The Ontic Protective Intelligence Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ontic, The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
On the Ontic Protective Intelligence Podcast, you will hear from safety, security and protection professionals on a range of topics from real-life security incidents including acts of mass violence and high-profile kidnappings to what it takes to break the bias as a woman in the industry. Our episodes uncover the lesser-known details of pivotal events in the past, as well as stories from leaders and their counterparts that shape how we view the future of the industry.
A mature GSOC does far more than monitor alarms. Manish speaks with Nick Saroka, Vice President of Operations at Exlog Global, about turning the GSOC into an enterprise nerve center that supports decisions across the business. Nick explains how teams can connect threat monitoring to organizational objectives, determine when to escalate with incomplete information, and earn credibility through relationships and repeated performance. He also explores AI’s role as a force multiplier for intelligence collection and dissemination while keeping human validation and judgment in the loop. The conversation closes with practical career advice for analysts who want to understand the businesses they protect and create greater organizational value.
You'll learn:
- How to align GSOC intelligence with business objectives and operational decisions
- What to weigh when moving from monitoring to escalation and action
- Where AI can accelerate intelligence workflows without replacing human judgment
Similar episodes:
- Building Next-Gen GSOCs with Visa’s Niall Herlehy
- A Modern Approach to Managing GSOCs with Jesse Leeds
- Fail Forward: Lessons in Leadership and Innovation with Jacob Valdez
- Embracing Change in Corporate Security: Strategies for Modernization with Ryan Schonfeld of HiveWatch
If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.
Frank Rodman, CEO and co-founder of Torchstone Global, joins Fred Burton to discuss what it takes to protect people, events, and organizations in an increasingly complex threat environment. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across the Diplomatic Security Service, corporate security, executive protection, GSOC operations, and major global events, Frank shares lessons from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation, the Tokyo subway sarin attack, Olympic Games, and Super Bowls. The conversation explores why private-sector security depends on influence, coordination, and clear communication, not just authority. Frank also explains how Connected Intelligence helps teams turn fragmented information into the context needed to make better security decisions before risk becomes crisis.
You'll learn:
- How protective intelligence helps teams connect weak signals before a crisis
- Why major event security requires coordination, red teaming, and thoughtful trade-offs
- How security leaders can build stronger teams by combining expertise, communication, and business acumen
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Modern executive protection requires far more than a physical presence. In this episode, Fred Burton speaks with Bryan Niederhelm, Senior Vice President of Threat Assessment and Management at Gavin de Becker & Associates, about the evolving landscape of protective intelligence, threat assessment, and violence prevention. Bryan shares why the fundamentals of human behavior, preparation, and disciplined observation remain critical, even as AI and emerging technologies reshape the security conversation. The discussion also explores how protectors can avoid over-reliance on tools, build curiosity into their work, and better communicate risk to the people they protect.
What you'll learn:
- Why modern protection depends on preparation, mindset, and understanding human behavior
- How AI, drones, and emerging technologies may influence protective intelligence
- Why curiosity and humility are essential skills for the next generation of protectors
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.
The risk landscape facing corporate leaders has changed dramatically. In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with longtime security executive Ken Senser to discuss how threats have evolved from large-scale physical attacks to today's digitally enabled, grievance-driven risks. Drawing on decades of experience with the CIA, FBI, Walmart, and Corporate Security Advisors, Ken shares his perspective on executive protection, protective intelligence, AI, and the growing convergence of cyber and physical security. The conversation explores what security leaders must do to protect executives, strengthen organizational resilience, and prepare for the future of risk.
You'll learn:
- How executive protection has evolved from physical security to a converged risk discipline
- Why doxing, swatting, and online radicalization are reshaping threat landscapes
- How AI will transform both protective intelligence programs and attacker capabilities
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A growing culture of incivility is reshaping the corporate risk landscape, and security leaders are being forced to adapt quickly. In this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Fred Burton sits down with Security Executive Council founder Bob Hayes to discuss the research behind rising workplace aggression, executive targeting, activist-driven threats, and the long-term implications for corporate security programs. Bob shares lessons drawn from decades of research and leadership experience, including why organizations often overlook their most probable risks and how security teams can better align intelligence with business action. The conversation also explores the evolution of executive protection and the importance of actionable intelligence in today’s environment.
You'll learn:
- Why workplace incivility is becoming a growing corporate security concern
- How executive targeting trends are shifting toward activist-driven threats
- What organizations often miss when assessing executive risk
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Beyond Incivility: The Soaring Business Cost of America’s Deteriorating Civility
- Executive Targeting Report: Analysis of Attacks on Corporate Executives from 2003-2025
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Transitioning from the CIA to leading global security at Microsoft is no small leap. Mike Howard shares how he navigated that shift, rebuilt a security program at scale, and learned to influence without authority in the private sector. He reflects on the importance of aligning security with business strategy, building diverse teams to tackle emerging threats, and continuously evolving as a leader. The conversation also explores how security leaders can think more broadly about risk in an increasingly interconnected world.
You'll learn:
- Why influence, not authority, is the most critical skill in corporate security
- How aligning with business strategy unlocks buy-in and resources
- The importance of diverse talent in addressing emerging and complex threats
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Jack Carr returns to the show to discuss his latest novel, The Fourth Option, and the creative journey behind expanding beyond the James Reese universe. Drawing from his experience as a Navy SEAL and his deep passion for storytelling, Jack shares how authenticity, discipline, and relentless curiosity shape his writing. The conversation explores collaboration, the evolution of modern audiences, and the balance between technical accuracy and compelling narrative. Along the way, Jack reflects on the importance of reading, the influence of history, and how stories can build empathy in an increasingly distracted world.
You'll learn:
- How real-world experience informs authentic and compelling storytelling
- Why reading is foundational to creativity, empathy, and leadership
- The evolving challenge of capturing attention in a distracted digital world
If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.
After more than two decades in the FBI, including leading its global intelligence program, Josh Skule has seen firsthand how intelligence shapes national security and business risk. In this conversation, he shares lessons from the Bureau, the challenges of transitioning into the private sector, and why collaboration across government and industry is more critical than ever. The discussion explores how organizations can better balance tactical demands with long-term strategy, navigate evolving threats, and build smarter, intelligence-led security programs. It’s a candid look at what it takes to lead in today’s complex risk environment.
You'll learn:
- How to balance immediate threats with long-term intelligence strategy
- Why information sharing between government and private sector remains challenging
- How to build a modern, intelligence-led corporate security program
If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.
What does it take to lead security operations at the highest levels—from protecting U.S. diplomats overseas to safeguarding a global financial institution?
In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with Jim Bacigalupo, former Diplomatic Security Service leader and current corporate security executive, to discuss the transition from government security operations to the private sector. Jim shares lessons from managing large-scale embassy security programs, building modern GSOCs, and navigating the evolving risk landscape inside global financial institutions. The conversation explores the role of intelligence, technology, and leadership in proactive security programs—and why the human factor still matters most.
You'll learn:
• How government security experience translates into corporate security leadership
• What “good” looks like in a modern GSOC and intelligence program
• Why effective security programs combine technology with strong human analysis
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
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In this episode, Manish sits down with Raju Bhatia, Chief Security Officer at Regions Bank. With more than 25 years of experience — including two decades with the FBI and senior corporate security leadership at Bank of America — Raj shares how his career evolved from federal investigations to leading intelligence-driven security programs in the private sector. He unpacks what it takes to move from reactive response to proactive prevention, how to break down silos in large organizations, and why duty of care must be embedded into business strategy — not treated as a standalone function.
You’ll learn:
- How to transition from reactive security to an intelligence-led, proactive model that mitigates incidents before they escalate
- What it takes to influence up, across, and down — and speak the language of the business as a modern CSO
- How to build a culture of safety and duty of care that protects people, brand, and enterprise value in today’s dynamic threat environment
Similar episodes:
- Strengthening Financial Services Against Evolving Threats: Insights from Bert Oliveira
- Positioning Security as a Business Enabler: Strategies for Success with Jeremy Baumann
- Inside the Adversary Mindset: Building Smarter Protection in a Connected World
If you're enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
Fred Burton sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Cold Zero. Centered on a CIA extraction gone wrong in the Arctic Circle, the novel explores the realities of modern intelligence operations, global competition, and high-stakes decision-making under extreme pressure. Thor shares the real-world inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with former fighter pilot Ward Larson to ensure operational accuracy, and how today’s fragmented threat environment shaped the story’s geopolitical tensions. The conversation also examines the human element of intelligence work — from trust between allies to making critical calls without complete information.
You'll learn:
- How real-world intelligence tradecraft and CIA extraction operations inspired Cold Zero
- What happens when intelligence operations go wrong — and how leaders make decisions with incomplete information
- Why trust between partners is the foundation of effective connected intelligence in today’s threat landscape
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Manish Mehta sits down with Wayman Cummings, Chief Information Security Officer at Ochsner Health, to explore what cyber-physical security convergence really looks like in practice. Wayman shares how his unconventional path into cybersecurity shaped his leadership style and his perspective on risk in high-stakes environments like healthcare. The conversation dives into insider risk, the role of AI as augmented intelligence, and why most physical threats today begin with digital reconnaissance. Wayman also challenges the idea that convergence is a myth, offering real-world examples of how teams, technology, and trust must come together to make it work.
You'll learn:
- Why convergence fails without people and process alignment
- Why AI should augment human judgment, not replace it, in security operations
- How leaders can build credibility, break down silos, and scale security impact in high-risk environments
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
Host Fred Burton sits down with Jeremy Baumann, CEO and founder of Corporate Security Advisors, to explore what it truly means to build high-performing, business-aligned security programs. Drawing on three decades of experience across law enforcement, corporate security, and consulting, Jeremy shares how security leaders can move beyond being seen as a cost center and instead become trusted enablers of business success. Their conversation dives into intelligence-led security, crisis readiness, resilience, and the business acumen today’s CSOs need to thrive in an increasingly complex risk environment.
What you'll learn:
- How to position corporate security as a business enabler that reduces risk while minimizing friction
- What separates “paper plans” from truly crisis-ready and resilient organizations
- Why intelligence, business fluency, and learning to say yes are critical skills for the next generation of security leaders
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In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with Rich Davis, former Chief Security Officer of United Airlines, to explore the evolution of aviation security and what it takes to manage risk at a truly global scale. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Rich shares how collaboration, intelligence sharing, and a strong duty of care mindset have reshaped airline security—and why relationships across the private sector and government remain critical to preventing the next crisis.
You'll Learn:
- How aviation security has evolved in response to global threats and regulatory change
- Why collaboration and trusted relationships are foundational to effective risk management
- What “duty of care” looks like in practice for organizations with globally mobile workforces
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If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
Host Fred Burton reunites with longtime colleague Scott Stewart, Vice President of Protective Intelligence at Torchstone Global, to unpack the evolving landscape of executive protection. Drawing on recent high-profile attacks and their own book, The Protective Intelligence Advantage, they explore how threat actors operate, what today’s organizations often overlook, and why simple, time-tested security fundamentals still matter in a technology-driven world. Scott highlights the critical gaps in understanding pre-operational surveillance, digital exhaust, and target selection. Together, they unravel the growing need for protective intelligence programs that blend human expertise with modern tools.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why recent attacks signal a shift in executive protection and the rising importance of protective intelligence
- How pre-operational surveillance, behavioral cues, and digital exhaust reveal attackers’ methods
- Why simple, foundational security practices remain essential even as new technologies transform the field
Learn more in Ontic Resources here.
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
On this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Manish Mehta sits down with Chris Wingfield, SVP of Innovations at 360Privacy, to explore the evolving landscape of digital targeting and executive protection. Chris shares how his background in intelligence and signals analysis informs his approach to building proactive, AI-driven cyber threat programs that reduce attack surfaces for high-risk individuals and organizations. Together, they unpack the convergence of physical, digital, and cyber security—and why understanding attacker playbooks is essential to getting ahead of modern threats.
You'll Learn:
- How adversaries use AI and publicly available data to rapidly map a target’s digital footprint
- Why convergence across physical, cyber, and digital security functions is critical to reducing overall risk
- Real-world examples of everyday behaviors that unintentionally expose executives and how teams can build proactive, scalable programs to mitigate them
To learn more about our partner program, please contact partners@ontic.co.
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In this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Jim McConnell shares insights from more than three decades in corporate and critical infrastructure security, exploring the evolution of converged security and safety metrics. Together with Manish, he discusses how organizations can move beyond silos to create unified, data-driven security strategies that strengthen both safety and operational resilience. The conversation also dives into the cultural and practical aspects of launching effective metrics programs and how AI will influence the future of security measurement and decision-making.
You'll learn:
- The difference between security and safety metrics—and why both are essential for creating environments where people truly feel safe
- How to build a culture of accountability around data by focusing on ownership, simplicity, and readiness before launching a metrics program
- Ways AI can serve as a force multiplier for security professionals, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making across converged environments
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
In this episode, host Fred Burton and co-host Cindy Marble sit down with Michael Evanoff, CSO at Verkada, to discuss his remarkable career spanning corporate security and diplomatic protection. Evanoff reflects on his experiences at the U.S. Department of State and in the private sector, sharing lessons on leadership, collaboration, and adapting protective strategies across diverse environments. The conversation also explores how modern technologies like AI and cloud-based video systems are revolutionizing threat detection and proactive protection across industries.
You'll learn:
- How Evanoff applied lessons from decades in diplomatic and corporate security to improve collaboration and risk management across organizations
- Why technologies like cloud-based surveillance and AI-driven analytics are game changers for identifying pre-incident behaviors and enhancing real-time situational awareness
- What the concept of Connected Intelligence means in today’s world of integrated security
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
In this episode, Manish speaks with Michael Civitano, Senior Security Manager of Intelligence and GSOC at ServiceNow, about transforming incident management from reactive firefighting to proactive resilience. They unpack how modern GSOCs can streamline incident detection and response through simplified processes, empowered teams, and the strategic use of AI. The discussion also explores how collaboration, adaptability, and data-driven forecasting elevate incident management from an operational function to a vital business enabler.
What you'll learn:
- How to reimagine incident management as an enterprise-wide risk strategy rather than a siloed security process
- Practical ways to enhance response speed and decision-making through automation, clear playbooks, and human-centered leadership
- Lessons from real-world crises on staying flexible, maintaining communication, and building trusted cross-functional relationships that drive resilience
Learn more about Ontic's Incident Management solution here.
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In this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Dr. Farhad Tajali joins host Manish to explore how AI and data analytics are transforming the future of security. From video analytics that can detect weapons and suspicious behavior to uncovering hidden patterns in access control and incident data, Dr. Tajali explains why these tools are now mission-critical. The conversation also digs into the cultural and knowledge gaps that keep teams from using data effectively — and how leaders can build confidence, create a metrics-driven mindset, and prepare their organizations for a future where technology and human judgment work hand in hand.
You'll learn:
- How Dr. Tajali applies AI and data analytics to strengthen security programs and uncover threat patterns
- Why confidence, training, and leadership expectations are essential for building data-driven security teams
- Practical steps security professionals can take today to integrate metrics and technology into their daily operations
Take the survey, The State of Data Analytics in Physical Security: Adoption, Challenges & Opportunities, here: https://bit.ly/3WiPpCM
Rachel Briggs, CEO of The Clarity Factory, joins us again on the Connected Intelligence Podcast to share findings from The Clarity Factory's Annual CSO Survey, proudly sponsored by Ontic. We explore how security leaders can break silos, tackle insider risk, and adapt to the rapidly evolving threat landscape. She highlights the growing need for cross-functional partnerships, the rising urgency around insider risk, and the expanding role of AI in security operations. Briggs also explains the importance of storytelling as a leadership skill to connect with the C-suite and demonstrate the value of corporate security.
You'll learn:
- How security leaders can use storytelling to influence executives and secure resources
- Practical strategies for building effective insider risk programs
- Where CSOs are finding real value with AI today
You can download The Clarity Factory's Annual CSO Survey here.
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
In this episode of Ontic's Connected Intelligence Podcast, Jake Williams and Robin Miller share how their Navy backgrounds shaped the founding of Fortified Risk Group and their unique approach to integrating digital and physical security. They discuss the evolution of corporate security, from intelligence-driven threat assessments to proactive risk mitigation strategies tailored for today’s dynamic threat landscape. Listen in for insights into leadership, preparedness, and the importance of upstream thinking in safeguarding organizations and executives.
You'll learn:
- How Jake and Robin reverse-engineer military strategies into practical corporate security measures that protect clients across industries
- Why integrating digital intelligence with physical protection is critical for closing security gaps and staying ahead of emerging threats
- Leadership lessons from Navy SEAL experience, including the importance of people-first decision-making and practicing proactive, high-stress scenario planning
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
In this episode, Fred sits down with Scott McHugh, a veteran of both federal service and Fortune 100 security leadership, to explore what the public and private sectors can learn from each other. They dive into how public-sector urgency, mission focus, and intelligence practices can strengthen corporate programs—and how the private sector’s agility, innovation, and risk tolerance can enhance federal preparedness. The discussion also addresses critical infrastructure threats, the shortcomings of public-private partnerships, and the potential for AI to bridge operational silos across sectors.
You'll learn:
- How public-sector intelligence practices can elevate private security
- Why federal agencies struggle to match the private sector’s tech agility
- What’s missing in public-private security partnerships—and how to fix it
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In this episode, host Manish Mehta speaks with Rachel Briggs, CEO and Co-Founder of The Clarity Factory, about the critical importance of holistic security in modern organizations. They explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating physical and cybersecurity functions, emphasizing the need for effective partnerships and leadership to achieve operational resilience. Rachel shares insights from her research, including a practical maturity model designed to help organizations navigate and implement holistic security strategies.
