. ‘The Be Hard to Hack‘ support package delivered by Mike Wills offers tailored guidance and protection against online threats, helping you or your loved ones navigate the internet with confidence. A perfect stocking filler for anyone looking to strengthen their Digital Security moving forward.

Reputational Security Stocking Filler

Webcam Cover

In a digital world, safeguarding your privacy is essential to maintaining your reputation. A simple yet effective webcam cover prevents unwanted access to your camera, offering peace of mind and ensuring your private moments stay private. An ideal stocking filler for anyone conscious of their digital footprint. Get in touch now for an UMBRA-branded webcam cover (while stocks last).

Experian’s Identity Plus Subscription

We would recommend Experian’s brilliant Identity Plus subscription. They will monitor your personal, financial, and credit information around the clock, and if they see any suspicious activity, you’ll be the first to know. Peace of mind is not just for Christmas!

Emotional Security Stocking Filler

Priorities Method Journal

The Priorities Method Journal by Lily Silverton, helps you organise your thoughts, manage stress, and prioritise what truly matters. A thoughtful stocking filler that supports mental and emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and calm. If you’re looking for something a little more personalised we can’t recommend enough Lily’s inspiring coaching sessions, which helped the team at UMBRA HQ to increase clarity, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters. If you’d like to learn more about Lily’s coaching or book a session, don’t hesitate to book a session with her.

The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond

In a world that never stops, true Emotional Security comes from the ability to rest and recharge. The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond offers insightful strategies for finding moments of respite amidst the busyness of modern life.

The Rapid Tapping App

We’re massive fans of Poppy Delbridge’s Rapid Tapping App, it offers a simple, guided approach to tapping therapy, helping you release negative emotions and regain a sense of calm.

1-2-1 Emotional Security Audit with Kate Bright

True Emotional Security comes from understanding and addressing your unique challenges. In a 1-2-1 Emotional Security audit, Kate Bright will work closely with you to explore your individual needs, uncover stress triggers, and create a personalised plan to strengthen your emotional well-being. It will offer you tailored insights and practical strategies to help you or a loved one approach life with greater clarity, balance, and confidence. Click here to get the perfect gift to begin the new year with.

If you need even more ideas to give the gift of ‘the wealth of health’, click here to read our blog post featuring all our favourite products in full.

For more information on how to achieve a Secure Lifestyle please get in touch. From all at UMBRA International, we wish you a Secure and Merry Christmas.

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Written by Kim Garrett

As we enter the colder months and daylight hours grow shorter, maintaining restful and rejuvenating sleep can become more challenging yet increasingly essential for overall well-being. At UMBRA, we understand that sleep plays a vital role in our emotional and physical resilience, impacting productivity, decision-making, and even interpersonal dynamics, let alone risk resilience. That’s why we’ve partnered with renowned sleep expert Kassi Slade, The Positive Sleep Coach, to explore practical strategies and insights to help you optimise your sleep and approach the season feeling refreshed and balanced.

Kassi’s work emphasises a positive, personalised approach to overcoming sleep disruptions that can often go overlooked in fast-paced professional lives. In this interview, she shares her methods for fostering an ideal sleep environment and explains how cultivating better sleep habits can support a Secure Lifestyle – one where your health, clarity, and focus are safeguarded. Whether you’re feeling the effects of stress, seasonal changes, or a demanding workload, Ruth’s insights offer actionable guidance to help you feel at your best.

What is a sleep coach and what is your primary mission?

