Mission Protectas: Grégory Johary

Who are you in a few words? 

My name is Robert Grégory JOHARY, but most people call me Greg. I'm originally from Madagascar. After graduating from high school in 2008, I joined the French Army, in a regiment equipped with Leclerc tanks. I quickly joined a combat unit, which allowed me to take part in several missions abroad. 
After five years of service, I felt the need to find a better balance between my personal and professional life, something the military lifestyle no longer allowed. I therefore decided to transition into private security. I completed specialized training and, starting in 2016, I had the opportunity to take on a variety of roles in the field. I worked on access control, surveillance of sensitive sites, vehicle patrols, construction site security, and event security services.

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

What I particularly appreciate are the growth opportunities the company offers. It allows you to keep progressing rather than staying in a fixed position. The training is adapted to the specific realities of each site, which makes us feel useful and truly effective in our missions.

Can you tell us about your start at Protectas?

I joined Protectas in June 2021 at the WHO site. I started as a security officer and quickly moved into a control center operator role. I was responsible for monitoring and managing incidents in real time.

What are your current responsibilities?

Since April 2023, I’ve been working as a team leader. This new role has allowed me to take on more responsibility, particularly in coordinating and supervising teams. This progression truly reflects my ongoing desire to learn and grow professionally. 
I’m also responsible for first aid management on-site. I oversee the first aid equipment, ensure its availability and compliance, and act as a point of contact in the event of a medical emergency or intervention.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy helping people on a daily basis—whether it’s by ensuring their protection, responding quickly in emergencies, or simply maintaining a safe environment. Knowing that I contribute to the safety and well-being of others is a huge motivator for me. 
This is a profession where you can genuinely make a difference, and that human aspect inspires me every day. What motivates me most is the opportunity to keep learning. I’ve always embraced varied assignments to broaden my experience, develop my skills, and adapt to new environments. I like understanding the specific challenges of each site, anticipating situations, and proposing concrete solutions. That’s what drives me to give my best every day.

What has been your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

My biggest challenge has been adapting quickly to crisis situations, especially when emergencies require immediate yet thoughtful decisions. At first, this could be stressful—particularly when managing a team—but I’ve learned to better anticipate these situations. 
I focus on staying calm, prioritizing essential actions, and communicating clearly with my team. Since then, I’ve committed to ongoing preparation through training and by staying up to date on procedures, which helps me act more fluidly and effectively.

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

For me, this profession is first and foremost about helpfulness: being attentive to people’s needs, staying responsive, and always striving to offer concrete assistance. 
In the security field, this means taking a proactive and compassionate approach—ensuring protection while also being available to guide, assist, and support those in need. 
That human dimension is essential to me, as it reinforces the positive impact of our work.

What advice would you give to women who want to work in the security sector?

I would tell them to never be discouraged by stereotypes or preconceived ideas. While the sector has traditionally been male-dominated, it offers many opportunities for those who are motivated, determined, and eager to learn. 
The key is to fully invest in the role, develop your skills, and prove your ability to meet the challenges of the job. What matters most is having confidence in your abilities, showing perseverance, and staying focused on the goal: to provide quality service and make a real impact on the safety of others.