You'll learn:
- Why integrating physical and cybersecurity is essential for operational resilience and how it can address modern threats more effectively
- Actionable advice on starting conversations, overcoming cultural barriers, and fostering collaboration between security functions
- Real-world examples of organizations successfully implementing holistic security and the transformative impact it has on their operations
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Holistic Security report
- Holistic Security Maturity Assessment
- The Clarity Factory newsletter
Fred Burton sits down with Nina Hobson, a seasoned executive protection leader, to explore the evolving landscape of security for high-profile individuals. They discuss the critical role of intelligence, the impact of social media on modern protection strategies, and the importance of authenticity and trust in building client relationships. With over 20 years of experience, Nina shares her journey from detective work to global executive protection, offering valuable insights for professionals in the field.
You'll learn* How social media has transformed risk management and the strategies required to protect high-profile clients in today’s hyper-connected world * How Nina emphasizes authenticity, reputation, and leading by example to foster trust with clients and teams * Why intelligence gathering and analysis are the foundation of effective executive protection and how it shapes daily operations
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In this episode of Ontic's Connected Intelligence Podcast, host Manish Mehta interviews Brian Tuskan, Chief Security Officer of ServiceNow, to explore his journey from law enforcement to corporate security leadership. They discuss the transformative role of technology, including AI, in modern security operations and workforce development, while highlighting Brian's innovative Silicon Valley Security Model. The conversation offers valuable insights into adapting to technological advancements and building resilient, efficient security frameworks.
You'll learn:
- How Brian leveraged early computing tools to revolutionize police work and how these lessons apply to today's AI-driven transformations
- Brian's innovative approach to optimizing security operations with elite teams and AI-enabled tools, saving costs while enhancing efficiency
- How AI is democratizing access to education and career opportunities, reshaping workforce development in the security industry
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.
Join Fred Burton as he interviews bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Edge of Honor. Brad shares the inspiration behind the book, blending patriotism, traditional spycraft, and modern geopolitical tensions, and dives into the challenges of crafting realistic fiction while staying grounded in current events. He also explores the evolving landscape of corporate security, insights into intelligence operations, and the delicate balance of loyalty versus duty.
You'll Learn* The real-world events and personal stories that shaped Brad's gripping new novel * The parallels between Scott Harvath’s high-stakes adventures and today’s corporate protection challenges * Insight into how Brad balances authenticity with storytelling in his renowned thrillers
Pre-order Edge of Honor here: https://bit.ly/4694A7J
If you’re enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate and review.
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Join Fred Burton as he sits down with retired FBI special agent Scott Payne to explore his 28-year career, including daring undercover missions within extremist groups and insights into modern-day radicalization. Scott shares gripping stories from his book, Codename Pale Horse, offering an up-close look at how extremist tactics have evolved and the impact of his infiltration work. Listeners will gain valuable advice on corporate security, threat monitoring, and staying resilient in high-stress environments.
You'll learn:
- How extremist groups operate and recruit, and learn why understanding their tactics is key to effective threat management
- Actionable insights for corporate security teams, including ways to identify and mitigate internal and external risks
- Scott’s firsthand experiences of living undercover and his strategies for managing the psychological toll of high-stakes work
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This episode of the Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast continues to honor Mental Health Awareness Month with a compelling conversation about mental health in the corporate security field. Hosted by Manish Mehta, this episode features John Rodriguez, founder of Empathic Security Cultures LLC, and Allison Macalik, Director of Solutions at Ontic. Together, they explore the critical need for fostering psychologically safe workplaces, break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and discuss how personal and organizational change can create lasting impact. John shares his 43 years of corporate security experience and unique insights into the intersection of security leadership and mental wellness. Tune in for actionable strategies to prioritize mental health at work and beyond.
You'll learn:
- How leaders can break down mental health stigma and foster a culture of psychological safety in corporate security
- The impact of mental health on security professionals and actionable steps individuals and companies can take to support well-being
- Insights into balancing technology and human connection for effective security leadership
Similar episodes:
- Empowering Teams Through Mental Health Awareness with Elda Baez
- Fighting Imposter Syndrome and Leading with Vulnerability
- Why We Should Be Concerned About the Mental Health of Protectors
- Shields Down: Addressing Mental Health in the Security Industry
How can organizations prioritize mental well-being while enhancing workplace safety? Join Manish Mehta, Ontic’s Chief Product Officer, and Allison Macalik as they sit down with Elda Baez, Senior Safety and Security Specialist at Hub International.
Elda shares her inspiring journey of creating and launching a Mental Health First Aid program that’s impacting thousands of employees across 600 offices in North America. From certifying 75 HR professionals to fostering a culture of care, Elda provides a practical roadmap for organizations to integrate mental health resources with workplace security.
You'll learn:
- What Mental Health First Aid is and why it matters in the workplace
- Steps to implement programs that unite mental health awareness and organizational security
- Success stories from Hub International’s certified mental health first aiders
Similar episodes:
- Fighting Imposter Syndrome and Leading with Vulnerability
- Why We Should Be Concerned About the Mental Health of Protectors
On this episode of the Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast, Ryan Schonfeld explores his transition from law enforcement to founding Hivew\Watch, sharing insights into modernizing corporate security operations and integrating cutting-edge technology like AI. His conversation with host Manish Mehta uncovers the challenges of transitioning from public to private sectors and the evolving role of GSOCs in leveraging automation to reduce manual inefficiencies. Schonfeld also sheds light on balancing human expertise with technology to create smarter, scalable solutions that enhance security without compromising safety.
You'll learn* How Schonfeld transitioned from a law enforcement career to revolutionizing corporate security operations with innovative, tech-driven approaches at HiveWatch * Advice for navigating the shift from public to private sector roles, including the importance of mentorship, adapting to corporate culture, and effectively translating skills and experiences * How AI and automation are reshaping GSOCs, merging technology and human oversight to optimize operations and tackle inefficiencies in the security space
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
On this episode, host Fred Burton interviews Dr. Jeff Moore, a globally recognized hotel threat analyst and creator of the Secure Hotel Threat Portal. Dr. Moore shares insights into global trends in hotel violence, key safety strategies for travelers, and the strategic importance of understanding threat patterns to enhance security measures. From analyzing data on incidents to providing practical advice for corporate security and travelers, Dr. Moore offers a comprehensive exploration of safety in the hotel industry.
You'll Learn:* The surprising trends and patterns in hotel violence worldwide, including the most affected regions and types of incidents * Actionable advice on how to stay safe in hotels, with strategies for choosing rooms, securing doors, and avoiding potential threats * How the Secure Hotel Threat Portal collects and analyzes thousands of cases to uncover critical insights for creating safer environments in the hotel industry
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This episode features an engaging conversation with Karna McGarry, a seasoned intelligence and security professional with extensive experience in both government and private sectors. The discussion explores the challenges and nuances of transitioning intelligence practices from government agencies to corporate environments, with a focus on the importance of feedback loops, the intelligence cycle, and actionable analysis for decision-makers. Tune in for practical tips and thought-provoking lessons are shared to help corporate intelligence teams elevate their impact and refine their strategies.
You'll Learn:
- Why incorporating clear feedback loops is vital to aligning intelligence analysis with organizational objectives
- Transferable lessons from intelligence roles in government, such as prioritizing actionable insights and managing threats effectively
- Insight into growing global security concerns, such as counterintelligence in enterprises and enhancing online security practices
Learn more about our partnership with Red5 Security by contacting our team at partnerships@ontic.co.
This episode George Randle, a seasoned talent executive and co-author of The Talent War, shares his insights on leadership development and building high-performing teams. Drawing on his extensive military and corporate experience, George discusses the critical importance of attributes over technical skills, fostering ownership in teams, and effectively assimilating military veterans into corporate roles. Listen in to explore actionable strategies that empower leaders to cultivate resilient, adaptable teams while navigating the complexities of recruitment and leadership.
You'll learn:
- Why attributes like humility, curiosity, and drive often outweigh technical skills when building resilient and adaptable teams
- How empowering team members with ownership creates a culture of accountability and trust, allowing leaders to focus on strategic impact
- Common pitfalls organizations face when hiring veterans and actionable guidance on how to successfully integrate them into corporate roles
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
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The Ontic Summit has grown from a 50-person gathering to hosting over 600 security professionals, and with it, the discussions have evolved exponentially. Join Chuck Randolph, Cindy Marble, and Fred Burton as they reflect on the key takeaways from the 2025 Ontic Summit. Topics include the prioritization of executive protection, the critical need for workplace violence prevention programs, and fostering collaboration across silos in corporate security. Listen in for key takeaways from this year's event.
You'll learn:
- Why executive protection is the backbone of modern corporate security programs
- The connection between workplace violence prevention and organizational risk mitigation
- How better collaboration between public and private sectors can drive industry-wide progress
Save the date and learn more about Ontic Summit 2026 here.
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Fred Burton sits down with Frank Cannon, a seasoned security professional and renowned academic, to explore the importance of fostering a culture of behavioral-based security awareness. Frank shares actionable insights on how to move beyond the "tick-the-box" approach to create a security-first mindset that aligns with both physical and digital safety. Tune in to hear why security isn’t just a task, but a behavior embedded in every aspect of organizational life.
You'll learn:
- How to embed a proactive security culture across physical and digital domains
- Practical steps to shift from compliance-focused security to meaningful employee engagement
- Universal principles for behavioral-based security in corporate and personal settings
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How do organizations transform isolated security measures into comprehensive insider risk programs? Bert Oliveira, Head of Physical Security and Investigations at Citizens Financial Group, shares 30+ years of insights on tackling insider risk and financial crimes in the evolving landscape of corporate security. Discover how partnerships, proactive forensics, and a strong security culture drive resilience and safeguard businesses against internal and external threats.
You'll learn:
- How insider threats have shifted from targeting malicious actors to mitigating negligence and third-party risks
- The role of digital forensics in building a secure foundation for identifying insider risk
- Key leadership advice for fostering collaboration and shared responsibility in security programs
Learn more about Ontic’s Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
Ever wondered what makes Iran's Ministry of Intelligence (MOIS) so unique? Join Fred Burton as he sits down with retired CIA intelligence officer and author, Steven R. Ward, to unveil the inner workings of one of the world’s most mysterious intelligence agencies. From uncovering cyber operations to discussing the ministry's focus on internal security and its role in geopolitics, this episode offers an in-depth exploration of Ward's new book, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence, A Concise History.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- The historical evolution of MOIS and its impact on Iran’s internal and external policies
- The challenges Western intelligence agencies face when countering MOIS operations
- The role of technology and innovation in modern intelligence strategies utilized by MOIS
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Join Chuck Randolph and Allison Macalik, Director of Solutions at Ontic, as they discuss the value of vulnerability in leadership, balancing authenticity with professionalism, and strategies for tackling imposter syndrome in high-stakes fields. Allison shares her experiences, insights, and actionable tips for building trust, resilience, and connections in the workplace. They also dive into the importance of mental health, mentorship, and finding your own voice in corporate environments.
You'll Learn:
- How vulnerability and authenticity can strengthen leadership and team dynamics
- Practical strategies to recognize and overcome imposter syndrome
- The benefits of creating safe spaces for feedback and personal growth in challenging industries
Resources Mentioned:
- Imposter Talks LinkedIn Page
- Imposter Talks Podcast Page
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What does it take to lead one of the most influential organizations in global security management? Join us in this episode as Chuck sits down with new ASIS CEO, Bill Tenney. From his origins in naval intelligence to navigating corporate and nonprofit leadership, Bill shares his remarkable career highlights and the guiding principles that have driven his success. Discover his vision for ASIS, the importance of mission-driven teamwork, and how AI and collaboration are shaping the future of security.
You'll learn:
- How mission and continuous learning drive effective leadership in security management
- Bill's plans for ASIS and its global impact on advancing the security profession
- Insights into utilizing collaboration and technology (AI, data, and more) to enhance organizational resilience
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Supervisory Special Agent and Executive Director of OSAC, Jerry Tavares, joins to share his remarkable career experiences in diplomatic security. From driving Secretary Colin Powell’s limo to managing high-risk missions in Baghdad and spearheading security modernization efforts, Jerry offers fascinating insights into protecting U.S. interests across the globe. He also highlights OSAC’s pivotal role in fostering public-private collaboration for risk management and securing American diplomacy and business. What you'll learn:
- Tavares' extraordinary career path in diplomatic security, including his leadership roles in high-threat environments
- How OSAC fosters global collaboration between public and private sectors to manage complex security risks
- Why the future of security partnerships relies on networking, innovation, and leveraging advanced technologies
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How do you prepare for both the expected and the unexpected in corporate security? Join Chuck Randolph, Cindy Marble, and Fred Burton in this roundtable discussion as they explore risk management strategies for natural disasters, critical incidents, and rising threats in 2025. This conversation is packed with insights to help you enhance preparedness, ensure safety, and maintain balance without drifting into paranoia. What you'll learn:
- Why weather and natural disasters should be key components of your threat assessments
- How to foster vigilance without creating a culture of fear in your organization
- The importance of Connected Intelligence and collaboration in modern security strategies
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
Join us on this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast as Jacob Valdez, Director of Global Security and Operations Center (GSOC) at Applied Materials, shares his transition from the U.S. State Department to corporate security. Jacob dives into navigating complex global structures, implementing enterprise-wide solutions, and the journey to converging physical and cybersecurity. He also offers practical advice for leaders on overcoming challenges and building resilient security operations.
You’ll learn:
- Strategies for transitioning from government roles to corporate environments
- The steps to effectively integrate and scale security solutions across enterprises
- The evolving role of cybersecurity and its convergence with physical security
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
This episode dives into the assassination of UnitedHealthcare's CEO and its implications for the future of executive protection. Teneo COO Jonathan Wackrow examines how this event highlights vulnerabilities in corporate security strategies and stresses the importance of proactive measures. Tune in to explore how businesses can adapt to an increasingly complex threat landscape.
What you'll learn:
- The real-life lessons learned from recent executive protection events
- Strategies to identify and address gaps in modern protection programs
- The role of intelligence and technology in evolving corporate security frameworks
Learn more in Ontic Resources.
Join Manish Mehta as he sits down with security strategist and risk advisor, Munish Walther-Puri to explore the evolving landscape of insider risk. This episode dives deep into the complexities of hybrid work environments, the blurred boundaries between personal and professional devices, and the importance of balancing security with employee privacy. Tune in for actionable insights and cutting-edge strategies for managing risks in today's interconnected ecosystems.
You'll learn:* How hybrid work and "bring-your-own-device" practices are reshaping insider risk management * Practical frameworks to balance insider threat monitoring with employee privacy and ethical considerations * How emerging technologies like AI are transforming insider risk detection and mitigation strategies
Relevant resources:* MITRE Center for Threat-Informed Defense * INSA categorization of insider threats * CISA’s guide to insider threat mitigation
Learn more about Ontic's Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
What does it take to create a truly safe workplace? On this episode of theConnected Intelligence Podcast, Chuck sits down with Hector Alvarez, a nationally recognized expert in workplace violence prevention. With over 30 years of experience, Hector offers clear, actionable strategies for implementing proactive workplace safety measures.
What you'll learn:
- How practical experience and analytics combine for effective threat management
- Tips for fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns
- How California’s Senate Bill 553 is changing the definition of workplace violence
Similar episodes:
- What Happens Afterward? How Capital One’s Care Team Addresses the Aftermath of an Incident
- The Story Behind The WAVR-21 — Assessing Targeted Workplace Violence
- The Patterns Behind Mass Shootings and the Creation of The Violence Project
Join Fred Burton as he interviews Niall Herlehy, Visa’s lead for Protective Intelligence, about building world-class Global Security Operations Centers (GSOCs). Learn how forward-thinking companies like Visa are addressing complex threats and protecting their teams in an unpredictable world. This episode dives into practical advice and actionable strategies for professionals building or optimizing their security programs.
You'll learn:
- How GSOCs have evolved to meet modern security challenges
- Best practices for managing critical intelligence and stakeholder relationships
- Tips for starting and scaling GSOCs using benchmarking and collaboration
Learn more about Ontic’s Integrated Research.
Fred Burton speaks with Robin Welch-Stearns about understanding the true extent of insider risk for modern corporate security teams. Robin shares her insights from her time at the CIA and Google, highlighting the differences between insider risk in public and private sectors. She discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive approach to managing insider threats by understanding the motivations behind them, using data analytics, and fostering collaboration between cybersecurity and physical security teams. You'll learn:
- Differences in insider risks between public and private sectors, and common forms these risks take within organizations
- Strategies and frameworks for detecting and preventing insider threats, emphasizing data analytics and employee training
- Psychological factors and motivations behind insider threats, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents in managing these risks
Learn more about Ontic’s Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
Mike Smith explores the intricate balance between safeguarding personal privacy and ensuring robust security measures within organizations. His discussion with Fred covers the strategies for developing an effective insider risk program that both anticipates threats and respects individual rights. Through expert insights and real-world examples, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate this delicate yet crucial terrain.
You'll learn:
- Key strategies for balancing privacy concerns with security needs
- The components that make an insider risk program effective
- How to implement ethical practices that protect both the organization and its individuals
Learn more about Ontic’s Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
Join us as we explore the dynamic shift from reactive to proactive corporate security leadership with Dave Komendat, former Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Boeing. In this episode, Dave shares his insights on building trust with business leaders through proactive risk management and the importance of employee safety in shaping company culture. Discover how integrating advanced tools and strategic leadership can transform your organization's approach to security.
Tune in to learn:
- Strategies for proactive risk management and leadership trust-building
- The role of employee safety and cultural fit in post-COVID workplace dynamics
- The benefits of the International SOS and Ontic partnership for corporate security
Similar episodes:
- Aligning Security with Business Goals: Insights from Scott Lindahl
- The Evolution of Risk Management with Tristan Flannery
- The Future of Talent in Corporate Security with Kathy Lavinder and Rachel Briggs
In this episode, Manish dives into the dynamic world of corporate security through the firsthand experiences of Honeywell's seasoned professionals, Mike Pierce and Kevin Renwick, transitioning from law enforcement. Their conversation emphasizes the critical role of relationship-building in mitigating insider risks while highlighting innovative strategies for breaking down organizational silos. Listen in to gain perspectives on navigating the balance between employee privacy and organizational safety through comprehensive investigative practices.