A sleep coach is a professional who supports individuals to improve their sleep quality and to establish healthy sleep habits for the long term. Currently, we are experiencing a sleep crisis; there is a prevalence of sleep disorders and increased sleep disruption, which is impacting our mental, physical and emotional health, and in turn, our overall quality of life.
I set up The Positive Sleep Coach to drive change and to create positive sleep experiences for all – regardless of age, ability, race, sex, job role, or financial status. I educate and empower on the science of sleep, and I work on root cause identification analysis – when you uncover and treat the cause of a particular sleep challenge or disruption, you are able to influence restorative sleep for the long term. I work with individuals, families and businesses in order to support babies, toddlers, children, adults and working teams to thrive. Sleep is non-negotiable. It plays a crucial role in our cognitive function, physical performance, emotional regulation, decision-making, and immune function, and if we do it well, it drives optimal performance.
Prioritising your sleep will significantly enhance your ability to function in all areas of life. It is a foundational element that positively impacts every single thing we do.

What are the most common ‘sleep’ challenges you face with your clients?

It is said we don’t have sleep problems; we have ‘stress’ problems, and it should come as no surprise that since the emergence of electric light and consequent digital technologies that most of us have trouble switching off at night.
30% to 50% of adults across the UK and the US report difficulties falling asleep due to racing thoughts, anxiety, or stress. Factors such as excessive screen time, increased stress in the workplace, and lifestyle choices also contribute to an overall decline in our sleep quality, which may be expressed as frequent night wakes, an inability to get back to sleep once awake, or a consistent overwhelm of tiredness throughout the day.
Another common challenge relates to how well those in your family sleep. If you have a partner who snores or a child who is up multiple times a night, then this will likely inhibit you achieving your full sleep potential.
Similarly, businesses often contact me when their workforce are suffering. Underslept employees produce fewer creative solutions, exert less effort in a working group, are less efficient, less productive, experience less motivation, are less decisive, and incur increased errors in the workplace, so a well-slept workforce really is the recipe for success! Chronic exhaustion costs most first-world nations 2% of the GDP, so approximately $411 billion dollars is lost each year due to a lack of sleep. This in itself indicates a clear opportunity in the ability to reduce company costs and significantly improve the health of your teams via an education in sleep!

What are some of the scientific benefits to improved sleep?

There is not a system or process in the brain and body that is not positively impacted by sleep. Sleep is critical to clearing toxins out of the brain and allows new learning and memories to be made. Restorative ‘deep’ sleep is one of the best blood pressure medications you can imagine. It regulates insulin and blood glucose levels and is essential for the effective working of the reproductive system. Sleep also regulates our endocrine system (a complex network of glands that produce and secrete hormones) and ensures cellular repair, including muscle growth and tissue recovery. Sleep also has a profound impact on the immune system – one night of 4 hours of sleep will drop natural killer cells (body cancer fight cells) by 70%! Sleeping 5 hours per night makes you 200-300% more likely to catch a cold than someone sleeping 8 hours a night. From a cognitive standpoint, after being awake for 21 hours you are as cognitively impaired as someone who is legally drunk. For our babies and children, good sleep should never be underestimated. During the night, the body releases growth hormone, which is essential for physical growth and development. During the early years it also plays a crucial role in brain development, supporting the formation of neural connections and the consolidation of memories, enabling learning and effective cognitive functioning. Similarly, adequate sleep provides emotional regulation, improved attention, behaviour and academic performance.

How does sleep connect to Emotional Security?

The emotional circuits of the brain are changed and modified by sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation increases activity in the amygdala (our ‘emotional control centre’), causing us to react more intensely and with less thought in situations. It also affects how the brain learns to respond to fear.
During sleep, particularly during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the brain processes fear-related memories; disruption in sleep can alter this process. Sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, including emotional memories. The amygdala interacts with other brain regions during sleep to process and store these memories. Insufficient sleep can impair this process, leading to difficulties in recalling emotional experiences and regulating emotions based on past (negative) experiences. Poor sleep can heighten the amygdala’s response to stress. When sleep-deprived, individuals may have exaggerated reactions to stressors, leading to a cycle of increased anxiety and decreased sleep quality. Overall, the quality and quantity of our sleep are essential for maintaining the healthy functioning of our amygdala and emotional health. Healthy sleep patterns can improve relationships, fostering a supportive environment that contributes to emotional security.

Is Snoring Normal?

