About Charles Ahmad
Charles began his career in the U.S. Army at 18, serving in the First Gulf War. This experience sparked his interest in public service and led him to earn a degree in criminal justice. He then joined the U.S. Marshals Service, where he served for 25 years. During his career with the USMS, he was responsible for numerous aspects of security risk management including exterior
perimeters, access control, security assessments, managing security personnel, security awareness training, video surveillance, protective intelligence, and workplace violence prevention at several federal courthouses around the country. After retiring at the age of 49, he co-founded Group Nine Risk Consulting to continue serving and protecting others through expert security solutions. Charles strives to integrate his learnings like humility, excellence, and consistency into the curious side into his risk security services.
Blue Ocean: Tell us about your professional journey. What inspired you to pursue this career, and what continues to fuel your passion for the profession today?
Charles: I’ve always felt a calling to serve. I joined the U.S. Army at 18 and was deployed during the First Gulf War. That experience gave me real clarity about my purpose—to protect and serve others. After earning a degree in criminal justice, I spent 25 years with the U.S. Marshals Service, working on everything from protective details to major investigations. When I retired, I co-founded Group Nine Risk Consulting to continue serving in a new way. What fuels me today is knowing that I’m still protecting the innocent and helping people stay safe.
Blue Ocean: What does a typical day look like for you?
Charles: No two days are ever the same. Some days I’m focused on business operations or meeting with clients; other days I’m on-site for an investigation or leading a forensic assessment. I also dedicate time educating others on crime prevention and staying up-to-date through industry training. I enjoy the balance between hands-on work and strategy. Switching between tactical and strategic responsibilities keeps me sharp and engaged.
Blue Ocean: Which emerging trends in your profession most excite you?
Charles: I’m fascinated by how fast technology is advancing in our field. AI-driven analytics, facial recognition software, motion sensors, and advanced weapons detection systems are changing how we approach security. That said, I always remind people that these tools should support a security plan, not replace it. It’s easy to assume technology solves everything, but layered, human-centered systems are still the most effective.
Blue Ocean: Can you walk us through a particularly challenging case you’ve handled and explain your strategy for resolving it?
Charles: Some of the most difficult cases I’ve handled involved loss of life. In those situations, my approach is to reverse-engineer what went wrong. It’s rarely one major failure. It’s usually a series of small, overlooked missteps. My job is to dig deep and find the root causes, even when the truth is uncomfortable. That can be tough, especially if a client is reluctant to face their role in what happened. But that real accountability is the only way to truly prevent it from happening again.
Blue Ocean: You’ve earned a strong reputation. How do you and your team continue to stay ahead in the highly competitive industry?
Charles: We live by the saying: “Our next report is our best report.” We’re always looking to improve. That means seeking out feedback, embracing criticism, and constantly evaluating how we can do better. We’ve built a culture that values humility, excellence, and teamwork. No one here is coasting. We earn our clients’ trust through consistent, high-quality work.
Blue Ocean: What core values or principles do you believe every great professional should uphold, regardless of their practice area?
Charles: First and foremost: humility. You’ve got to be teachable, no matter how much experience you bring. Curiosity and a hunger to keep learning are just as important. And integrity is non-negotiable. We’ve had to walk away from clients who wanted us to alter our findings. I’d rather lose a contract than our credibility. In my view, that’s how you build real, lasting trust and relationships in this field.
Blue Ocean: What are some common misconceptions people have about your field of work?
Charles: One big misconception is that consultants just tell clients what they want to hear. I don’t operate that way. I give honest, fact-based assessments, even when the truth is hard to hear. Again, that’s how trust is built. Another myth is that the work is all high-tech and glamorous. In reality, success in this field often comes down to mastering the basics and doing the hard, unglamorous work well.
Blue Ocean: What distinct value do you bring to your clients, especially when managing complex or high-stakes situations?
Charles: What sets us apart is the level of detail and depth we put into our work. We spend hours unbilled, to make sure we get it right. Especially in high-stakes situations, our clients value that level of precision. It’s not about volume; it’s about clarity. When clients are overwhelmed and things feel chaotic, we give them a clear, structured roadmap forward.
Blue Ocean: How do you maintain emotional and psychological resilience when handling sensitive or high-pressure cases?
Charles: I’ve faced a lot of adversity over the years, both personally and professionally. Those experiences give me perspective. I also lean heavily on my faith. It keeps me grounded and focused on what really matters. When cases get emotionally heavy, I remind myself why I do this work: to protect the innocent and do what’s right. That mission keeps me going.
Blue Ocean: What advice would you offer to aspiring professionals entering the profession today?
Charles: Don’t just chase passion. You need to find where your curiosity meets a real-world need. Passion grows as you build competence. Be patient. Build your skillset. Be willing to take the long road. Quick wins are great, but real impact comes from steady and consistent work over time.
Blue Ocean: What hobbies or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
Charles: I’m an avid cyclist. I ride over 100 miles a week. It helps me clear my head, stay physically and mentally healthy, and decompress. Having something outside of work that brings me joy helps me show up better in every part of my life.
Blue Ocean: Is there a guiding principle, philosophy, or quote that has significantly influenced your career and life?
Charles: I strive to follow a biblical principle found in the book of Philippians: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” It’s far from easy and I often fall short, but it frames how I’ve tried to lead and serve others.
Conclusion
Charles’ journey is defined by courage, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. From his early days in the Army to becoming a trusted voice in security consulting, he has remained committed to protect and serve. His approach is rooted in integrity, continual learning, and deep care for people. Charles reminds us that great leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice, it’s about showing up with consistency and quiet strength.
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