What you'll learn:
- Innovative strategies for identifying and mitigating insider risks
- Strategies for dismantling silos and enhancing collaboration
- How to balance investigative rigor with trust and privacy
Learn more about Ontic’s Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
Mike Gilbert discusses his extensive experience in product management and the evolution of Global Security Operations Centers (GSOCs) in this podcast episode. He highlights the crucial role GSOCs play as the central nervous system of an organization, managing complex security operations and evolving from reactive to proactive functions. Mike also touches on the technological advancements and best practices that are shaping the future of enterprise security operations.
Tune into this episode to learn:
- Learn how GSOCs are evolving to become more proactive and strategic in managing security threats
- Discover the technological tools and practices essential for effective incident management and situational awareness
- Understand the emerging threats faced by GSOCs and how organizations can prepare to tackle them
Learn more about GSOCs in Ontic Resources.
In this episode, Manish Mehta, Ontic's Chief Product Officer, sits down with hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton to discuss the evolution of security and the importance of Connected Intelligence in modern protective practices. Manish also shares his insights on technological disruptions and how they shape industries beyond just security. The conversation touches on the challenges of organizational silos and the potential for GSOCs (Global Security Operations Centers) to become central to modernization.
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What you'll learn:
- The evolution of security from Protective Intelligence to Connected Intelligence
- The impact of technological disruptions on various industries, including security
- The role of GSOCs in overcoming organizational silos and driving modernization
Scott Lindahl, Vice President Corporate Services & Chief Security Officer at Kellanova, shares his insights on aligning security with business goals. Scott explores the evolving role of security professionals in risk management and the importance of partnership and active listening within organizations. His conversation with Chuck provides practical guidance on balancing multiple business functions and driving security initiatives that enable business success.
Tune into his conversation with Chuck Randolph to hear:
- Key transformations in the security industry and the shift from traditional methods to risk and resilience conversations.
- The role of active listening and critical thinking in aligning security strategies with corporate objectives.
- Strategies for managing multiple remits and synchronizing efforts across business lines for optimal outcomes.
Learn more about Security Management in Ontic Resources.
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, host Chuck Randolph speaks with Ian Johnson, Threat Manager on the Coinbase Protective Intelligence team, about the evolving landscape of security in the FinTech industry. They discuss Ian’s career path, the challenges and opportunities in managing life safety threats, and how technology and AI are transforming investigative processes in corporate security.
Tune in to hear them discuss:
- Ian's unconventional career path in private security and FinTech
- The role of AI and technology in modern security operations
- Strategies for creating effective and adaptable investigative programs
Related Resources:
- The Intelligence Cycle in Action
- Prioritizing Threat Actors: 3 Steps to Uncovering and Concentrating on Your Most Significant Risks
- How to Take Your Investigations Program From Good to Great
- How to Elevate Your Investigations Program by Addressing Common Gaps
Learn more about Ontic's Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management.
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Join host Fred Burton and former Navy SEAL and New York Times Bestselling Author, Jack Carr, as they discuss pivotal moments in military history and their implications on modern-day operations. In this episode, Jack shares insights from his new book, Targeted Beirut, focusing on the 1983 attacks in Beirut and their lasting impact. Don't miss this in-depth conversation with one of the most knowledgeable voices in military history and fiction.
Tune in as Jack shares:
- The challenges of acquiring photo permissions for nonfiction books
- The personal stories behind the 1983 Beirut bombings and their rescue efforts
- Lessons learned from historical military engagements and their application today
Related Resources:
- Jack Carr's Website
- Targeted Beirut
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
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Fred Burton interviews Dr. Matthew Levitt, a renowned expert in counterterrorism and intelligence. Dr. Levitt shares insights from his extensive career, including his work with the FBI, his time at the U.S. Department of Treasury, and his current role at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. They discuss the development of interactive mapping tools that track Iranian external operations and how these tools can aid security teams in protecting their organizations.
Tune in to hear:
- Dr. Matthew Levitt's background and experience in counterterrorism and intelligence
- The creation and use of interactive mapping tools for tracking Iranian external operations
- Insights into the different types of Iranian plots and their implications for global security
Resources mentioned in the episode:
- Iranian external operations interactive map
- Launch event for the Iran operations map
- Hezbollah book
- Hamas book
- Hezbollah podcast (Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule)
- Hezbollah interactive map
- More on Matthew Levitt
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co. For more information, check out Ontic Resources.
Join us in a conversation with Don Bentley, a New York Times bestselling author famous for his work in the Matt Drake, Tom Clancy Jack Ryan Jr., and Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series. Don shares his unique experiences from being an Army Apache helicopter pilot to an FBI special agent and how these adventures contributed to his writing. Discover how Don approaches writing in iconic universes and hear about his latest projects.
Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to:
- Understand Don's approach to taking over legacy characters like Mitch Rapp and Jack Ryan Jr.
- Learn how Don's military and law enforcement background has influenced his storytelling.
- Get a sneak peek into Don's latest works and what fans can expect next.
Related Resources:
- Don Bentley’s website
- Capture or Kill: A Mitch Rapp Novel
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, Fred Burton speaks with Dr. Lewis Sage-Passant, Global Head of Intelligence at Novo Nordisk, about his new book, Beyond States and Spies. Lewis shares insights from his career in military intelligence, private sector intelligence, and his extensive research into the history and ethics of intelligence operations. Tune in to discover how private sector intelligence has evolved and the surprising historical precedents that challenge conventional views.
Tune in to hear them discuss:
- The evolution and significance of private sector intelligence.
- Key historical milestones in intelligence, including the role of Lloyd's of London.
- The importance of transparency and cooperation in modern intelligence operations.
Related Resources:
- Preorder Beyond States and Spies
- The Intelligence Cycle in Action
- Enhancing the Intelligence Cycle: How to Leverage Feedback to Provide More Valuable Intelligence
Have a question for our hosts? Or want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode of The CCI Debrief, hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton are joined by Ontic's Senior Director of Threat Assessment Management Operations, Cynthia Marble. They discuss the current political violence landscape as the US elections approach, examine the implementation of California’s new workplace violence prevention law (SB 553), and share their expectations for the upcoming GSX conference. They provide valuable insights on how organizations can prepare for potential threats, emphasize the importance of workplace violence prevention, and highlight key trends and technologies to watch at GSX.
Tune in as they discuss:
- Strategies to mitigate political violence risks in light of upcoming elections.
- The role of security in implementing California's SB 553 workplace violence prevention law.
- Anticipated innovations and key trends at the upcoming GSX conference.
Related Resources:
- 5 Things California Employers Should Consider to Comply with Senate Bill 553
- Following California’s New Workplace Violence Laws Is Good for All Businesses
- How To Comply With California Senate Bill 553
- Meet with Ontic at GSX
Learn more in Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, we sit down with Adrienne Galbrecht, Ontic’s Team Lead for Strategic Intelligence Services, to explore how her extensive background in law enforcement gives her a unique edge in the private sector. Adrienne shares insights from her decade-long experience as a crime and intelligence analyst, discussing the evolution of the intelligence cycle with advancements in technology and data analytics. We also address intriguing comments from LinkedIn on the non-linear nature of the intelligence process and the continuous role of data collection and analysis. Adrienne elaborates on the importance of recognizing biases and cognitive limitations while working through the intelligence cycle.
Tune into to hear Fred Burton’s discussion with Adrienne Galbrecht to hear:
- Her thoughts on future trends in intelligence and the potential impact of AI on the security field.
- How her experiences in law enforcement inform her approach to intelligence in the corporate world.
- The critical need for analysts to be aware of their cognitive biases and limitations, offering strategies for overcoming these challenges.
Related Resources:
- Intelligence Cycle in Action
- Enhancing the Intelligence Cycle: How to Leverage Feedback to Provide More Valuable Intelligence
- The Guide to Establishing an Intelligence Baseline
Learn more in Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Join us in this episode where Chuck Randolph sits down once again with Lou Silvestris, the dynamic leader of the Risk Intelligence and Investigations Team at American Family Insurance. With an impressive career spanning the Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, and multinational corporations, Lou shares his experiences in adapting traditional intelligence techniques to the corporate world. Discover how his expertise in counter-terrorism, geopolitical risk, and operational analysis helps safeguard businesses from global threats. Tune in to explore the fascinating intersection of national security and corporate risk management.
Tune into Chuck Randolph’s conversation with Lou Silvestris to hear:
- How traditional intelligence methods are being adapted to meet the unique challenges of corporate risk management.
- How geopolitical analysis helps businesses navigate and mitigate global threats.
- The application of counter-terrorism strategies in safeguarding corporate interests and enhancing operational security.
Additional Resources:
- Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience (CISA)
- Is China’s Huawei a Threat to U.S. National Security?
- The 5G Future
- ODNI Annual Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community, February 2024
- How Companies Can Navigate Today’s Geopolitical Risks (Harvard Business Review)
- What is Open-Source Intelligence (ASIS)
Learn more in Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Fred Burton sits down with Brad Thor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 24 thrilling novels. Known for his innovative plots and deep insights into intelligence and special operations, Brad shares his thoughts on terrorism, current events, and how his fiction parallels real-world threats. In this episode, Brad discusses his latest novel, Shadow of Doubt, what inspired the plot, the evolution of the novel’s protagonist, and more.
Tune in as host Fred Burton and Brad Thor discuss:
- The inspiration behind Shadow of Doubt and its connections to real-world events.
- Brad’s meticulous research process, including how he integrates cutting-edge technologies and geopolitical insights into his novels.
- The significance of NATO and historical espionage events in crafting his latest plot.
Related Resources:
- BradThor.com
- Shadow of Doubt
Join us as Chuck Randolph sits down with TJ Klomp, the Vice President and Chief Physical Security Officer at Amazon. With over 20 years of experience at Amazon, TJ has been instrumental in shaping the security infrastructure for one of the world's most influential companies. His extensive background as a law enforcement officer—including roles as a personal crimes detective, SWAT team member, and undercover operative—provides him with a unique perspective on corporate security.
In this episode, TJ shares critical insights into protective intelligence, emergency services, and the evolution of corporate security. Learn how TJ’s leadership and strategic initiatives safeguard Amazon’s global operations and personnel.
Tune in to hear:
- The evolution of corporate security over the past two decades, focusing on the technological advancements and strategic initiatives that have redefined Amazon's security protocols.
- TJ’s methodology in protective intelligence, showcasing how Amazon leverages data and analytics to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats, ensuring the safety of its global operations.
- A detailed overview of Amazon’s emergency response strategies, as TJ provides real-world examples and valuable lessons from past incidents, highlighting the necessity of preparedness and swift action.
Related Resources:
- TJ Klomp's LinkedIn
- Amazon's LinkedIn
Want to learn more about security operations? Visit Ontic Resources.
In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with combat historian, bestselling author, and public speaker Patrick K. O'Donnell. With 13 critically acclaimed books to his name, O'Donnell has chronicled America's wars from the Revolution to Iraq, sharing epic stories of bravery and sacrifice. A Fellow at Mount Vernon and a recipient of numerous national book awards, O'Donnell offers unparalleled insight into elite and special operations units and irregular warfare. We'll explore his latest work, The Unvanquished, and discuss whether he anticipated the success of his prolific writing career. Aspiring authors and protectors will also gain valuable advice on how to pen their first book. Tune in for an engaging conversation with one of America's foremost military historians!
Tune into Fred Burton’s conversation with O’Donnell to hear:
- The behind-the-scenes research and discovery process for The Unvanquished.
- O'Donnell’s journey from a passionate historian to a bestselling author.
- Expert tips and advice for aspiring authors on writing and publishing their first book.
Related Resources:
- Connect with Patrick on X
- Patrick O’Donnell Official Website
- The Unvanquished
Join us in this episode where Chuck Randolph sits down with Nathan Ackerman, the CEO of Riley Risk Inc., a leading international risk advisory firm. With over two decades of experience in the United States Marine Corps, federal law enforcement, and the Diplomatic Security Service, Nathan brings unparalleled expertise in security management. Discover his journey to security leadership at Riley Risk and gain knowledge of the unique security challenges faced by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in high-risk environments. Nathan's extensive background in threat analysis, risk mitigation, and strategic planning offers invaluable lessons for anyone interested in advanced security strategies and risk management practices. Listen in for an engaging discussion on how to enhance safety and mission success in some of the world's most challenging locations.
Tune into Chuck Randolph’s discussion with Nathan Ackerman to hear:
- How Nathan’s dynamic career trajectory shaped his expertise in security management.
- Unique security challenges faced by NGOs operating in high-risk environments.
- Advanced risk mitigation tactics and strategic planning methodologies to safeguard personnel and assets.
Related Resources:
- Nathan Ackerman Linkedin Profile
- Riley Risk: Website
- Riley Risk: Linkedin Page
- Company Capabilities Overview here.
- Book a Meeting w/Riley Risk here.
- Request Information/Support from Riley Risk here.
- RileySENTINEL: Website (Geopolitical & Security Reporting Platform)
- RileySENTINEL Foreign Agent Law: Special Report
- Foreign Agent Law Special Report: PDF Version
- Haiti: Strategic Assessment Report: PDF Version
- Department of State: Intl Travel Advisories
Fred Burton is joined by Jesse Leeds, the Global Head of Security and Crisis Management for Match Group, the parent company of popular dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, and Plenty of Fish. With a career spanning roles at the CIA, FBI, and Bogaard Group International, Jesse brings a wealth of experience in security and crisis management. Listen as Jesse shares his journey from the public to the private sector, discusses the biggest challenges in transitioning between these worlds, and offers invaluable advice for those looking to set up a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC).
Fred and Jesse dive into the metrics that matter for measuring the success of GSOCs, evolving duties of care in a post-pandemic world, and strategies for future-proofing security operations. Tune in for expert advice on navigating the fast-moving threat landscape and what the future holds for GSOCs. Don't miss this in-depth conversation packed with expertise in security and crisis management.
Listen to Fred Burton’s conversation with Jesse to hear about:
- Building alignment with leadership on requirements and technology for standing up a GSOC
- The essential metrics for assessing the effectiveness of a GSOC
- Evolving security challenges in the post-pandemic era and Jesse's strategies for anticipating and mitigating emerging threats
Related Resources:
- [Article] The Surprising Supporter Behind the Push to Modernize GSOCs: The C-Suite
- [On-Demand Webinar] Field Tested: Strengthening Your GSOC With an Intelligence-Driven Approach
Want to learn more about GSOCs? Take a look at Ontic Resources.
Interested in being a podcast guest? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, Chuck Randolph sits down with Ryan Kress, a multifaceted professional who has worn many hats—first responder, military officer, and security consultant. They explore Ryan's unique career trajectory, from his early days as an active-duty serviceman in the first Stryker Battalion to his pivotal role in the experimental Information Operations Unit in Washington State. Discover how his diverse experiences, including deployments to Iraq and working with high-level intelligence agencies, have shaped his strategic approach to security. Whether you're interested in military operations, emergency response, or integrated security solutions, this conversation offers invaluable insights.
Tune into Chuck Randolph’s conversation with Ryan Kress to hear about:
- How Ryan integrates various assets to create holistic security plans.
- The integration of high-level intelligence work and emergency response strategies in creating comprehensive security solutions.
- His role in the experimental Information Operations Unit and how it reshaped his strategic approach to security.
Related Resources:
- Following California’s New Workplace Violence Laws Is Good for All Businesses
- 5 Things California Employers Should Consider to Comply with Senate Bill 553
- Strategies to Prevent and Address Workplace Violence
For more information on preventing workplace violence, take a look at Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Chuck Randolph examines the world of risk management and security consulting with Tristan Flannery, the visionary founder of Orbital Risk. Tristan's remarkable career trajectory has taken him from the rigorous discipline of an Army Ranger to the forefront of global security, which led to the establishment of Orbital Risk in 2020. Drawing on his extensive experience across military, government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, Tristan shares invaluable insights into the evolution of risk management strategies in the face of emerging global threats.
Throughout their conversation, Tristan explains the foundational principles guiding Orbital Risk—analyzing vulnerabilities, threats, and consequences to develop tailored security strategies for diverse clients, from family offices to multinational corporations. He highlights the pivotal role of his MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business in refining his perspective on corporate leadership and decision-making. This episode is not just a narrative of Tristan's personal and professional growth but also serves as a masterclass on adopting a risk-informed, intelligence-driven approach to security and operations.
Tune into Tristan’s conversation with Chuck Randolph as they:
- Discuss the importance of adopting a risk-informed, intelligence-driven approach to security and operations.
- Offer invaluable advice for professionals navigating the complex landscape of risk management and security today.
- Look into how emerging global threats have shaped modern risk management strategies, with a focus on creating bespoke solutions for a diverse range of clients.
Additional Resources:
- OrbitalRisk.com
- The Evolving Risk Landscape for Family Offices: A Dentons Survey Report
For more information on risk management, take a look at Ontic Resources. Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Join Fred Burton for an exhilarating episode featuring Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL and #1 New York Times bestselling author. With a storied career in Naval Special Warfare, Jack transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper to commanding Special Operations Task Units in Iraq. Now, he’s taking the literary world by storm. In this episode, they discuss his latest book, Red Sky Mourning, the intricacies of developing intriguing characters like Alice, and the unexpected success of James Reece. Jack also shares his experiences working with Hollywood creatives and offers invaluable advice for aspiring thriller writers. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into the mind of a master storyteller and tactical expert!
Tune into this episode to hear:
- Carr’s development of characters and plotlines in his intriguing novels.
- How Carr’s Navy Seal experience influences his novels today.
- His leadership experience on special operations teams in the Navy.
Relevant resources:
- Jack Carr's Official Website
- Red Sky Mourning
Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode, Chuck Randolph is joined by two experts in the field of corporate security: Kathy Lavinder and Rachel Briggs. Kathy Lavinder, Founder and Executive Director of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, LLC., brings over 20 years of experience in high-level security management and talent acquisition. Rachel Briggs, a leading security expert and an Ontic Summit keynote speaker, has consulted with FTSE and Fortune 100 companies, influencing both private sector strategies and government policies.