One of the most common questions I get asked is ‘Is Snoring Normal?’ While snoring is common, it isn’t considered physiologically normal in the sense that it typically indicates some level of airway obstruction or dysfunction during sleep Snoring occurs when the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked, often due to relaxed throat muscles, excess tissue, or nasal congestion. Any form of airway obstruction disrupts our normal breathing patterns (nasal breathing), and therefore we find ourselves operating in a nonoptimal state, which is not ideal for physiological function. In a healthy sleep state, breathing should be smooth and uninterrupted. Snoring indicates an alteration in this process, suggesting that the body may not be achieving optimal rest and recovery.
Snoring can lead to fragmented sleep, both for the snorer and any respective partners. This can result in decreased cognitive function and an increase in irritability for all concerned! Chronic snoring can also be a sign of sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep and is something that should be addressed to ensure long-term optimal health.

Top 5 Tips for Improved Sleep

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, will regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (24-hr internal clock), which will positively impact your sleep-wake cycle.

It’s All About A Wind Down Routine: Create an environment that is conducive to helping you switch off and relax for bed. Engage in calming activities such as reading, stretching or practicing relaxation techniques to signal your body that it’s time for bed!

Optimise Your Sleep Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Consider using blackout curtains (less required at this time of year) or earplugs, where required to create an optimum setting and remember to remove all digital devices to avoid blue light exposure overnight.

Wait until You’re Ready for Bed: If you are anxious or wired, then it’s not time for bed. Give yourself permission to stay up later. Yes, it’s important to have the sleep opportunity there if you need it but only going into your bedroom when you’re tired will build a positive association with your bed and is much better for you than laying there awake for a few hours.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Reduce exposure to screens (phones, tablets, TVs) at least an hour before sleep, as the blue light emitted can interfere with melatonin (our ‘sleep’ hormone) production and disrupt sleep.

For more information on how to achieve a Secure Lifestyle, and to learn more about Kassi’s services, please get in touch. From all at UMBRA International, we wish you a blissful and refreshing night’s sleep!

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Written by Kim Garrett and Kassi Slade

Hello All,

Well, who would have known from the spring newsletter that an election would be called in the UK, and Geopolitics would be back front and centre. As a proudly ‘Best of British’ business, I personally am going to be talking a lot more about how we are very much open for business internationally and hope that, politics aside, as a small business, we can play our part to fire up the economy. The UK offers many positive benefits in terms of time zone, legal, cultural, and export opportunities. As I am a mixture of Irish, Bavarian, Danish and English roots I’ll always fly the flag for being part of our European community wherever possible, in order to benefit global citizens as a whole.

On that note, I’ve been selected as a delegate by the British American Project (BAP), and will be attending their US conference later this year. Huge thanks to Amanda Zuydervelt, founder of the brilliant OMNEQUE, for putting this on my radar. We are an international business, and we would love to hear from those of you around the world who want to work with the UK to strengthen ties for the benefit of society.

I’m on a mission to live my best Secure Lifestyle and lead by example. As you’re aware, our Secure Lifestyle is built on Four Pillars: Physical, Digital, Reputational, and Emotional. In my quest to enhance the Emotional Security pillar of our work, I’m always exploring cutting-edge products, services, and potential partnerships. Recently, at an Al Johara Leadership event, I had the pleasure of meeting Hanna Sillitoe. Her approach to health and wellness caught my attention, and I can now say I am a total convert to her liquid probiotics! Healthy body, healthy mind! 

This month’s team spotlight is on Ceri Edney, our latest addition to the team. She is our Head of UMBRA Secure, helping to support our clients and community with their Secure Lifestyle as well as onboarding our UMBRA+ members.

As always, we want to hear from anyone struggling to navigate the global security sector to make it an accessible one, in line with our mission to make the world a safer place. We are a high-performance team, helping our clients and the wider community to brainstorm the best and most proportionate solutions to problems and issues, so please be in touch.

