brain not brawn: size 10 bodyguard lisa proves that being in security doesn't mean you have to be big and burly
A DUBLIN woman is turning the image of Kevin Costner's The Bodyguard on its head with her daring choice of career.
Clontarf-born Lisa Baldwin, one of the world's few female bodyguards, spends her working days protecting princes and princesses from the Middle East.
Based in the UK, Lisa works mainly for Arab clients who are on holiday, since a female bodyguard suits their religious and cultural beliefs.
She said most Arab men are uncomfortable having their women accompanied by foreign men.
The 25-year-old recalled how she "just clicked with the idea of becoming a bodyguard" when it came up in conversation with her father.
The "get-up-and-go" girl then embarked on training courses in London, Slovenia and Thailand to build up her career. She has trained in electronics, counter-surveillance, explosives searching, bomb disposal and firearms.
"The demand is growing in the industry for female bodyguards. "People are not thinking about the big, strong guy any more," Lisa said. Meanwhile, Lisa comes back to Ireland purely to "chill out", since there's not much work which would attract her here. Lisa stressed that her job is not all about being muscled and mean.
Prevention
"It's all about the mind and prevention, and getting out of a situation. It's not a kung fu movie at all. It's all about helping people," she added.
"You're dealing with civilians, so you realise that more often than not, just speaking to someone can get you out of a situation.
"You realise you're not in Iraq, you're in London." Lisa, who is 5' 6'' and a slender size 10, said it's not a requirement to be well-built.
She laughs at the reaction she gets from people when they see she's not the stereotypical, butch figure.
"One time, the person who was in charge of a princess came up to me when he saw me and said: 'Oh, the princess will be delighted to see you, the last person had a butch approach and it really freaked her out.'"
While travelling is a definite perk of the job, Lisa doesn't get to join in on the fun of the parties she attends: "I have gone to parties but you're not there to enjoy yourself," she said.
- -Geraldine Gittens