Discover how emerging technologies like AI and Gen AI are reshaping corporate security functions, and learn about innovative talent development and retention strategies employed by successful CSOs. They also explore effective approaches for fostering diversity and inclusion within security teams, highlighting the critical skills future CSOs will need to thrive in an evolving threat landscape. Whether you're a business professional or a security enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the dynamic world of talent in corporate security and its future trajectory.
Tune into Chuck Randolph’s conversation with Kathy and Rachel to hear about:
- How AI and Gen AI are transforming corporate security functions with practical examples.
- Innovative strategies for talent acquisition, development, and retention to build robust security teams.
- Effective methods for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within security teams.
Additional Resources:
- Complete the survey on the future of talent in security here
- The Clarity Factory: ‘Corporate Security: Future Talent’
- Tips from the Top: Corporate Security Leaders Share How to Build a Team Today That’s Fit to Tackle Tomorrow’s Risks
- ‘Mission First, People Always:’ A Mantra for Security Talent
Want to be on the podcast? Email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this episode of the Women Who Protect series, we are joined by Janina Lincke, Director of the AHNA Resource Center (ARC). With a career that spans the full spectrum of security and protection disciplines, Janina is experienced in corporate GSOCs, Business Threat Intelligence, Protective Intelligence, Close Protection, and Emergency Medical Response.
Janina's path into the security field is as compelling as it is unique, blending elements of academia with the practical challenges of physical security. Throughout her conversation with Dr. Marisa Randazzo, she highlights the critical importance of investing in human capital within the security industry. Whether discussing the treatment of employees or the engagement with vendors, Janina emphasizes that the key to enhancing productivity and fortifying business resilience lies in the value we place on people.
A staunch advocate for creating supportive and inclusive environments, Janina offers invaluable advice for women and girls aspiring to forge a career in security. Networking, benchmarking, and future-proofing are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to strategies for success in this dynamic field.
Tune into Janina’s conversation with Dr. Marisa Randazzo to hear:
- A profound discussion on the importance of investing in human capital and the impact of inclusive practices in the security industry.
- Strategies for success for women and girls aspiring to create a career in the dynamic security industry.
- Janina’s journey and the significance of female representation in leadership roles within security and protective services.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- McKinsey & Company: Performance through people: Transforming human capital into competitive advantage
For more information, visit ontic.co or email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Scott Gardner, Chief Security Officer at Stripe, joins for an in-depth exploration of the intricate world of corporate security within the fintech space. Scott brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished background, spanning the United States Navy, government roles in homeland security, and executive security positions in high-profile corporations like Meta and now Stripe.
Scott's transition from military excellence to pioneering security strategies in the corporate sector illustrates a career path defined by adaptability, leadership, and the strategic alignment of people, processes, and technology. Listeners will gain a look into the challenges and threats targeting the fintech industry as Scott articulates the nuances of securing digital and physical assets in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Tune into his conversation with Chuck Randolph to hear:
- Insights into Scott's career journey from the Navy to Stripe, highlighting the necessary adaptability and leadership.
- Strategies for assembling and nurturing a diverse, effective security team to face dynamic challenges.
- An exploration of balancing user-friendly technology with rigorous security procedures amidst the fintech industry's unique threats.
For more information, visit ontic.co or email us at podcast@ontic.co.
At a time when the digital landscape is evolving at lightning speed, the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and physical security has never been more critical. With their extensive backgrounds in law enforcement, corporate security, and enterprise technology, Brian Tuskan and Phil Capizzi reveal the complexities and the promise of AI in safeguarding our physical spaces to host Marisa Randazzo.
Brian Tuskan, with his rich history in both the police force and corporate security realms, and Phil Capizzi, an expert in software implementation and technical account management, discuss emerging threats, the pathway to adopting AI in security protocols, and the importance of collaboration and human oversight in this technology’s deployment. The discussion navigates through the pressing need for advanced threat detection and response mechanisms amidst growing security challenges. They also tackle the pressing issues surrounding the adoption of AI technologies, advocating for a balanced approach that values team collaboration, meticulous data validation, and the ethical use of technology.
Tune into Marisa Randazzo’s conversation with Brian and Phil to hear about:
- The critical importance of integrating AI into security protocols.
- Complimenting AI with human oversight and judgment to ensure decisions are ethical and accurate.
- How AI can elevate threat detection and response, creating a dynamic and proactive defense mechanism against evolving threats.
For more information, visit ontic.co or email us at podcast@ontic.co.
In this thought-provoking episode, Fred Burton is joined by the distinguished author Annie Jacobsen. Jacobsen's works, including the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Pentagon’s Brain and the New York Times bestsellers Nuclear War, Area 51, and Operation Paperclip, have shed light on some of the most secretive aspects of national security and warfare.
Annie, a celebrated investigative journalist and a Princeton University alumna, sits down with Fred to discuss her latest bestseller, Nuclear War. This book dives into the chilling details of nuclear warfare's catastrophic effects, aiming to highlight the importance of prevention over preparation. Don't miss this riveting dialogue that goes beyond the pages of Annie’s book to address the critical need for contingency planning, the implications for North America and beyond, and the pivotal choices facing global powers today.
Tune in to Annie’s conversation with Fred Burton as they:
- Reflect on the importance of national security in the context of nuclear warfare and discuss contingency planning for nuclear events
- Dive into critical conversations on how nations have historically managed the threat of nuclear war through deterrence strategies and ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons
- Explore the stark realities and potential aftermath of nuclear conflict across various countries and share the immediate and long-term impacts on human life, the environment, and global politics
For more thought leadership on this topic and advice for security teams, take a look at the Ontic Center for Connected Intelligence and Ontic Resources.
In this episode, Fred Burton interviews Tim Kirkham, Senior Director and Global Head of Investigations and Insider Risk Management at Dell Technologies. With a distinguished career transitioning from over 29 years in law enforcement, including two decades as a Special Agent in the FBI, to spearheading Dell’s global security strategy, Tim’s expertise offers invaluable wisdom. Through his leadership, Dell navigates over 6000 investigations annually, safeguarding against fraud, insider threats, and more, securing its competitive edge.
Tim's remarkable shift from a seasoned FBI Special Agent to a pioneer of Dell’s security strategy demonstrates the power of leveraging extensive law enforcement experience within the corporate sector. Whether you're a business leader or an aspiring investigator, this episode is a must-listen, offering a roadmap to innovative, comprehensive risk management strategies in the digital age.
Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to hear:
- Optimal leadership practices in corporate investigations and strategies for integrating these approaches into your security program.
- The evolution of insider threat investigations and his forward-looking perspective on the emerging threats and opportunities in the insider risk landscape for 2024 and beyond.
- The pivotal role of effective communication and the strategic importance of starting small in the development of insider threat programs.
For more information on combatting insider threats, take a look at Ontic Resources.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, on this episode, we take a deep and empathetic dive into the often-overlooked aspect of mental health within the security industry. Dr. Marisa Randazzo, Ph.D., sits down with Arian Avila from Capital One and Bryan Parent from LinkedIn, two distinguished figures who bring a wealth of experience, insight, and compassion to the table. Throughout the episode, they will share their personal journeys, discuss the evolving challenges faced by security professionals, and explore the psychological impacts of working in such a critical yet stressful sector.
Whether you're a security professional, a leader in the industry, or simply an individual passionate about mental health advocacy, this episode promises to enlighten, educate, and inspire. We’re breaking the silence on mental health in the security industry, advocating for change, and showing how resilience, understanding, and support can make all the difference. Don't miss this powerful conversation—tune in to gain perspective and learn how we can collectively support the mental well-being of those who safeguard our communities.
Tune in to hear as they share:
- How the landscape of the security industry has shifted in recent years and the new pressures this has introduced.
- Strategies for increasing awareness about the mental health challenges within the industry and how to better support our front-line defenders by proactively addressing post-incident mental health challenges.
- Identifying the early signs of incident-related trauma and the best practices in response as well as concrete steps leaders can take to nurture a supportive environment for those dealing with trauma.
For more information, visit ontic.co.
Fred Burton had the honor of sitting down with Bob Oatman, a well-respected figure in the executive protection industry. Oatman, the president of RL Oatman & Associates, shares his remarkable journey to becoming a major in the criminal investigation division and ultimately retiring early to start an illustrious career in executive protection. He reflects on his decision to leave the police department after two decades and his journey into the private sector of protection.
From running dignitary and executive protection teams in the police department to pioneering strategies in the private sector, Bob shares insights on the changes he's witnessed and offers foresight on the future of protection. He also opens up about his role as an author—or more accurately, the creative force behind four influential books on executive protection. This episode highlights the blend of adaptability, expertise, and vision required to excel in this demanding field.
Tune in to his conversation with Fred Burton to hear:
- The transformative journey from law enforcement to the private sector of executive protection, detailing the challenges and opportunities encountered during this transition.
- The evolution and future of executive protection, including strategic innovations and the impact of technological advancements in the field.
- Bob's contribution to the domain through authorship, focusing on how his real-world experiences and insights have been distilled into four influential books on executive protection.
On this episode, we welcome Lou Silvestris from American Family Insurance, a seasoned expert who leads the Risk Intelligence and Investigations Team in the Protective Services Division. Lou brings a wealth of experience, having proactively managed and mitigated widespread global risks and threats to the organization. His impressive background spans several multinational companies, and his experience has been pivotal in various organizations’ strategic decision-making processes. Tune in as Lou shares anecdotes from his distinguished career, discusses the evolution of risk intelligence, and the impact of technology on modern investigative practices.
Lou candidly shares his transition from federal agencies, such as the CIA and Department of Homeland Security, to the private sector. He dives into the unique challenges he faced and the lessons learned along the way. For those contemplating a similar shift, Lou offers practical advice, drawing on his deep understanding of intelligence work. He also discusses with Chuck his perspectives on current challenges within the field, actionable tips for establishing or revitalizing security programs, and a forecast for the future of intelligence and investigations.
Tune in to this episode to hear:
- Lou's extensive background in global risk management from both federal agencies and the private sector
- Actionable strategies for individuals transitioning from government intelligence roles to corporate security positions
- Current challenges in the field of intelligence and investigations and how technology helps manage and mitigate these risks
Hosts Fred Burton, Chuck Randolph, and Dr. Marisa Randazzo, Ph.D. unpack recent discussions they've had on the Protective Intelligence Podcast and what they are seeing in the world of security. Enjoy an unfiltered conversation of their observations and invaluable insights from the past few weeks.
Key topics of this discussion include:
- Women's History Month: They discuss the all-female podcast guests hosted last month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Dr. Charity Dean, Cheryl Dick, Wendy Bashnan, and Anna Lepingwell in the security space.
- The Biotech Frontier: Listen in as the hosts discuss the world of biosecurity, highlighting parts of the recent episode with Dr. Charity Dean to understand its critical role in today's global landscape.
- Dissect Global Security Strategy: Hear insights from Anna Lepingwell's conversation on her extensive experience and knowledge of navigating global security challenges.
- Havana Syndrome: A recent 60 Minutes report suggested possible sonic or directed energy weapon attacks first reported by US Embassy staff in Cuba in 2016. The debrief explores this dilemma through the lens of international diplomacy and national security and shares the next steps in investigating Havana Syndrome.
- Sonic Wave Attacks: On the same note, the hosts dive into the recent attacks on American diplomats. They discuss the potential implications for US-Russia relations.
Stay tuned for the next CCI debrief, and contact us at podcast@ontic.co if there are any questions or topics you would like the team to address.
In this episode of the Women Who Protect series, Marisa is joined by Wendy Bashnan, the Director of Security and Fire Protection at Scout Motors, Inc., and a returning guest on the Protective Intelligence Podcast, to discuss the foundational elements of a robust security program. This time, Wendy joins us on an episode of Women Who Protect to share her journey from government service to her current role as she explains the vital role of communication skills and adaptability in the security realm. Wendy and Marisa also dive into the paradigm shift within security, moving from performance metrics to focusing on effectiveness and impact.
With over thirty years of experience in risk management, Wendy offers her knowledge on developing a security-conscious culture that fosters strategic alliances and aligns with the organization's primary objectives. With a distinguished background in law enforcement, investigations, and the development of intelligence-driven security strategies on a global scale, Wendy explains the intricate balance between safeguarding assets and supporting corporate growth.
Tune in to this episode to hear:
- The difference in risk tolerance and risk appetite changing from public sector to private sector (and to startups)
- Tactics for enhancing security budgets by garnering cross-functional support across the business
- Critical steps for embedding security as a cornerstone of the organizational structure by exhibiting their strategic significance
- Advice for women and girls interested in careers in security and protection.
Take a look at Wendy's previous episode here.
CEO and Founder of PHC Global, Dr. Charity Dean, is a distinguished physician, former government official, and a trailblazer in the field of biosecurity intelligence. Having built her career around her passion for fighting biological threats, Dr. Dean takes us through her journey, shedding light on the challenges and achievements that have defined her career. As the CEO and Founder of PHC Global, she discusses her experiences navigating the complex landscapes of public health emergencies and the inspiration behind her leap into the startup world to address critical gaps in biosecurity intelligence.
Dr. Dean and host, Chuck Randolph, do a deep dive on the intersection of leadership, technology, and strategy in the fight against biothreats. She explains the need for shared situational awareness to manage risks more effectively while evaluating the current capacities and future trajectory of the field. Through her insights, we get a glimpse at the significant decisions and cutting-edge innovations that are shaping our resilience against biological risks. Tune in as Dr. Dean enlightens us not only about the precautions we should take but also the potential for groundbreaking solutions in safeguarding global health.
Key topics discussed in this episode include:
- The evolution and significance of biosecurity in enterprise risk and the importance of strengthening shared situational awareness.
- Insights on the integration of AI and machine learning in biosecurity, and the balancing act between biotech advancements and their inherent risks.
- The guiding principles of courage and leadership during crises, emphasizing the importance of decisiveness and collaborative problem-solving in uncertain times.
Connect with Dr. Charity Dean on LinkedIn.
In this episode of Women Who Protect, host Dr. Marisa Randazzo, Ph.D., sits down with Anna Lepingwell, the Vice President for Global Operations at Exlog Global. Based in London and part of the robust European contingent of the company, Anna brings her extensive expertise to the fore, discussing the intricate world of risk management security practices.
Anna shares her journey from university to the security sector, detailing a career securing organizations against threats. Anna highlights day-to-day responsibilities and insights on crisis response, emphasizing preparedness and technology-human balance. Anna empowers women in security - and anyone seeking a career in security - with mentorship advice and industry foresight, offering practical wisdom for listeners seeking global security insights.
Whether you're an aspiring security professional, a seasoned analyst, or simply a listener eager to understand the complexities behind global security strategies, this episode promises a mix of practical wisdom, industry foresight, and actionable advice. Listen to this episode to learn from the expertise of Anna Lepingwell as she navigates the dynamics of global operations.
Tune in to this episode to hear Lepingwell discuss:
- Geopolitical Dynamics and Security: Anna discusses how understanding global political movements is crucial for predicting and mitigating risks in the security sector.
- Technology in Risk Management: The conversation explores the dual-edged sword of technology in security efforts, emphasizing the need for a synthesis between technological tools and the human element.
- Mentorship and Professional Growth: Insights into the importance of mentorship, professional networking, and continuous learning for individuals seeking to carve out a successful career in security and risk management.
Anna is responsible for providing worldwide capabilities around organizational resilience, protective intelligence, and crisis management to clients and partners. Anna leads a team of risk advisors and other specialists that provide around-the-clock global threat and incident awareness, critical advice, and rapid response to people and organizations as part of dedicated global risk programs. In addition to planning and managing high-threat security or natural disaster evacuations, Anna has extensive experience in assessing risk and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.
Prior to joining the Exlog, Anna was the Director of Crisis Management for WorldAware. She speaks German and French and has a BA in International Studies and an MA in International Policy Studies with a Terrorism Studies Specialization from the Monterey Institute for International Studies.
Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Cheryl Dick, Senior Director of Enterprise Protection and Travel at Chick-fil-A, began her remarkable career at the age of 16 and has since spearheaded the development of Chick-fil-A's first dedicated security function. With an impressive scope that spans from campus operations and corporate travel, Cheryl is on the frontline of protecting people, assets, and enabling the company's dynamic future through expertly crafted security strategies.
Throughout the conversation, Cheryl shares her experiences of navigating the evolving threat landscape and the criticality of de-escalation training among team members. She also dives into the use of technology, such as creating their first-ever Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), to bolster Chick-fil-A's efficiency and readiness to address potential threats. Her proactive approach to anticipating future threats and conveying the significance of security to stakeholders offers inspiration to both new and seasoned security professionals.
Key topics of Cheryl’s discussion with host Dr. Randazzo include:
- The establishment and growth of Chick-fil-A's security functions to meet the demands of a changing world.
- The adoption of advanced technologies and training to stay ahead of threats and maintain proactive defense mechanisms.
- Practical advice for aspiring security professionals on the importance of continuous learning and communicating the intrinsic value of security.
This inaugural episode launches a new development in Ontic’s podcast — The Center for Connected Intelligence (CCI) Debrief. Hosts Fred Burton, Chuck Randolph, and Dr. Marisa Randazzo unpack what they are hearing and seeing in the word of security. Enjoy an unfiltered conversation of their observations and invaluable insights from the past few weeks.
Key topics of this discussion include:
- Risk Fatigue from the Global Permacrisis — As the global permacrisis looms overhead, Burton shares the importance of focusing on your specific threat landscape and avoiding the harmful effects of risk fatigue. Randazzo adds how easy it is to miss signals or dismiss things that aren’t so immediate and how we need to support those on the front lines of the crisis.
- Threat of Disinformation and Misinformation — With the upcoming election cycle later in the year the threat of being misinformed through false headlines is imminent. Randolph shares insights from his recent discussion with Suzanne Kelly at the Cipher Brief on retraining our brains to dive deeper into what we read and always consider the source.
- Domestic Threat of Election Violence — Randazzo shares insights from her recent article on strategies to prepare organizations for presidential election disruption and Burton shares why evaluating the entire threat continuum is critical to identify individuals who may pose harm to a high profile figure or organization. Lately, this has resulted in an uptick in swatting incidents, and his conversation with Torchstone’s Scott Stewart dives more into this topic.