I’m looking forward to a break and recharge, so I wish you a restful summer ahead.

Stay safe and healthy!

Follow my day-to-day here.

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UMBRA+

I’m excited to see that our UMBRA+ Membership is gaining traction globally, offering a proactive solution for Secure Lifestyle planning. As we continue to connect with our diverse community of clients, candidates, collaborators, and supporters, I invite you to read our latest article on the Four Pillars of Security, highlighting our holistic approach to family office security.
Find out more here.

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PRESS

I was delighted to get the opportunity to talk with Forbes about the Secure Lifestyle Four Pillar approach to security; Physical, Digital, Reputational, & Emotional. Read the full article now.
Read here.

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PARTNERSHIPS

I’m very excited to announce UMBRA International’s new partnership with Grey Wolfe, a pioneering company dedicated to holistic wellness. This collaboration is the perfect way to elevate our clients’ physical, mental, and cognitive well-being. By teaming up with Grey Wolfe’s exceptional experts, we’re amplifying the crucial focus on the mind-body connection. This partnership aligns perfectly with UMBRA’s commitment to comprehensive health and security. Stay tuned for exclusive insights and offerings that will revolutionise your approach to holistic health.
Explore GW’s services.

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Meet Ceri, our new Head of UMBRA Secure. From the hills of North Wales to global deployments with the UK Armed Forces, Ceri’s journey is as exciting as it is impressive. Read to discover more about the expert behind our global client safety initiatives.
More about Ceri here.

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WHAT I’M READING

‘Do What You Love’ by Holly Tucker, Founder of Holly & Co and former founder of Not On The High Street. I’ve been lucky enough to meet her this year and I can say that she is an utter inspiration, and I’m fully behind her belief that the new retail model she’s creating will change the world for the better. Her view is that there is a business inside everyone and that this revolution will fire up the economies of the world. I can confirm she is just as inspiring in her amazing book as she is in real life.
Buy Holly’s book here.

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WHAT I’M READING PT.2

With the summer in full swing, I’m trying to practice what I preach and move more. For a reminder on the powerful connection between ‘Movement and Mental Health’, I’m re-reading our blog on this subject.
Full blog article here.

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WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

My former colleague and media hero Amol Rajan’s bitesize current affairs podcast ‘The Today Podcast’ has been my ‘politics in my pocket’ guide the last few months.
Listen here.

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PRODUCTS I LOVE

I’m always on the go, meaning I usually end up needing to carry so many essentials to keep me going throughout the day, which is why I’m a big fan of my TUMI backpack. They create sustainable products from exclusive materials, focusing on durability, strength and style. As someone who values a ‘Secure Lifestyle,’ I’ve found TUMI to be the perfect companion for my daily essentials.
View the range here.

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WELLNESS

Having just met Hanna Sillitoe recently, I learned that she is a big advocate of the gut-skin connection, and I absolutely love her multi-strain biotics. The best part? Her products are all natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, nurturing both your skin and the planet. After experiencing the results firsthand, I am converted.
Discover more here.

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Happy Pride 2024 from UMBRA International!

Pride events are joyous celebrations of identity, community, and love. As we come together to honour diversity and inclusion, UMBRA International is here to support your well-being during these festive occasions. Our commitment to fostering a Secure Lifestyle extends to every aspect of your life, including special events like Pride.

To enhance your experience and help you make the most of the celebrations, we’ve compiled a set of helpful tips. These suggestions cover the UMBRA Four Pillar Secure Lifestyle approach of physical, digital, and emotional well-being, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Pride with confidence and peace of mind.

STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Always be mindful of your environment. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the event, including the locations of exits, security stations, and medical tents. This awareness can help you quickly navigate to safety if necessary.

 
USE A BUDDY SYSTEM

Attending the event with friends or joining a group can significantly increase your safety. Stick together and keep an eye on each other, especially in crowded areas. If someone gets separated, have a designated meeting point where you can regroup.