- Reevaluate Business Continuity Practices — The hosts stress the importance of thinking through business continuity, what practices are in place, and if they are updated for the current threat landscape. They also share how informing employees of the security measures they are taking goes a long way in creating a culture of trust.
- The Impact of CA Senate Bill 553 — The law requiring most California employers (and employers who have a presence in California) to take steps to prevent and respond to workplace violence will go into effect July 1, 2024. Randazzo shares how important tracking and quickly accessing relevant data is as this order takes effect. For more information on this topic, check out Ontic’s recent webinar: CA SB 553: What You Need to Know and How to Comply. She also discusses why companies must address the aftermath of incidents and the emotional strain on those impacted in light of her recent discussion with Wendy Bailey, Manager of Capital One’s Threat Management Team.
Stay tuned for the next CCI debrief and contact us at podcast@ontic.co if there are any questions or topics you would like the team to address.
Ross Hill, Founder of Insight Forward, returns to the podcast to discuss one of the more prominent crises in our threat landscape today: the attacks in the Red Sea. This conversation dives deeper into his previous discussion with host Chuck Randolph on What Today’s Permacrisis Means for Corporate Security Teams. The episode explores the implications of these attacks on business operations.
Key takeaways from their discussion include:
- How the Houthi rebels’ attack on cargo ships disrupts critical trade routes and raises concerns about regional stability and economic impact.
- The impact on economies and corporations in the regions where the attacks are taking place (and why multinational organizations are caught in the middle)
- Examples of second and third-order effects of the attacks on the economy and what companies should be looking for in the months ahead.
Ross Hill founded Insight Forward to help companies understand how global dynamics directly affect their business. He applies his background leading intelligence analysis for prominent risk management organizations such as AT-RISK International and Pinkerton. He has acquired an in-depth knowledge of core processes, program design, and management, fulfilling senior management positions in global security and risk consultancies, and gaining exposure to renowned multinationals and driving their intelligence needs. He began his career as a Forensic DNA Analyst and Intelligence Analyst for the Metropolitan Police.
Check out Insight Forward’s latest report: Top 10 Geopolitical Risks for Businesses in 2024 and the latest geopolitical news by subscribing to Pestle & Mortar
It’s no secret that relationships are a foundational element for other areas of the business to understand the value of security. However, to be effective as a function security needs to be connected on a multitude of levels, and relationships need to root deeper than watercooler conversations. Rachel Briggs, CEO and Founder of The Clarity Factory, returns to the podcast to discuss her latest research on what this level of connectedness truly entails and why it’s critical to preventing threats that can often slip through the cracks between functions.
Briggs is a leading expert on security and has advised governments and multinational corporations on security, resilience, terrorism, and responses to extremism. In this episode, she discusses the following topics with host Chuck Randolph:
- Why connectedness needs to happen on three distinct levels - within the risk function, within the organization, and between the organization and the outside world.
- The biggest takeaways (and surprises) from her latest research in collaboration with Ontic and what it means for security professionals.
- Advice for leaders on implementing organizational changes from the report into their team and why the ability to collaborate cannot be assumed.
Check out the Clarity Factory’s latest report (in partnership with Ontic) here: Connected Corporate Security: How to Manage Threats and Risks with a Unified Model.
Briggs has also published reports on empowering diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate security and the business value of security. (Report links included below)
Empowering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In Corporate Security (ASIS)
The Business Value of Corporate Security
In today’s world, preparing for future crises is not just important, but unavoidable. Security teams bear the responsibility of ensuring business preparedness for unforeseen threats while preventing employee burnout from the continual talk of potential crises. As security leaders, it's crucial to equip organizational leaders with easily understandable data and information. Streamlining communication and avoiding jargon and lengthy explanations fosters a connection between security and business leaders. This partnership is indispensable for the company's success.
Dave Komendat is the founder and President of DSKomendat Risk Management Services. He knows the importance of this partnership from his previous role where he was the Vice President and Chief Security Officer of The Boeing Company. Komendat was responsible for the company’s global security and fire protection policy and procedures, site security, executive protection, supply chain and aviation security, and structural and aircraft fire protection, among many other responsibilities. He also holds board leadership roles with several non-profit organizations whose missions are to protect people globally, including Hostage U.S. and The Security Foundation.
Key topics of Komendat’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- Why no one rewards the identifier of risk and how to position security as a team that not only protects the organization in crisis but prevents it from happening in the first place.
- The importance of building trust and credibility with business leaders ahead an event so you have their alignment in any gray areas when a decision is made.
- How being prepared for the nontraditional threats matters and understand how they impact the business.
- Advice for security professionals early in their career
Follow Dave on
or reach out to him on his website: https://komendat.com/
The act of Swatting has been around for years (back in the early 2000s), but an increase in the frequency of calls that are happening and the proliferation of different targets has placed it under the spotlight in recent months. Swatting is the act of placing a hoax call to emergency services with the intention of triggering a swift and intense response. This malicious practice has been increasingly directed towards prominent figures such as politicians, judges, and celebrities. Scott Stewart, Vice President at TorchStone Global, sheds light on why we are seeing more of these events in the headlines and what protection teams can do to prevent them from happening.
Stewart brings 35 years of analytical, investigative, and security experience, including being a member of Michael Dell's executive protection team and serving ten years as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. Stewart is a popular speaker on security topics and is frequently interviewed by journalists from leading news outlets, including the New York Times, CNN, Fox News, and NPR.
Key topics of Stewart’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- How a swatting event can occur, and what the social media conundrum has to do with it. (hint: It doesn’t happen out of the blue.)
- Advice for protection teams on mitigating this type of threat and what to look for in terms of early warning signs.
- Why it’s critical to have strong relationships with authorities at all levels and have an open dialogue so authorities can put context around any calls coming in that target a VIP.
For more information, check out Torchstone Global’s article on the topic: Preparing for the Next Swatting Attack
Key takeaways:
03:25: Scott Stewart: Having a good liaison at all levels - state, local, and federal level is critical because you want to have those connections ahead of an event. Obviously, it's much more difficult to make connections in the midst of ah you know of an emergency. So if you give them a little bit of advanced notice — we've got some aggrieved people that are focused on us, or they've doxed us, etc. — it can really help them place the call into context.
10:33: Fred: So if you're that protection team out there with responsibility for the executive crew, you have to make sure that you have a good finger on the pulse.
10:42: Scott Stewart: I mean let's face you you need to have that no matter what threat actor we're talking about — unstable individuals, stalkers, activists, terrorists, criminals. You know we always need to remain alert to all these various threat actors and this is just one more to throw in the hopper.
The good news is it is something that can be foreseen as we follow these grievances, and watch their communications. We see things like doxing denunciation. That allows us to see the progression along the Social Media Threat Continuum. We talk about things like the pathway to violence or the attack cycle, looking at the Social Media Threat Continuum then just gives us a guide that helps us understand where we were where we are in relation to these threat actors.
As a former CNN Intelligence Correspondent and Executive Producer, Suzanne Kelly knows better than to trust every headline that she reads online. However, with the rise of AI-generated images and disinformation, it’s critical to take an informed approach to what we read – taking into account where it comes from and why it’s being shared.
The Cipher Brief addresses this threat by bringing together the expertise of the public and private sectors to provide stronger national security for all. Founded by Kelly in 2015, it is a national security-focused media organization that takes a firm stance on providing clear, accurate, and trusted information. Kelly is also the founder of The Cyber Initiatives Group and produces The Cipher Brief's Annual Threat Conference.
Follow her on LinkedIn.
Key topics of Kelly’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- Why the private sector has shifted over time to take on a pivotal role in geopolitics, shape the way information is shared, and influence the speed of innovation.
- The rising threat of misinformation and disinformation and what security leaders can do to encourage sharing informed, accurate information and avoid chasing down false threats.
- Why Kelly is driven to bring insights to the forefront and help people solve geopolitical problems impacting their business.
Key takeaways:
03:43: Suzanne Kelly - I felt like the private sector was not only impacted by what was happening around the world but serves as the backbone of the US economy which is really a humongous component of national security.
I've been really interested since February 2022 and the months preceding the Russian invasion of Ukraine — looking at the private sector's role there as well as the significant shift in how the world is dealing with geopolitical events like this war. Watching how the private sector came into that arena and started sharing technologies in ways that didn't always go through layers of government bureaucracy has spoken to the speed of innovation in the private sector.
09:56: Chuck - How should leaders think about misinformation and disinformation? Our job is to enable decision-makers, so how do we critically look at the news that's coming to us today and make sure that our bosses aren't succumbing to bias or false information?
10:40: Suzanne Kelly - Disinformation and misinformation is an incredibly risky threat to the United States. Obviously, it spreads beyond the borders but just what we've seen with elections and rhetoric and emotion and how outside entities can take a single bit of truth from something and then weave a web of lies around it. And then drop that into social media feeds and other places where Americans are so conditioned to get information at their fingertips to make snap decisions to reshare things. We need to become a nation of critical thinkers that quickly discern where a source is coming from if it's a credible place and if the organization that they're reading from names sources or if they’re anonymous - why? I think having a country that is full of critical thinkers is going to be a lot better for our future than having a country of people inclined to believe a headline.
When companies investigate incidents and address threats posed to the business and its people, the aftermath of resolution is frequently overlooked. Recognizing this gap, Wendy Bailey established Capital One’s Care Team. Comprising of internal members, this team extends support to individuals who have suffered injuries or witnessed threat activity, supporting a comprehensive approach to recovery. In this episode, she shares how technology in the investigative research field has evolved and why the noisiest cases are not always the ones you prioritize.
Wendy Bailey is the Manager of Capital One’s Threat Management Team where she assesses and manages workplace violence, intimate partner violence, and suicide concerns. Before transitioning to the private sector, she spent 19 years in Law Enforcement and held various roles including 14 years as a Detective.
Key topics of Bailey’s discussion with Dr. Marisa Randazzo include:
- How technology has evolved from landlines to social media and the speed of information available to investigate incidents.
- The importance of the initial interview for de-escalation, especially when the opportunity presents itself and the safety of the interviewer is ensured.
- The biggest challenges of her investigative work and how she manages a growing caseload and conducts long term monitoring.
- The benefit of diversity in experience for those wanting to enter the investigative field and the most important skill set needed.
This episode focused on the importance of having an integrated system so teams can view a complete, accurate, and up-to-date picture of their threat landscape. Ontic’s Integrated Research optimizes risk and threat management with identity, criminal activity, civil litigation, adverse media, and global public records coverage — all in one place. Reach out if you’d like to learn more.
The ability to adapt and change course when unexpected challenges arise is a crucial skill in many professions, but particularly in supply chain security operations where leaders are managing a multimodal environment with layers of partnerships and vendors. Their core responsibility is to ensure that products are moving safely from one place to another, placing complete trust in the hands of truck drivers and other logistics professionals to certify that compliance standards are maintained. In a world where one freight exposure at a rest stop could cost a manufacturer millions of dollars, having visibility into the various stages of the supply chain allows companies to stay ahead of threats and steer clear of crime.
Overhaul is dedicated to providing that visibility in ‘one pane of glass’ and helps customers make sense of the chaos within their intricate network of vendors. Barry Conlon is the CEO and founder of Overhaul, the global leader in in-transit risk management and visibility solutions. Prior to founding Overhaul, Conlon was the founder and CEO of FreightWatch, where he played a key role in shaping the industry. His extensive background in security operations is rooted in his eleven-year tenure with the Irish Defense Forces, Irish Special Operations Unit, and Army Ranger Wing.
Key topics of Conlon’s discussion with host Fred Burton include
- How his time in the Irish Defense Forces influenced him to always be ready for the next curveball and adapt and change accordingly.
- What Overhaul is doing to help change the way manufacturers manage in-transit risk.
- Unique challenges faced by supply chain security operations and how most freight exposures occur.
- Trends and behavioral changes in supply chain security industry over the past few years and what is on the horizon.
Key takeaways:
06:34: Barry Conlon: What you’re really being asked to do as a supply chain professional is effectively manage chaos. You know there's so much to monitor and you can imagine in the multimodal environment where you're going from road to air and back to road again. There are so many different modes of transportation. There are a lot of stop starts and freight at rest is freight at risk. What we do at Overhaul is provide that connected visibility world to our customers where literally we connect all available technologies that already exist out there and we take the information that's freely available and mesh all that together into one pane of glass.
13:10: Fred: You really have your finger on the pulse when it comes to trends and what are you seeing when it comes to trends in the security space for supply chains. You know what are the threats that you're seeing currently and perhaps what are some of the threats that you're looking at that are over the horizon that people aren't thinking about.
13:53: Barry Conlon: Fred I've never seen it as busy as it is now because supply chains are heavily impacted by COVID. Everybody's attitude to buying online shifted. Now even ingestible pharmaceuticals are purchased online, which you would never buy there unless you got them from a validated pharmacy and now people are regularly ordering these and criminals are quick to respond.
14:48: Barry Conlon: You can walk into a truck stop. There might be 20 or 30 trucks parked there. You know I'd be shocked if less than 10 percent are less than 100,000 in value. A lot of them are multiple millions in value and they've got literally no protection. The trucks are running because drivers like to keep their cabs cool or warm depending on where they are and the time of year and it costs them money to turn off that tractor trader. I have never seen a truck alarm in my 30 years of experience in this industry - particularly in my last twenty three years in North America, and you're blessed if a truck driver actually locks the door.
It comes as no surprise that the standards and terminology in the security profession vary depending on where you are in the world. However, when you work for a company that operates in 74 countries, keeping track of these nuances is vital to efficiently addressing threats and quickly arriving at a solution.
Bruce Mills is the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Hyatt Corporation. In his role, he oversees over 160,000 associates and nearly 1,400 hotels and resorts in 74 countries. Mills is responsible for all security and life safety programs and initiatives, including physical and technical security, emergency preparedness and crisis management, travel safety and internal investigations, and brand protection activities. Before moving to the private sector, he spent nearly 25 years with the Diplomatic Security Service, attaining the rank of Special Agent-in-Charge serving all over the world.
Key topics of Mills’ discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- The cultural differences in security — you can have global standards for a company's security program but there are always cultural nuances.
- How to manage a security presence when the doors are always open.
- Communicating with leadership when you have multiple bosses, and the importance of identifying risk and providing steps to mitigate it.
- The role of technology in the success of his role in the business and how standardization across locations is essential to staying ahead of threats.
Key takeaways:
04:50: Fred: How has your sector evolved from a security perspective over the last say five years or so?
04:58: Bruce Mills: In the hospitality sector it's a little bit different from the defense sector or even the government sector and even in certain commercial enterprises you you build a hardened presence. You build very strong concentric rings of security and you try to keep people out and to keep people safe. In hospitality think about it this way — we never close our doors or we certainly don't lock our doors. We are an open, welcoming environment. So it poses a whole series of concerns.
You'd be surprised at how we've incorporated some of the physical securities pieces into the hospitality industry. You might not see it but behind the scenes, you'll have X-ray machines and explosive itemizers and different environmental factors to control vehicles. You need to monitor delivery people and separate them from employees versus visitors and so on. So a lot of similar mitigations but doing so in a more of an open environment. It's a very difficult work environment because you just literally have to keep the front door open.
10:31: Fred: Bruce, how have you found success in proving the business value of your security program to your 1,600 bosses in this case or to your c-suite?
10:46: Bruce Mills: I oftentimes will remind my leadership why I'm here. Our model at Hyatt is that we have safety and security at the forefront of our mission and so I remind our leadership that it's important to walk the walk not just talk to talk. I explain that these elements and actions can incrementally make our guests and colleagues safer and our properties more secure. It's in our best interest and safety and security have to be a core component of how we do business.
Hyatt has had a longstanding culture in which safety is critically important and woven into the business. So I'm carrying that flag and continuing the effort.
The topic of mental health in the security profession has been pushed aside for decades, but with the emergence of open-minded and forward-thinking younger generations, this crucial topic is increasingly finding its place in the spotlight. Not only is it important to take care of others to build a positive, empathic culture, but it also can decrease turnover and reduce costs to the business, having a positive effect on how assets are protected.
John Rodriguez is an expert on this topic and brings 41+ years of pure corporate security experience working for major corporations including General Motors, Kimberly-Clark, Levi Strauss & Co., and Cardinal Health. He is the founder of Empathic Security Cultures, LLC, based in Austin, Texas. Rodriguez is a security generalist with a passion for security culture development, coaching, and mental health for a psychologically safe workplace and mitigating hostile environment risks.
Key topics of Rodriguez’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- Insights on how the mental health needs of security practitioners (and employees as a whole) have evolved since the pandemic
- Why connecting with people and building a culture of empathy is strongly tied to turnover and the success of a business.
- Advice for teams on building a successful security culture within an organization.
When a company experiences such immense growth that the name becomes synonymous with video conferencing, the importance of security measures increases accordingly. Nathan Mills joins the podcast to discuss the risks that come along with protecting people and assets for one of the most visible, evolving companies in the world.
As an Electrical Engineer with an MS in Strategic Intelligence and Project Management credentials, Mills spent the past 20 years developing, implementing, managing, and innovating enterprise risk management frameworks. He has extensive international experience as a Foreign Service Officer (Security Engineering Officer) in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security and as the Director of Security Risk and Crisis Management at General Electric before his current role of Head of Global Security (CSO - Physical) at Zoom.
Key topics of Mills’ discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- Why the risk profile of a dynamic, highly visible product differs from a company with a more established line of business.
- How Mills structures his security program and the strategies he leverages to be more efficient.
- Advice for security teams who lead operations on a global scale and the top three things they should focus on.
Key takeaways:
08:29: Fred: You're working in an industry and a company that has become almost like the word Google. And you think of the success over the pandemic and how you provide such a vital business continuity resource to the private sector.