SECURE YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Keep your personal belongings secure to prevent theft. Use bags with zippers and keep them close to your body. We recommend TUMI bags for a stylish solution. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables and consider using anti-theft bags or wallets with RFID protection (this serves as a shield that blocks skimmers from acquiring your credit card information) to guard against digital pickpocketing.

STAY CONNECTED WITH TECHNOLOGY

Make use of technology to stay connected. Share your location with a trusted friend or family member using smartphone apps like Find My Friends or Google Maps or use What3Words for precise meeting spots. Ensure your phone is fully charged and bring a portable charger to maintain communication throughout the event.

KNOW THE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Familiarise yourself with the event’s emergency procedures. Pay attention to announcements and follow instructions from event organisers and security personnel. Know the locations of first aid stations and how to contact emergency services if needed.

STAY HYDRATED AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH

Pride events can be long and physically demanding. Make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking regular breaks in shaded or cool areas to avoid overheating. If you have any medical conditions, keep the necessary medications with you and inform a trusted friend about what to do in case of an emergency.

LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Make sure to take care of your mental health by setting boundaries and taking breaks when needed. Engage in activities that relax and rejuvenate you, such as meditation, talking to a trusted friend, or spending time in a quiet space. If the event becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to step away and find a calm area to regroup. Remember, it’s okay to prioritise your mental well-being. Consider using resources like the Calm app to help manage stress and find moments of peace. Remember, Pride is about celebrating you – exactly as you are.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Pride event experience is both enjoyable and safe, and celebrate with confidence, knowing you’ve taken steps to protect yourself and your community.

From all of us at Team UMBRA, we wish everyone a happy month of celebrating Pride and throughout the year to follow. If you would like more information on how to strengthen your physical, digital, reputational, and emotional security, contact us here.

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Written by Kim Garrett

Embracing Movement: A Pathway to Emotional Security

Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 2024, where this year’s theme is “Moving more for our mental health.” This theme emphasises the important connection between physical activity and emotional well-being, emphasising the pivotal role movement plays in nurturing our mental health journey and cultivating emotional security.

In a world where the pace of life seems to be ever-accelerating, safeguarding our emotional security is paramount, carving out time for physical activity isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for preserving our emotional equilibrium.

Engaging in regular exercise enhances our physical health and also strengthens our emotional resilience. The release of endorphins during physical activity acts as a natural mood elevator, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, exercise creates a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence, essential components of emotional security.

Mental Health UK sheds light on the immediate and long-lasting transformative effects of physical activity on mental health, from the release of feel-good endorphins to the alleviation of stress and anxiety. Additionally, the sense of accomplishment and self-confidence gained through exercise are essential components of emotional security.

5 TIPS TO GET ACTIVE

Start Small and Build Gradually
As you build momentum, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activities.

Find Activities You Enjoy
Explore different forms of exercise to find what resonates with you, and choose activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. When you enjoy what you’re doing, staying active becomes a rewarding and sustainable habit.

Set Realistic Goals
Set achievable goals that align with your fitness level and lifestyle. Setting realistic goals helps you stay motivated, and tracking your progress is a good idea.

Incorporate Movement into Your Daily Life
Look for opportunities to be active throughout the day, even in small ways. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, and walk, or bike to nearby destinations instead of driving. For additional motivation, consider signing up for the trundl app – an app that turns your everyday walk into charity donations. You can do good while feeling good!

Stay Consistent and Prioritise Self-Care
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of physical activity for mental health. Schedule regular exercise sessions into your calendar and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.

In essence, prioritising movement is an investment in our mental health and emotional security. As we navigate the complexities of life, carving out time for physical activity is an act of self-care. Caring for ourselves physically and mentally is an excellent way to maintain a secure lifestyle.

Together, let’s move more for our mental health, for our resilience, and for our emotional security!

If you’re ready to take charge of your mental well-being and want to find out more about how to create emotional security get in touch with us today. In the meantime, have a read of one of our previous blogs discussing the idea of Emotional Security and how we can go about achieving it.

For more information and to be connected with one of our team members to talk about Emotional Security and wider Secure Lifestyle needs, please get in touch.

From all at UMBRA International, we wish you a happy month of movement and mental well-being!

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Written by Kim Garrett

Hello All, 

I hope you’re having a positive start to this year. I’m just back from a short trip to Toulon, the French military port town. There’s nothing like sea air to recharge the batteries. I’ve been reading a lot on my various travels this year, as you’ll see below, and having read The Art of Rest I’m really trying to prioritise my own version of rest and recovery as we grow, to lead by example. As you know, our 4 pillars of secure Lifestyle are Physical, Digital, Reputational and Emotional, and the products and services we promote across the Emotional Security pillar of our work include ‘Ancient and Brave’ who we feature below this month. Having now met their female founder Kate Prince at a recent Women’s Chapter event, I decided to gift a selection of their products to the whole team, and we are now over the moon to have them as a gifting partner.

We are also very excited to be welcoming new colleagues to Team UMBRA and will be introducing them to you to them in due course. This, coupled with more interest in our UMBRA+ membership, which we are really proud of, and some more press which we are really grateful for, has meant it has been a really productive year so far. We always want to hear from anyone struggling to navigate our sector as it is our greatest honour to champion the best ways to stay and feel safe. We are fast becoming known for being a sounding board and helping our clients and wider community to brainstorm the best and most proportionate solutions to problems and issues.

Now please enjoy an update on our Spring activities!
Kate

Follow my day-to-day here!

SECURE LIFESTYLE AS A SERVICE: UMBRA+

We have been travelling far and wide to meet and talk to our clients (and by that we also mean our Candidates, Collaborators and wider Community that follow and support us). We are proud to say that our Membership (UMBRA+) is proving popular as a way to be proactive and forward-plan your Secure Lifestyle needs. We are working increasingly through other trusted Private Client Advisors (and have been invited to undertake some really interesting ‘wargaming’ sessions recently to help forward-plan our clients lives alongside legal, tax, trust, property and education specialists – we are grateful that the word is spreading. To book an introduction to UMBRA+ and how it helps our private clients (1-2-1, online, in person, or a team lunch and learn) email secure@umbrainternational.com.

Meanwhile as you know by now, a Secure Lifestyle starts with great people at the core – so drop the UMBRA Select Team a line on select@umbrainternational.com to discuss any upcoming requirements you have – there are a plethora of UK/Europe and International roles we are working on. We are so grateful to loyal candidates who, once placed by the team continue to work with us with their clients to promote the idea of Secure Lifestyle services in a simple and risk-resilient way.

PRESS

We are grateful to Tatler for this piece of recent coverage about the benefits of proactive Secure Lifestyle especially when coming to it for the first time.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

This year we marked IWD with The Women’s Chapter Event, a talk at FT (thank you for having me), followed by a and a fantastic evening with Holly Tucker of Holly&Co and eight other female founders. In the spirit of International Women’s Day/Month, I want to shout out to Holly and her team, and also to Sam Jackman at Boost who I met at the Holly&Co evening. Both women are leading businesses that impact retail and healthcare respectively, and both are raising investment as we speak. If any of our UMBRA network are interested, please do reach out to them. I will always use the UMBRA platform to champion those who need it the most and who currently do not get access to the funds they need to grow their businesses, and by extension, the economy. 

WHAT I’M READING

Centennials and The Art of Rest – the former about the most successful businesses that have endured over a century and the 12 lessons we can learn from them, and the latter a fascinating walk through the top 10 ways people get rest from a global survey called ‘The Rest Test’. It goes without saying of course I’ve also been reading the brilliant blog written by Team UMBRA’s Kim and Alex Godwin Brown.  Reputation Security is here to stay and we are proud to be able to help our clients through the work of people like Alex, both proactively and through crisis comms.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

I recently got to talk about all about the trials and tribulations of a growing business with Kevin Brent who interviewe me for ScaleUp Radio. I’m also really enjoying hearing about Edward Enningful’s life and I had a double dose on a flight recently listening to both Diary of a CEO and Dua Lipa’s podcasts – Dua has set up Service95 – a Podcast and Book Club that promotes deep conversations with diverse global voices. Here’s also to our hero Stephanie Shirley’s IWD message. 