09:00: Nathan Mills: Completely. Yeah, it's it's very interesting to work for a company that has become a verb and there's a lot of unique risks that come with that. In regards to the growth stage of an IPO and being new and having a lot of attention, that risk profile is very different than the ‘okay now you're established.’ You've been built people are using your products you have a market. Now you're in different places in the world. Now you have people traveling a lot more and now you have an expanding portfolio of products. How does the physical security element come into play and help educate the executives and other people who are maybe not familiar with a mature physical security organization?
13:29: Fred: What advice do you have for security teams who lead operations on a global scale?
14:12: Nathan Mills: One of the things that I've learned is how do you do more with less and I think that's obviously a tired cliche, but leveraging the relationships is something that I think a lot of practitioners might overlook. The ability for me to get it in front of the right people at the right time to be able to influence change is the hardest part about it. So as I was building the program the one thing I constantly talked about with my team was building relationships with intentionality knowing who your stakeholders are within our groups and reaching out to them to build a cadence and learn more about them.
Unfortunately in today’s threat landscape, a Google search - even a few pages deep - won’t capture nearly enough information to grasp the risk a company faces. That’s why Welton Chang, Co-Founder and CEO of Pyrra Technologies, set it upon himself to go after the content on fringe sites because of the threats that continue to emerge out of these nearly unmoderated social conversations.
Pyrra Technologies is a threat intelligence company that scans unmoderated social media with AI. Most recently Chang was the first Chief Technology Officer at Human Rights First and founded HRF's Innovation Lab. Prior to joining HRF, he was a senior researcher at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory where he led teams and developed technical solutions to address disinformation and online propaganda.
Key topics of Chang’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- Inspiration behind developing Pyrra Technologies and his research on disinformation and online propaganda.
- Challenges emerging from generative AI that corporate security will face in 2024
- Advice for corporate security on confronting the lack of trust their audience faces due to the uptick in generative AI online
Choosing office facilities involves far more than evaluating rent and location. In the current landscape of seemingly escalating workplace violence, prioritizing workplace safety has never been more important. Security teams play a pivotal role in shaping the work environment, strategically implementing security measures that align with the layout and available resources in each office location.
Amanda Mason is currently serving as the Vice President of Intelligence for Related Companies, the largest privately held real estate company in the US. She joins this episode to share why security plays such an influential role in real estate decisions. Mason’s role is to integrate information from various sources and bridge the gap between cyber threats, national security, local law enforcement, physical security, and business intelligence. She provides threat information and solutions to the various subsidiaries under Related Companies, which include Real Estate, Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Hospitality, and International Finance.
Key topics of Mason’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- Her transition from serving in the National Guard into the private sector, and the skills honed during her military tenure that have been instrumental in her success.
- The importance of learning how to ‘sell security’ and its role in shaping national security decisions.
- Security’s role in influencing decisions around office locations.
- Advice for corporate security teams when partnering with real estate or corporate leaders in managing and selecting office space.
Key takeaways:
14:00: Fred: How do you see securities' role in influencing decisions around office locations?
14:11: Amanda Mason: There definitely is a very strong role for security operations regarding the selection of locations and office bases. Threats of Workplace violence weigh on people's minds because nowadays companies are really being held responsible for the safety and security of their employees. Security really has a huge role in what the facility looks like and what are the security measures. Companies want to help minimize their risk and their exposure because the costs are very high for these types of criminal incidents to occur at or near their property.
15:34: Fred: Amanda what advice do you have for corporate security teams when partnering with real estate or corporate leaders in managing and selecting office space?
15:52 Amanda Mason: The first thing is — is there a security team there on hand, or do you need to bring in more resources? What are their resources and their procedures? Do you have an op center? How do you relay information back to the company as a tenant? How are you sharing information? What's the relation
Since October 7th, businesses in the Israel region and beyond have been forced to reframe how they think about their priorities based on the threat environment and the resources available. However, some are more prepared than others when it comes to planning and decision-making.
Tzahi Shraga is the Chief Intelligence Officer of MAX Security Solutions and joins the podcast to share what sets companies apart from others when faced with unforeseen circumstances. Shraga is a former lieutenant colonel from the Israeli intelligence services where he spent 29 years in service gaining vast experience in the field of operational intelligence. His deep expertise in strategic, risk and counter-terrorism analysis and intelligence collection has helped turn MAX into one of the security industry’s most innovative intelligence operations.
Key topics of Shraga’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- How the Israel-Hamas War has impacted business operations, and what sectors in particular are at risk.
- What intel experts need to drive decision-making and forecasting in this volatile environment.
- What companies or business travelers should consider before traveling in the region.
Key takeaways:
12:36: Tzahi: Early preparation is essential way before the crisis starts. It's hard to believe, but even today and yesterday we have conversations and meetings with companies that didn't take any measures and only remembered when the reality hits them. I'm talking about having the right evacuation plans and awareness training for the employees. They need to know where is the next shelter and what to do when a Red Alert Siren is heard.
29:08: Tzahi: You can read the newspaper and you'll have good facts, but as intel experts we need to bring assessments — our understanding of the environment and the situation and our prediction about what is to come. When we bring this we really help the decision making.
As we take time to celebrate the Veterans who have served and currently serve our country, it’s important to remember the unwavering thread that unites all branches of service— the commitment to protect. This same commitment has helped fuel successful security careers and build skillsets in ways that extend beyond protection — from putting others first to being comfortable with discomfort to moving forward and finding a new approach.
Chuck Randolph, Chief Security Officer at Ontic and former Infantry and Information Operations Officer in the US Army, shares a selection of clips that feature guests on our series who have served in the military and use those experiences to influence successful security careers in corporations, family offices, and other environments in the private sector.
To hear more from the guests featured in this special round-up episode, check out their full recordings here:
The Art of Turning Information into Intelligence (George Taylor, President - Exlog Global)
Running Towards Fire — How to Mitigate Threats for Journalists in High-Risk Areas (Matt Bohatch, Director of Global Corporate Security and Site Operations for The Washington Post)
What it Takes to Detect Insider Threats from Ford Motor Company’s Senior Analyst (Dave Holder, Senior Analyst, Insider Threat Program at Ford Motor Company)
How Security Teams Enable Decision-Making in Times of Crisis (Major General Richard Lake, Former CSO of Booz Allen Hamilton and the Melinda and Richard Gates Foundation)
Former Marine Infantry Officer Shares Why Strategic Assessments Precede Tactical Mitigation (Jack Stradley, Founder and CEO of Exlog Global)
Thank you for listening to Ontic’s Protective Intelligence Podcast. Please subscribe to hear our future episodes. If you have any suggestions for guests, email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Leading an insider threat program at a Fortune 100 company takes a certain skill set that can’t be molded into a single program or training certification. It takes a combination of capabilities and motivations to detect risk in some of the most challenging, unassuming places.
Dave Holder is a senior analyst with Ford Motor Company where he helps lead their insider risk program. He is a decorated former counterintelligence officer with expertise in national security investigations and operations, as well as corporate workforce investigations. His national-level awards include the National Counterintelligence Executive’s Investigative Team Award in 2014 and the Department of Defense Counterintelligence Team Award in 2009.
Key topics of Holder’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- How his experience as a Security Officer in the National Security Investigations Program of the US Army shaped him into the leader he is today.
- The most important skills needed to stand up an insider threat unit and the critical importance of understanding the importance of the human mind amid technological advancements (employees must feel empowered to report behaviors!)
- How technology has impacted the insider threat space and resources Holder recommends for those interested in exploring a career in this area. Here are the ones mentioned within the episode:
- Borderless Behavior Analytics - Second Edition: Who's Inside? What're They Doing?
- Inside Jobs: Why Insider Risk Is the Biggest Cyber Threat You Can't Ignore
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s National Insider Threat Taskforce
Key takeaways:
01:23: Dave Holder: There are a lot of things in the military that carry directly over. Most of us coming out of these types of environments struggle with that balance a little bit. And with leadership, generally speaking, I learned you can't leave from behind. You have to be good at what you do as a practitioner. Have to be good with your people you've got to empower everyone and let them lead and innovate.
14:00: Dave Holder: When I think about the horizon I guess I could think about it in terms of where I think the enemy threat picture is going to use military terminology — defensively, I have to react to what the adversary is doing, but offensively, can I create a framework that puts all of the odds in my favor.
On the program-building side of things, I think we need to put more focus into that and hopefully, some of the work MITRE is doing to build out an insider threat framework similar to MITRE attack for cyber defense will produce some of the applied research findings that will help us to get ahead of the curve.
In the meantime, we have to continue to professionalize this field that we're calling Insider threat or insider risk along the main core competencies. I think without those we're not fluent enough with compliance professionals, privacy professionals, offices of general counsel, etc. We have to be able to converse with them in terms they ah that they understand and that they care about.
With multiple crises happening around the globe, it’s impossible for organizations to ignore the threat of geopolitics to their business. Security teams are forced to think beyond what’s happening now and consider what’s around the corner. Many understand the duty of care to keep employees safe; however not all realize that this extends to the geopolitical landscape. It is the duty of security leaders to help their organization make sense of what’s happening and be a calm voice in the midst of permacrisis.
Ross Hill, Founder of Insight Forward, is that calm voice for many as he helps businesses understand risk. He applies his background leading intelligence analysis for prominent risk management organizations such as AT-RISK International and Pinkerton, and has acquired an in-depth knowledge of core processes, programme design and management, fulfilling senior management positions in global security and risk consultancies, and gaining exposure to renowned multinationals and driving their intelligence needs. He began his career as a Forensic DNA Analyst and as an Intelligence Analyst for the Metropolitan Police.
Check out Insight Forward’s latest report: Top 10 Geopolitical Risks for Businesses in 2024 and the latest geopolitical news by subscribing to Pestle & Mortar.
Key topics of Hill’s discussion with hosts Chuck Randolph and Fred Burton include:
- Why global and national companies alike cannot escape the impact of geopolitics on their business, and why it’s critical to look beyond the threats you face today.
- Why security leaders have a responsibility to help the people they protect make sense of the crises abroad and how misinformation (most notably with the Hamas War) has the ability to cause unwarranted concern and mistrust.
- The top three things corporate security teams can do right now in light of multiple crises happening around the globe.
With a knack for problem solving and an unwavering willingness to tackle some of the most challenging and emotionally demanding assignments, success isn't always guaranteed. However, for Katie Hall, these qualities have defined her career as a trusted investigator and executive protection professional.
Hall is a retired law enforcement officer with 21 years of experience first working patrol, then as a detective, followed by digital forensics. She specialized in investigations into child exploitation and served on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Hall also has private sector experience in executive protection and overseeing background investigations, intelligence investigations, and risk and crisis management.
Key topics of Hall’s discussion with host Dr. Marisa Randazzo include:
- How her aspirations of being a game warden evolved into her career today overseeing security for an executive office conducting background investigations, intelligence, investigations, and risk and crisis management.
- Why she felt fulfilled by cases that were most difficult to assess and how she built her resume by saying ‘yes’ to the cases no one else wanted to take on.
- Why law enforcement experience translates effectively into private sector investigative work and skills you need to adapt.
With a presidential election around the corner, many wonder what level of Secret Service protection is provided to hopeful candidates, when it is an option to receive, and what resources are used. After serving as a senior supervisor on the Secret Service Presidential Protective Division during her 26 year career with the U.S. Secret Service, Cynthia Marble shares what she knows on the topic.
Cynthia Marble is a nationally recognized leader in the fields of threat assessment and threat management, protective intelligence, investigations, national security, executive protection, and global security operations. She has extensive experience conducting as well as supervising threat assessment and protective intelligence investigations on high-profile public officials and public figures. Marble currently serves as Senior Director of Threat Management Operations for Ontic.
Key topics of Marble’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- Timing for assigning Secret Service protection to presidential candidates, and how long former presidents receive protection
- Challenging aspects of her work and the unimaginable parts of securing even the smallest event to ensure every day is zero fail
- The most critical thing to look for when conducting a threat assessment
Key takeaways:
03:14: Cindy Marble: In general the committees look at the the viability of the candidates. It is threat-driven as far as the extent of the protection and exactly what type of resources are involved — those candidates that are deemed viable within that year are going to get protection.
07:35: Fred: Cindy, what worried you the most when it comes to just working a crowd or working an event?
07:57: Cindy Marble: What always worries us is what we don't know. It's honestly looking for that one thing that is out of place - out of the ordinary. Just being vigilant - things don't worry me, but they do concern me and to me, there's a difference. The way to alleviate the concern is to be educated and open to new information. It helps inform how we work an event. So I was definitely worried about the things that I didn't know and I think being comfortable with understanding that you don't sometimes know what you don't know and just being open to all possibilities.
19:21: Cindy Marble: We know that oftentimes there's not a direct threat to a person or to an entity to a place but it's the behavior. It's statements that are concerning and opening up our minds and saying ‘okay, I'm not looking for that direct threat - what I'm looking at is that concerning behavior’ that that is easy to understand if I know that that's what I'm looking for if that makes sense. You may walk out of an interview and say I'm not 100 % sure that this person is a threat, but what I can do is I can manage the situation and I can say okay I do know that there's something that needs to be done.
As a Special Agent, McKenzie was assigned to several high-profile investigations including the September 11th investigation, and the Amerithrax case. He also successfully investigated numerous Bank, Wire and Health Care fraud as well as Money Laundering cases which exposed critical flaws in banking systems.
Key topics of McKenzie’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- Why the desire to solve problems is at the heart of every skilled investigator
- Skills he learned as a Special Agent in the FBI that carried over into the private sector
- The role of relationships and building networks in his work and why it’s important to surround yourself with people who challenge you
Key takeaways:
05:50: Kurt McKenzie: I looked at investigations with the same obsessive compulsive behavior that I had when I was a scientist — I'm not being funny about that. It's when you work DNA analysis — the thing you understand is that you're dealing with crime at a molecular level.
06:07: Kurt McKenzie: You cannot make mistakes because when the Dna results come back, somebody could go to jail or potentially be executed because these are all very serious crimes. So you learn a meticulous approach to your job that you will take with you forever.
08:41: Kurt McKenzie: You don't want to surround yourself with yes men or like-minded people — you want to surround yourself with people who will tell you ‘hey you're screwing up’ or ‘hey, let's do this together hey you're on the right track’ or ‘hey, have you thought about this.’
09:00: Chuck Randolph: Yeah I love that too because we can get caught up in our own echo chamber and before we know it.
10:11: Chuck Randolph: Kurt you were in the bureau for over 24 years and you did everything — financial crimes, narcotics, trafficking, terrorism, organized crime. This meticulous obsession on critical thinking as a cornerstone to your to your job — did you have to pause and consider how am I going to approach this problem?
10:59: Kurt McKenzie: The first thing is to learn what you don't know, and the second thing is to apply basic investigative techniques that the FBI teaches you. You don't want to break the law trying to stop somebody from breaking the law, so you have to educate yourself. Not only about the law but about the group that you're looking at and the people you're looking at. You need to learn everything about them, learn who their associates are, and learn how they move money.
17:59: Kurt McKenzie: The two key takeaways that I developed over the years of building liaisons and building teams is that you have to take yourself down a peg at times. Because you may need somebody else more than they need you, so you need to be willing to compromise to an extent to get their cooperation.
The second thing you have to be able to make friends, and I don't mean to be fake. I had at least one friend in almost every police department and every federal agency in South Florida that I could call on to assist and I prided myself on that.
Key topics of Lake’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- Lessons in risk management Lake has learned that translate between his government and private sector experience.
- The importance of knowing your business and where security can add value to better support strategy and decision-making.
- Decision-making in times of crisis and the importance of knowing who has the authority to make certain decisions before an event occurs.
Key takeaways:
06:57: Chuck Randolph: How did you translate or how would you recommend people translating the ability to say ‘hey, here's some tenets that we have from say being in the military into the private with corporate world.’
07:45: Dick Lake: I would push back just a little on you Chuck when you said you kind of have it handed to you in the military. That's not always the case. What I had to do in the military is similar to what I had to do in the corporate world which is sell my product. Convince people that I had a product that was worth using and why it was in their interest and to their benefit to use that product.
12:45: Dick Lake: Part of it is what's my value proposition to the organization and one of the key ways you establish your value is you have an in-depth understanding of the business of the business and look for it look to identify ways that you can contribute.
21:50: Dick Lake: It’s critical to understand what the organization's crisis management, crisis response, and business continuity policies and procedures are. Most organizations will have somebody that has been identified that will have that role. The second thing is understanding who has the decision authority for certain things and who can make a decision to close an office.
That's something you need to decide before there's a crisis because a crisis is business that is not normal. So as as a chief security officer, I may not have that authority to close the office but I might be able to make a recommendation to the chief operating officer. People need to understand that — not just the chief operating officer and the chief security officer, but the chief financial officer, the CEO — everyone needs to underst
As a fourth generation Chicago Police officer (and first female), Chief Mary Eileen Paradis had the instinct to protect ingrained in her life early on. Despite the complex task of protecting 10,000 employees in a high-crime urban area like Jackson, Mississippi, her unwavering dedication and energy toward her role are just some of the qualities that have propelled her to excel in her career.
Key topics of Chief Paradis’ discussion with host Dr. Marisa Randazzo include:
- The challenges she faces amidst the growing reports of workplace violence in the healthcare sector generally and how she takes care of her team.
- Addressing the complexities of both the university and healthcare side of her role and the importance of relationships with local police and other areas on campus.
- Advice for women/girls pursuing a career in protection and her involvement in NAWLEE (National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives).
Chief Paradis possesses a combination of 30 plus years of law enforcement, higher education public safety and emergency management experience. She currently serves as the Chief of Police and the Executive Director of Public Safety for the University of Mississippi Police Department and the Office of Public Safety. In addition to higher education, Chief Paradis has worked in museums, hospitality, and retail, and was a sworn member of the Chicago Police Department’s Intelligence Section for over 11 years. Follow her on LinkedIn
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William Villanova knows this all too well, as he has been managing events of this nature for over three decades. He is the President of Frank E. Campbell – The Funeral Chapel in New York City, which has a rich history and is arguably the most well-known funeral home in Manhattan, if not the Nation. He is well known for implementing and promoting the highest standards in funeral service, of which security and privacy are paramount to a successful event.
Key topics of Villanova’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- The preparation and contingency planning that goes into a celebrity funeral in the days/weeks leading up to the event.
- The variety of teams involved to orchastrate a high profile funeral – from NYPD to multiple private security teams to Secret Service.
- The extent of contingency planning, represented by the collaboration between medical teams and local hospitals on standby.
Ryan Schonfeld’s pushback to age-old security processes and refusing to settle for the way it’s always been done has helped him enable security teams to position their department as a business enabler, while protecting people and assets.
Key topics of Schonfeld’s discussion with host Chuck Randolph include:
- Why security teams need to understand the needs of the business and how their work can impact the success of the company.
- The cultural challenge of security viewing technology as a risk, instead of a force multiplier that enhances the irreplaceable value of human intel.
- Trends he's observing in the physical security industry and what’s on the horizon.
Key takeaways:
Ryan Schonfeld: It’s pretty incredible the amount of data that's out there. I think people, by and large, are more aware of the data today than they certainly were back in the early days of social media and smart devices, and as connected homes were becoming more relevant, and just more and more electronics becoming a part of everyday life. But one of the pieces in slow industries, like physical security, is lack of data isn't the issue, and it's really never been the issue. It's how data is effectively collected and operationalized. That's always what slowed things down.
Chuck Randolph: It strikes me, you're talking as much about change management and cultural change as you are operational change. Or, as you said, "Operationalizing the way that we manage the data." I think about it again, we have all these massive bureaucracies, whether it's the military, law enforcement, big corporation, or security provider, you're dealing with a lineage of culture change. You're going to walk in and say, "Hey, we're going to help you manage. We need to look and manage data in different ways." What obstacles have you come up with in your career to change management?
Ryan Schonfeld: I think fear of the unknown's probably the biggest one. As a former cop myself, there's a lot of people in our space that are maybe great security leaders, but don't have deep technology backgrounds. Sometimes, rather than surrounding themselves with domain experts, and people who can help understand the technology, and how that technology can be leveraged to improve the program, that technology starts getting seen as a risk to their job, to their program, to whatever it is that they've been building over time, when in fact it really should be a force multiplier.
I'm not a person that thinks that AI or technology is going to get rid of all the people in security, that's not possible. I think technology has a really important place in our space, but security is always going to require a human to understand context, and understand nuance, and ultimately make a decision that could impact whether or not somebody's life is harmed or protected, or what happens to a brand. That's not something that organizations are going to entrust to AI or a model. But that person who ultimately needs to make the decision needs to be equipped with the best information as quickly as possible, and that's where technology becomes that force multiplier. By embracing that, you have the ability to look great. It's not a risk to your program or to your job.
Chuck Randolph: Ryan, what you're really talking about is making the security function accessible to everybody, right?
Ryan Schonfeld: Yeah. I think as security people, and ex-cops, and ex-feds, and ex-military, we tend to operate in silos, we tend to keep things close to us in terms of what we're doing, and what our programs are, and what's entailed, and we do a very bad job of marketing security to the organization and letting people know what's actually going on.
Because the reality is, as you start marketing your initiatives, security's going to have different visibility within the organization, people are going to find more value, other departments are going to find more value. You might find a bigger budget in terms of cross department budgeting, if you can provide actual tangible value to other departments. As I alluded to earlier too, security leaders are really going to be seen more as thought leaders and business leaders with a seat at the table.
Bill Marlow is an internationally recognized authority on Information Security and Risk. As an active participant in critical infrastructure protection on a worldwide basis, he has worked closely with global governments and law enforcement as well as financial institutions, energy corporations, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies on issues involving cyber terrorism, security plans, and international cooperation. Additionally, Marlow has served his country as a member of the Intelligence Community.
Key topics of Marlow’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- The critical security need behind protecting publicly accessible location data for executives and their corporations, as well as individuals who are deployed abroad.
- The technology and strategy that went into creating the Qphone and the importance of the right customer base for this product.
- What’s next in the world of privacy and protection.
Key takeaways:
01:19: Bill Marlow: My team and I have been looking at things to help the good guys. The bad guys have the highest end capabilities that you can imagine - spectrum radios, point to point encryption capabilities - the good guys on the other hand are not exactly well funded.
The Qphone is an ultra secure communications app that you can put on virtually any mobile device to allow fully secured, fully protected communications. The critical part is that we collect no data. We don't know where you are. We don't care where you are. We don't know what your phone is. It is truly a clean implementation. The encryption we use is a Quantum resistant encryption using the latest techniques to prevent Quantum computers from actually accessing it.
02:46 Fred: Wow, that's simply amazing. Now I think most of us who have lived in the intelligence space or the protection business are used to apps such as Signal or Whatsapp and so forth. How is Q phone different?
03:04 Bill Marlow: So nothing in life is free as the old adage goes. As you’re using a free app they have to pay for themselves somehow. So what they do is they collect information or metadata on every individual and then correlate that information and sell it lots of places. More importantly, there are a number of agencies around the world from different governments who buy that information through third party companies. They collect things about where you are, what kind of device you have, who you are connected to and how many times you talk to them, so on.
The Qphone, on the other hand, doesn't collect anything. Now, it's not free but we don't collect anything so you're protected from that kind of analysis from going on. To most of us who are in the intelligence business or even the law enforcement business, that's a critical item - not having people be able to tell where you are who you're talking to or what you've done.
13:51 Fred: And I assume ah like most businesses do there's due diligence on customers to make sure that this technology is not falling into enemy's hands so to speak.
14:02 Bill Marlow: Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the critical items for us is that you have to be a recognizable organization. You have to be a corporation. You have to be a law enforcement group.
17:46 Fred: When you think through this having done a lot of threat assessments and vulnerability assessments on ultra high net worth individuals and so forth, you might have a CEO that's very secure but family members and children aren't.
18:01 Bill Marlow: Exactly and they're the vulnerability.
18:04.75 Fred: So in this space with a Qphone if you had this deployed amongst your core family and so forth. You could rest assured that nobody's tracking you monitoring you and triangulating in on your location.
19:23.56 Bill Marlow: I think that more people need to be made aware of all the things that are happening to them in a privacy mode. How much information is being gathered about them people don't realize the extent of the information that is being gathered every time they go out to a news site or they go shopping online or and they don't have the right kinds of protections in place.
19:58 Bill Marlow: Qphone is one piece of a security program. We can protect their communications. We can make sure that they can send documents and messages and they can have conference calls and video calls securely. It works on your your mobile devices. It works on your desktop. But that’s a piece of a much larger program. There’s a need for people to start understanding about the amount of information that's being taken from them.
Briggs is a leading expert on security and has advised governments and multinational corporations on security, resilience, terrorism, and responses to extremism. She conducts research, thought leadership, and consulting for corporate clients on security and cybersecurity. She is also an Associate Fellow at Chatham House. She was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in 2014 for services to hostage families and kidnap victims overseas.
Briggs and host Dr. Marisa Randazzo discuss:
- Why great ideas can change the world and how the Clarity Factory helps identify new insights and drive innovation in the corporate security and cybersecurity industry.
- Her process of conveying research to leaders around an organization and the important exercise of always coming back to the core argument.
- The undeniable connection between diversity and innovation in the security industry and what gives her hope that change is possible in the near future.
Key Takeaways:
02:50: Rachel Briggs: Any area or profession needs to have good ideas to be able to continually change and improve and face the increasing challenges that we face in the world. But great ideas change the world. (Of course if they are grounded in reality.)
06:31: Rachel Briggs: I think the simpler you can keep your ideas, without dumbing them down of course, the further they can travel and the better able people are able to implement it. That's why it's about clarity for me, it's about taking the messy old world that we all live in today and you know.
06:58: Marisa Randazzo: One of the things that has really impressed me about the work that you have done has been not only the clarity of the ideas but of how you communicate those ideas and especially for a corporate security audience or a c-suite audience.
One of the things that has been so powerful in the work that you have done has been the succinctness and simplicity with which you have conveyed these ideas. It's not just the idea itself. I'd love to just hear about the process of how you go from kind of that raw data to really. Deriving the insights that that you do and then how you communicate it.
08:07: Rachel Briggs: I'm a really big believer in trusting the process. You start by opening the funnel and you know what your initial question is and you keep that really simple and you then open it up and gather as much data and information as you possibly can. At a certain point in time you have to stop and go back down the funnel in the other direction and really get sharp on what the argument is — just try and write what it is. I force myself to get back to one piece of paper and find a way of really describing what it is I think this is telling me in a very succinct way before I start writing.
I think having that discipline really helps you to write and to communicate in a way that is clear. You're always coming back to your core argument and it really helps you to figure out — is this bit of data relevant or not because inevitably you end up with too much and you have to be ruthless.
15:55: Rachel Briggs: You know in anything I write, whether it's a 500 word blog post or a 20,000 word report it has to be focused on what can the reader go and do differently in the office tomorrow.
21:11: Marisa Randazzo: Within security, practitioners are often trying to talk with departments outside of security — whether it is to brief a c-suite on security issues or talk with human resources or an employee assistance program — oftentimes they speak different languages and a researcher within the violence risk assessment field has talked about this great term of boundary spanner. Someone who speaks different kinds of languages in different sectors so you can communicate clearly across different domains.
26:08: Rachel Briggs: I had the pleasure of working with ASIS International and its foundation. I spent about nine months diving into the issue of diversity equity and inclusion within corporate security and - spoiler alert- there isn't as much diversity as there should be. Perhaps we didn't need a piece of research to tell us that but more importantly, what I wanted to do was get under the skin of that and really understand what’s happening.
I interviewed 16 chief security officers and I think without exception all of them got why security and diversity were important. One of the responses that really gave me hope was when we asked for people to tell us from strongly agree to strongly disagree whether they would speak up if they saw something that wasn't right (some discriminatory behavior) and the vast majority of respondents — across all groups men women straight gay disabled non-disabled etc — said they absolutely would speak up.
In other words and I thought that was really important because essentially what we're talking about in terms of diversity is a change management challenge. We're trying to take an industry from being from looking and sounding one way to looking and sounding different in some ways and change happens first because there's the firebrands who are on the frontline who are fighting and shouting and um. You know often feel like they're sort of shouting into an empty room in those early years but answers like that that say people are willing to speak up tells me that things are changing now are they changing fast enough.
Scott Stewart, Vice President of Intelligence at TorchStone Global, shares his expertise on this topic and how his firm provides advice to corporations on how to best protect themselves and their employees in this environment. While not all activity poses a threat, it’s important for companies to be hyper-aware of activity and the measures activists can take. Before joining TorchStone Global as the Vice President of Intelligence, Stewart led the global analysis of terrorism and security topics at Stratfor and served as a member of Michael Dell’s executive protection team. Stewart also spent ten years as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).
Key topics of Stewart’s discussion with host Fred Burton include:
- How the Extinction Rebellion movement evolved over time and why companies outside of the energy industry should be concerned.
- Advice for corporations or those managing large-scale events when there is potential for protest activity nearby.
- The impact of this type of protest on executive security outside of the office (residential security, banks supporting industries in the spotlight, sporting venues, etc.)
Thor is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of now twenty-three thrillers. He has appeared on FOX News Channel, CNN, MSNBC, and many other media outlets to discuss terrorism and current events. Thor was recruited into the Department of Homeland Security’s “Red Cell” program: an elite group of writers and artists commissioned to brainstorm terrorist scenarios for the U.S. government.
Thor returns to the podcast to discuss:
- Why Dead Fall is arguably the most intense thriller he has written.
- His approach to writing each novel (you’ll learn what the term ‘pantser’ means.)
- The top three authors who have inspired him most and the best advice he’s received.
Dead Fall was released on July 25, 2023, and can be found here.
Jack joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- How his time in the Marines has influenced his leadership style.
- The evolution in training for crisis response in high-risk environments.
- How to understand the needs of the customer or protectee and build a strategy around it.
- The best ways to add value in a crisis (hint: it’s not a knee-jerk reaction).
Key takeaways:
[12:29] Jack Stradley: The main thing I realized when I was COO of an organization was that security has so many different definitions. I worked with a company that did strictly bomb blast mitigation on buildings and then I had a bunch of EP guys that ran around with surveillance kits who thought about motorcade tactics — and those two people never talked to each other. One of the things the Marine Corps taught me was the “combined arms team.” You know that you don't fight in a silo — you bring your artillery, logistics, and your air power and you all work seamlessly together.
[14:01] Jack Stradley: Today there are tremendously talented people with skills who apply those skills to do security or protection or analysis. Is really kind of easy. It's bringing all the pieces together and then showing value — making people understand the value because security for security's sake is not necessarily valuable. Security is when you can quantify or articulate its value.
[14:50] Jack Stradley: It’s important to remember the risk and the reward for what you're doing and there are no perfect solutions. You know you can't live inside Fort Knox and never leave. That's not a realistic approach so there are always trade-offs. There's always a risk tolerance that has to be understood. That's the ongoing struggle because risk tolerance for each one of us is different.
[24:35] Chuck: You're involved when many things go south for organizations. How do you help organizations or what's your recommendation for maintaining a presence of mind?
[25:23] Jack Stradley: I think that most people react in a crisis and that's the last thing you want to do. You want to take a beat — now that beat can be a microsecond but you take a beat and you evaluate. You look, you listen, you think, then you act — act deliberately, don't react.
Before you have to commit to a course of action and you should take as long as you have but no longer to evaluate things and then make a conscious decision and then continue to evaluate because if it's not working it's maybe time to change course.
[31:10] Jack Stradley: We are inundated with information and that's not a revelation to anyone out there. The hard part is to just you know, be able to see through the noise in the chatter and try and get to the fundamentals in the foundation. Understand — what does this mean to me and how does this affect me and my plans? That's part of what we try to do for people is help them with that.
Alana Forrest started her 29-year public service career in 1983 at the Palo Alto Police Department and rose through the ranks to Lieutenant. Forrest was promoted to the position of Captain by joining the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department in 2000 and retired in 2012. She has spent the last 11 years in corporate security and currently leads Global Safety and Security at Intuit. She is a proud co-founder of the California Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Symposium, which began as a local partnership in 2006 and is now endorsed by multiple law enforcement associations with a national following.
Forrest joins host Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss:
- The impact of mentoring on her career and the motivation behind starting the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Foundation.
- The role of storytelling and connecting on a personal level to demonstrate security’s value to other areas of an organization.
- Advice for women/girls pursuing a career in protection.
Key takeaways:
[08:38] Marisa Randazzo: I just think it's so important — the value of mentorship. But it's often difficult to figure out how to get started, so the details that you're sharing here are very helpful. I want to ask a follow-up question about the California Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Symposium. Who is it open to?
[09:14] Alana: It's open to anyone. It's not just women but anyone in active law enforcement and retirees can also attend. We're trying to just open up the floodgates and allow anybody who wants to come to join us in California every year. It's been one of the proudest accomplishments in my career — to establish this and have it still be so successful.
[15:53] Marisa Randazzo: It sounds like what your foundation now your symposium did was give people up a place for that colleagueship, especially from those smaller departments when they didn't have it in-house necessarily but they could still access. That same level of connection and advice and commiseration just from outside their department but still within the industry. That's phenomenal.
[16:16] Alana: Yeah, absolutely and even now unfortunately in the 2000s and here we are in 2023 — we still hear similar stories of challenges that we heard in the 1980s and 90s. So it really does provide an opportunity and a forum for people who are really struggling to get some much needed support. It's kind of sad that we are still having some of these conversations. But at least there's support there.
[17:53] Alana: One of the things that I've really tried to do when I first enter any organization is build those relationships and find the right people to talk to — who's in charge of what but also who are the team players that have leadership qualities that you can tell are the people that get things done or has the leadership's ear. Seek out those people to get by your side and have lunch or coffee and have a discussion — what are your pain points with global safety and security or at the security team?
[20:51] Alana: I've been in where data really drives the conversation and so I think any sort of data points or storytelling [help in displaying value]. Tell the stories to let people know exactly what's going On. As people started to come back to work I would take people through our Global Security Operations Center and let them see what we do because people really don't have ah an understanding of how much work we do to keep them safe behind the scenes. So when they walk into that room and they see all the monitors and they see all the people and all the activity and I explain what we're doing and how we keep them safe, that is a huge win.
[33:36] Alana: You know one of the things I'll emphasize is again — finding those mentors and those champions and building relationships is so important. I didn't get to any promotion or any position in my private sector career without the benefit of a relationship or a connection that I cultivated. And also just being willing to be helpful to anyone who reaches out for questions.
Greg joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- Why the importance of human intelligence prevails all in a technology-dominant business culture.
- Trends in anti-semitic crimes that Battle Tested Solutions helps address and how Greg separates true threats from the noise of activity in the space.
- Being prepared for the unexpected events that happen when protecting principals abroad.
- His biggest lessons learned from his time in the Israel Defense Forces.
Dr. Wheat joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- The game-changing role of red teaming in organizations and how, through alternate analysis and critical thinking, to think from the perspective of the attacker.
- How diverse thinking results in better decisions and aids in the elimination of biases.
- Where analysts can start when implementing a red teaming strategy.
- The role of red teaming in helping security teams partner with business leaders to help their organizations thrive.
Key takeaways from the episode:
[03:04] Treston Wheat: Critical thinking is fundamental to the ability to check assumptions the ability to be objective and separate the person from the analysis. The willingness to question dominant ideas (is a key element to red teaming). So everything that made me a really bad academic actually made me a really good red teamer.
[03:44] Treston Wheat: We do something we call poison circles where we basically just come up with ways to attack people. Which sounds a little dark but is very very useful. Because then we have to think through the threat actors and what's their motivation and if they're motivated by — what kind of TTP do they use? How would they behave in a violent situation? How would they behave if they're trying to steal intellectual property?
[06:05] Treston Wheat: Job is doing the research on how say a left-wing terrorist would behave differently than a right-wing terrorist because most people when they look at terrorism, they say terrorism is terrorism. They actually all have very different targeting patterns.