WELLNESS

Nutrition is a good place to start when it comes to our wellness journey. That is why all at UMBRA HQ are on a health kick with the help of Ancient + Brave, a female-founded, B-Corp company providing pure, potent and sustainable supplements to help you think, feel, and look your best. Click here to see what my other recommendations are for a healthy body and healthy mind. Thank you to Ancient & Brave for letting us use the discount codes- “HELLO20” for subscription orders and “WELCOME20” for single orders.

WHAT’S COMING UP

We are a few months into the UMBRA Website 2.0 project so if you’d like to be considered by the Team as a Brand Partner for our UMBRA+ Members please do get in touch by emailing info@umbrainternational.com.

Remember you can book in at any time for a discussion about any aspect of your Secure Lifestyle – no problem is too big or too small for Team UMBRA and our network of the UMBRA Collective hive mind. Email secure@umbratinternational.com. 

One final ‘ask’ to you all – if you’re a central London venue and want to work with us on our Armed Forces Day event in June, do get in touch. As part of our 4 Pillars of Impact (we love our 4 Pillars at UMBRA HQ!) is Veteran Support. Working with team members whose families are serving brings it home to me how much we as a business still need to do to encourage others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (really easy to do; see here for more info), but also how easy it is to hire reservists and veterans in your workplace or organisation as well as supporting those for whom loved ones are often away. We don’t even need a big space, so if you have somewhere in mind for us please email info@umbrainternational.com.

That’s it from me – have a safe and healthy few months ahead.
Kate

Living in today’s hyper-connected world means that we all live our lives under the public gaze to varying degrees, with our lives often subject to public scrutiny, whether as public figures, business owners, or active social media users. At UMBRA International, we recognise the importance of comprehensive security solutions that encompass not only physical and digital aspects but also reputational protection, including online reputation management. Our approach to security is holistic, ensuring that individuals and businesses can safeguard their reputation in an ever-evolving landscape. Recently, we had the opportunity to speak with Alex Godwin-Brown, an experienced reputation manager, to gain insights into the crucial role of Reputation Managers in preserving and enhancing our public presence.

For those not in the know, how would you describe a reputation manager?

A reputation manager is a person who works in public relations but rather than focusing on the profile of a company or business, the focus is on enhancing and protecting the profile of a person.
A reputation manager will work with a person to define what is unique about that individual’s profile; their USPs, their key messages, and their objectives. Reputation management can involve working with philanthropists raising awareness, support, and funds for their chosen cause; maintaining a positive and long-term profile of an industry titan; developing an individual’s profile for a personal passion be it collecting art, cars, watches, or jewellery; or helping people to keep a low profile to protect their family. 
Being a reputation manager means making sure an individual’s “brand” is clear and consistent. Reputation managers work across multiple channels and platforms including social media, company and third-party websites and manage communications with international and national press.

What are some of the top challenges you face?

The biggest challenge I face when working with an individual is the balance between relevant visibility and oversaturation. Hype is the enemy of sustainability. Too much attention attracts what I refer to as the “evil eye” – the philosophical belief applied to a public profile – where a successful person can attract envy or anger. “30 under 30” lists and front cover founder profiles can be poisoned chalices. They attract those that seek out ways to undermine that success, attacking the person’s credibility or accusing them of having an easy path. Others claim they are bored of hearing the same story repeated and journalists lose interest in covering a subject if nothing new is presented.  
It has taken me two decades of public relations experience to be able to find the right balance for each of my clients. Everything in life is cyclical, even publicity and perceived success. The challenge is identifying and aligning with a cycle.
Another challenge – albeit another one I relish – is achieving the goals of multiple individuals within the same family or organisation. 

Why is it important for family offices or business founders to work with a reputation manager?

The first contact many will have with a reputation manager is when things go wrong. There may be a crisis to be managed, it’s stressful, and litigators are probably involved. During a crisis, it’s challenging to make sure a family office or founder communicates their key messages. The wider public is focused on the disaster and the negative messages are the focus of the global press.
As with all things, preparation makes unfavourable events both less likely and more recoverable. Had these family offices or founders been working with a reputation manager from the beginning, there would be a strong foundation and a clear “brand” to protect or re-establish. 

Give us an example of a reputation management situation

A fictitious example for you – Petra, the founder of a health tech company with plans to go public in six to twelve months. Petra has kept a low profile throughout her career but she will attract a lot of media attention once her business is public. Unfortunately, Petra’s high-profile ex-boyfriend is a famous actor, Chris. Petra had not built a narrative about her personal “brand”, the business she had founded, and the story of her career. In the months leading up to the IPO, many industry and consumer publications will write about the business leading with the label “ex-girlfriend of famous actor Chris”, rather than “brilliant founder of health tech business”. 
For Petra frustration turned to a crisis when a tabloid ran a sensational story about her past relationship. Many other titles followed suit, investors questioned Petra’s business credentials, she struggled to attract talented employees, and her health tech business failed to reach its full potential in its IPO. Petra’s profile is now established as “ex-girlfriend of Chris”. 
If Petra had been working with a reputation manager, together they would have built her public profile slowly and sustainably over many years. In this scenario any journalist, investor, or potential employee Googling Petra would find a clear narrative, several sources detailing her business achievements and key terms describing her across multiple platforms. If a tabloid had still run a sensational story in the lead up to the IPO, the reputation manager would mitigate this using Petra’s strong reputational foundation to build upon during and after the crisis. 

How does reputation management connect to a Secure Lifestyle?

Schillings put it well in a report in February 2021: “It’s a common misconception, particularly by those who understandably wish to remain private, that digital reputation management is really about self-promotion and brand building – that it’s about Google rankings, likes and artfully taken selfies. But this is not the case; it’s about critical risk management and taking control of your online profile – which already exists and, if you aren’t controlling it, then others are. In short, it’s something we all need to be doing – and too few of us are.”
There are many similarities and adjacent security benefits to actively controlling the narrative of a personal brand. These include countering defamation and impersonation, and building a person’s robustness and resilience in the face of negativity, anger and envy. 
As with a secure lifestyle, investment in a good reputation makes it easier and less expensive to do business in an increasingly hostile digital and physical environment. A bad or invisible reputation makes it more expensive and time consuming to do business and crucially is a poor defence against bad actors.

In Brief

• A reputation manager focuses on enhancing and protecting an individual’s public image rather than engaging in suspect activities that shows like Succession and Scandal would have you believe. They act as a brand guardian for their client, define unique aspects of their profile, manage communications across various platforms, and ensure consistency in their public image.
  
• One of the major challenges faced by reputation managers is striking a balance between maintaining relevant visibility and avoiding oversaturation, as excessive attention can attract envy or backlash. Achieving this balance requires extensive experience and understanding of cyclical patterns in publicity.
  
• Family offices and business founders benefit from working with reputation managers to proactively establish a strong foundation for their public image. By doing so, they can mitigate potential crises, protect their brand during challenging times, and ensure that their narrative remains focused on their professional achievements. This proactive approach not only safeguards their reputation but also supports business success and resilience in a competitive and disruptive environment.

For more information and to be connected with one of the team to talk about Reputation Security and wider Secure Lifestyle needs, please get in touch.

From all at UMBRA International, we wish you a safe, secure and reputationally healthy future.

Interview by Kim Garrett with Alex Godwin-Brown