[08:32] Chuck: If you're you're working on an objective and you want to understand what is the potential threat actors' activity or actions … How do you start this process? Where does critical thinking start? Walk me through your protocol.
[09:01] Treston Wheat: So the way I start say with a threat actor. You go to what they actually say about themselves because too often in analysis we don't really believe what people tell us even though they're telling us the truth.
[12:56] Treston Wheat: And that's why you need people to come in. It's why diversity of thought is so important for a red team. You need people who actually see the world differently than you do rather than all of us coming from the military or all of us coming from Academia — breaking up groupthink. One of the most important parts of red teaming and acknowledging the bias and heuristics.
[15:14] Chuck: We could be talking about a business function. We could be talking about terrorism. We could be talking about an event — multiple things — to say look I just need someone to give me an alternative thought on this because at the end of the day we want to enable business decision makers with options or courses of action that have some facts around them so they can make a decision.
[15:38] Treston Wheat: Which is the entire point of Intel analysis and red teaming is to help our business leaders in particular because we do this for the private sector to make better decisions so that their business thrives.
[21:28] Chuck: You know people are listening right now and thinking this is fascinating I need to use this more in my organization I'm a leader — I'm a team leader, or I'm an analyst where do I start?
[21:48] Treston Wheat: So I think there are two key ways for people to start who don't do analysis regularly and for an analyst I would say something a little bit different. But if you're not used to doing this number one start applying it to your own life. So anytime you make a decision, walk through your process — the entire process. I recommend writing it down because I just think it's always helpful. What is my assumption in this decision? Why did I perceive what this person said or the information I took in that way?
Number two I believe in the use of fiction — reading novels and watching movies and then analyzing them because it gives you an entire plot wrapped up. It's a very useful technique to read novels and watch movies and then analyze them. You don't just passively consume them.
Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode here.
Dean Baratta has been an intelligence analyst for the majority of his 35 year career and joins the podcast to discuss practical steps for front-line intelligence analysts to communicate risk to their organizations, so that when things happen suddenly, they can maintain their security posture. His expertise spans the military, government, and private sectors. He currently works as the Director of Intelligence and Protective Services for a private company. Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief of the Analysis Bureau at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and an adjunct professor at Rutgers University. He is a retired veteran of the United States Army.
In his conversation with host Chuck Randolph they discuss:
- How intel analysts can be constructively disruptive and fulfill their responsibility of mitigating risk and ensuring the organization is set up for success.
- The importance of paying attention to the business of government and how it impacts their organization.
- How to react when the response from leadership is ‘it’s not a big deal’ and the most important asset to have when sharing mitigating risk recommendations.
- Helpful tips for leaders to support analysts dealing with risk fatigue.
Melissa Muir is the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development for the City of Shoreline. She is committed to building strategic partnerships between security and HR to reduce threats and strengthen the health and safety of our organizations and has been a leader in the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) for more than a decade.
Nici McLean is a Regional Director of Human Resources & Administration at GardaWorld Security Services where she oversees more than 20 managers and coordinators as well as 2200+ security guards. Her training extends to emergency management, crisis intervention, and de-escalation, and she works closely with the leadership team on strategic development and applying quality management principles.
Melissa Muir and Nici McLean join host Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss:
- How “curiosity instead of judgment” can lead to silo-busting conversations.
- Common obstacles experienced by security and HR professionals when attempting to collaborate and how to fix them.
- How HR can be used as a resource to approach difficult conversations that can easily be misinterpreted or seen as overly confrontational.
- Why employee engagement is directly related to incidents of workplace violence.
Mike has four decades of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Little Rock Police Department and spent twenty-six years with the U.S. Secret Service. Fifteen years of his career were focused on conducting behavioral threat assessments of those threatening to engage in targeted violence. Mike was also assigned as the Intelligence Liaison to the FBI and CIA Headquarters and was assigned to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He is the author of four novels, a nonfiction work on rapport building, and Mass Killers: How you can identify workplace, school, or public killers before they strike.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
- His early career with the Little Rock Police Department and how it taught him the impact of forming strong alliances with both federal partners and local law enforcement.
- How his latest novel helps readers identify concerning behavior before an attack happens by using threat assessment methodologies.
- Why the ‘barking dog’ theory cannot be overlooked — threats that we don’t always see are oftentimes the most dangerous to us.
- The evolution of violence over the last decade and what he sees on the horizon.
In this episode, you’ll hear from Chief Security Officers, analysts, and legal experts to learn how they’ve navigated this challenge — earning internal buy-in and fostering a sense of trust with stakeholders. To hear more from the guests featured in this special round-up episode, check out their full recordings here:
Anticipating Risk on a Global Scale from Salesforce’s Strategic Intelligence Team (Lewis Sage-Passant, Global Strategic Intelligence Manager)
Identifying Operational Risk to Empower a Risk-Taking Culture (Adam Cambridge, Manager of Enterprise Risk Intelligence at MITRE)
The Intersection of Privacy, Compliance, and Security — Why a Unified Front Minimizes Risk (Karen Moore, Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer at Unisys)
How to Get in Front of Threats at a Global Scale from Verizon’s CSO (Dan Maloney, Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Security with Verizon Communications)
What Does Your C-Suite Need to Know? The Role of Data-Informed Decisions in Corporate Security (Ken White, Expedia Group’s Senior Manager of Physical Risk, Intelligence, & Investigations)
The Value of Storytelling to Prove Security’s Company-Wide Impact (Jim Bernhardt, Corporate Security Leader at the Nikola Motor Company)
Why an Objective-Centric Security Strategy Matters (Bruce McIndoe, President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, Co-Founder of iJET International)
Running Towards Fire — How to Mitigate Threats for Journalists in High-Risk Areas (Matt Bohatch, Director of Global Corporate Security and Site Operations for The Washington Post)
Think Like an Intelligence Analyst – Deciding What Matters and How to Share It (Sandy Perez, Lead Intelligence Analyst for Alcon)
Thank you for listening to Ontic’s Protective Intelligence Podcast. Please subscribe to hear our future episodes. If you have any suggestions for guests, email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Christine joins Women Who Protect to discuss:
- A day in the life of managing incidents, investigations and case management.
- How she went about establishing a new case management process.
- Why she’s passionate about leaning into metrics and reporting to communicate the value of her corporate investigations program to senior leaders.
- Her previous role as the Co-Case Agent for the U.S. Department of Justice's first conviction of a fatal cyberstalking investigation.
Jack is a former Navy SEAL who led special operations teams as a Team Leader, Platoon Commander, Troop Commander, and Task Unit Commander. Over his 20 years in Naval Special Warfare, he transitioned from an enlisted SEAL sniper all the way to commanding a Special Operations Task Unit in the most Iranian-influenced section of southern Iraq throughout the tumultuous drawdown of U.S. Forces. Jack retired from active duty in 2016 and lives with his wife and three children in Park City, Utah. He is the author of The Terminal List, True Believer, Savage Son, The Devil’s Hand, In the Blood, and Only the Dead, his most recent novel available now wherever books are sold.
Jack returns to the podcast to catch up with Fred Burton to discuss:
- Where his latest novel, Only the Dead, fits into the James Reece series and why it is hailed as his finest work yet
- Questions from the audience ranging from how he approaches writing to the future of his series
- The best advice he’s received in his writing career
Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies, leads his company around this model, and in his role he is devoted to advancing the physical security technology industry. Xtract is a leading technology-driven threat detection and security solution that uses unobtrusive threat detection systems to enable venues to deliver improved experiences while providing unprecedented safety.
Peter joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- How Xtract’s customer-based model drives insights and minimizes risk
- The evolution of event security and why it’s not a one size fits all model
- The value of technology in maximizing resources and improving the patron experience
Hackman has over 20 years of experience building and managing risk assessment and mitigation programs for the U.S. government and private sector. Earlier in her career, she worked at the US State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), providing security guidance to the private sector operating overseas; at the US Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence & Analysis, and also worked with the FBI’s Domestic Security Alliance Council (DSAC), before joining Visa. Throughout her career, she has looked for what root causes underlie security concerns as a way to mitigate risk and has also sought to build partnerships throughout.
Hackman joins host Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss:
- Her non-linear progression from OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) to GSOC (Global Security Operations Center) at Visa.
- The most critical skill to have when building a multi-stakeholder team to get to the root cause of a security concern.
- The impact of a career in security and protection on one’s health and why it’s necessary to check in with peers and take time to reset.
Larry Loftis is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the nonfiction spy thrillers THE PRINCESS SPY: The True Story of World War II Spy Aline Griffith, Countess of Romanones; CODE NAME: LISE: The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII's Most Highly Decorated Spy; and INTO THE LION'S MOUTH: The True Story of Dusko Popov—World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond.
Loftis joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- The level of detail that went into researching Duško Popov over the course of 18 months.
- The meaning behind MI6, the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, and how the Official Secrets Act impacted Popov’s work.
- What makes Popov such a powerful character to depict in James Bond films over the decades and questions Loftis would ask the spy if he were alive today.
Dr. Alex Eastman is the Senior Medical Officer at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Health Security (OHS). In this role, he is responsible for operational medicine across DHS in addition to countering threats to the United States worldwide. On the operational front, Dr. Eastman is a Task Force Officer with ICE Homeland Security Investigations and is assigned to the Special Response Team (SRT) program. He is also a Dallas Police Department lieutenant, the Chief Medical Officer of the Dallas Police Department, and the Lead Medical Officer for the Dallas Police SWAT Team. He is actively involved in national planning for law enforcement medical support through the Department of Justice’s Officer Safety and Wellness Group, the Committee on Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, the Hartford Consensus Working Group and serves as the Medical Advisor for the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
Dr. Alex Eastman joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- How he applies emergency medicine to his career in the security industry.
- The biggest gaps in medical training that security teams experience when protecting people, property and reputation.
- Advice for corporate security and protection leaders on where to start with training their teams to be prepared for medical emergencies.
James Tunkey is the Chief Operating Officer of I-OnAsia, a global risk management consultancy. He works with large publicly-listed companies, high-growth companies on track to IPO, VCs, underwriters, law firm capital markets teams, and public accounting companies to identify risk. A large percentage of James' day-to-day work involves assessing fraud, corruption, reputational, and compliance risks through due diligence and background checks. James also leads global investigations into allegations of fraud, bribery, corruption, sanctions violations, money laundering, intellectual property rights theft, and ESG/BHR compliance failures. James has investigated many (many!) scams and schemes and is adept at locating people and finding real assets.
James joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- The difference between due diligence and a background check
- The most important trait to being successful in fraud investigations
- Why communicating in a way that the business understands is crucial
- Advice for those seeking opportunities in fraud investigations
Throughout this series so far, we’ve heard eye-opening insights and advice from our guests that have helped women navigate careers. We hope these stories inspire women and girls and inform them of the range of possibilities in the field. To hear more from the guests featured in this special round-up episode, check out their full recordings here:
- The Art of Helping Clients Find Lifestyle Appropriate Security with Kate Bright
- Blend In or Stand Out: Lesser-Known Security Strategies with Mónica Duperon Rodriguez
- The Crucial Role of Critical Infrastructure Protection in Security
- Soft Skills That Set Security Professionals Apart When Moving From Public to Private Sectors
- The Intersection of Privacy, Compliance, and Security — Why a Unified Front Minimizes Risk
- Forging Her Own Path: Creating a Threat Intelligence Company from Scratch
Thank you for listening to Women Who Protect. Please subscribe to hear our future episodes. If you have any suggestions for guests, email us at podcast@ontic.co.
Within the Department of Campus Safety, Karen supervises over 300 personnel in Security Services, Support Services, Incident Review & Victim Services, External Affairs, Events and Lost and Found. She is also chair of NYU’s Behavioral Intervention Team. Prior to NYU, Karen served for over 25 years in law enforcement with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, located in Trenton, New Jersey.
In this episode, Karen discusses the following topics with host Dr. Marisa Randazzo:
- The scope of her role in campus safety operations
- The mental toll of working in the Division of Criminal Justice for the state of New Jersey and lesser-known biases she observed
- The evolution of NYU’s victim services unit
- Advice for women and girls entering the protection space
Karen is also the creator and host of the NYU podcast
You Matter!
, a podcast created to provide resources to listeners, and to remove the stigma from conversations related to mental health, addiction and victimization.
Brian McDermott is an expert on red teaming and began his career serving 20 years as a Marine aviator retiring in 2016 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His supporting establishment tours include Faculty Advisor and Naval Expeditionary Operations Course Director at the USMC Expeditionary Warfare School and as the Marine Corps University (MCU) Red Team Director after successful completion of the 9-week Red Team Leaders course at the U.S. Army University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies (UFMCS). He is the founder and President of Red Teaming Solutions & Training, LLC.
Brian joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- What red teaming is and why it’s needed in both the intelligence community and corporate world.
- How red teaming has helped him develop an appreciation of “VUCA” environments (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous).
- Implications of not using red teaming in organizations.
- The importance of using common operating language and communicating recommendations in a way the audience understands.
His research for the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man novels has taken him to more than thirty-five countries and given him the opportunity to train alongside military and law enforcement in the use of firearms, battlefield medicine, and close-range combative tactics.
Mark joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- A preview of BURNER - a geo-political thriller based in Russia and the 12th novel in the Gray Man series.
- What it’s like to write alongside Tom Clancy, a legend in the thriller genre.
- The filming of the Gray Man Netflix movie and how it impacts his series
Josh is responsible for establishing, executing, supervising, and directing the implementation and oversight of the company’s insider threat program and strategic protection initiatives. His responsibilities span across MITRE’s six federally funded research and development centers in the fields of defense and intelligence, aviation, civil agency modernization, homeland security, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Prior to his current role, he brings more than 13 years of federal civil and military service with multi-faceted experiences in law enforcement operations, counterintelligence, executive protection, antiterrorism/force protection, and threat and intelligence analysis.
Josh joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- The reality behind convergence in the corporate security world
- Being vulnerable and demonstrating transparency in your work
- MITRE’s attack framework to manage risk intelligence
- ‘Ah- ha moments’ in his career (or lack thereof!) and what risks he observes on the horizon
She has a breadth of analytical experience collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in the public safety and threat assessment arenas, with focus areas on counterterrorism, critical infrastructure, data analytics, and open-source intelligence methodology. Throughout her career, she has fine-tuned her ability to take raw information and put it into a form that can be used for security and protection and knows to always put the “so what” front and center.
Sandy joins host Dr. Marisa Randazzo to discuss:
- What the work of an intelligence analyst really entails.
- The purpose of fusion centers and why they vary from state to state.
- The most important consideration for women and girls to consider when embarking on a career in security.
- The value of training, mentorship, and involvement in professional organizations at all stages of a career.
Alex Sappok, Chief Executive Officer at RaySecur Inc., has helped transform how leading security teams at Fortune 500 corporations keep their people and business safe from all types of mail attacks. He is a tech entrepreneur with a proven track record of developing and bringing disruptive innovations in historically conservative industries to market.
Alex joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- The impact of screening procedures on various areas of the business and the implications of pushing them aside
- How he approaches mail security solutions for Raysecur’s client base
- Why Raysecur uses a nontraditional approach to the digital transformation trend
Bringing over 25 years of experience in security consulting, executive security, investigations, and training, Chuck Tobin, Chairman and President of AT-RISK International, Inc., shares his knowledge on how the threat management space has evolved and how to keep up. As the Director of Security/Senior Consultant to three Prime Ministers/Presidential Candidates, Chuck has developed a global political campaign security expertise. This combined with his knowledge and practice in violence threat assessment, investigations, executive security, and training has led him to many leadership positions in the industry.
Chuck Tobin joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- How social media has changed threat intelligence investigations
- Why it's equally important to learn about a potential threat on a human level, as well as analytical (check out an ATAP training he recommends.)
- How to speak in a language that decision-makers understand to communicate security concerns
Philip served as a Scotland Yard Detective in the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Operations Command for 30 years, during which he was seconded to British Intelligence for 2.5 years. As a former Counter Terrorist Security Coordinator, he was responsible for the security plans protecting numerous events with the British Royal Family, Military, and Government. He founded Defuse in 2019 and launched The Online Bodyguard podcast in 2022.
Philip joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- How Philip came to be known as the ‘Online Bodyguard’ by UK media
- How to create a baseline of threat activity to protect high-profile targets
- The most harmful threat to individuals that most would underestimate
- Psychological effects of unwanted attention and problematic people
Pete is a New York Times bestselling author and former member of the National Labor Relations Board. He contributes regularly to the National Review, and his op-eds have appeared in newspapers ranging from The Wall Street Journal to The Washington Times.
Pete joins host and fellow author Fred Burton to discuss:
- The challenges of staying in the confines of history and research involved in creating The Devil’s Weapons (released December 6th; purchase a copy here)
- How he was selected to take over the reins of W. E. B. Griffin’s series, an esteemed military and detective fiction writer
- Pete’s approach to writing — from concept to publication
Janet Lawless has challenged the status quo throughout her career. In former leadership roles at Microsoft and Cisco, she created and managed global programs focused on compliance and security. She is a member of InfraGard (a partnership between the FBI and members of the private sector), the United States Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force, and the Washington State Fusion Center. She is the Chair for ASIS Puget Sound and also founded “PCs 2 Vets” and has provided over 1,000 laptops to veterans.
Janet joins host Marisa Randazzo to discuss:
- Training the tradecraft of threat intelligence
- How to get threat intelligence programs up and running
- Why diversity matters when building a threat intelligence team
- Advice for women and girls seeking a career in security
Creating this unified front is no easy task as it just takes one negligent individual to set things off path. But that’s where Kevin Craig comes in. Kevin is the Assistant Vice President, Safety, Security and Investigations for Porzio Compliance Services, LLC. A retired New Jersey Police Chief, he has over 30 years of experience in public safety, emergency management, and school security. Kevin has conducted training, planning, and assessments for public and private schools, businesses, and faith-based institutions. He recently authored a book on school safety best practices.
Kevin joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- The current state of school safety programs
- Where to start when implementing a school safety program and common blindspots
- Who needs to be part of the behavioral threat assessment team
Matt Bohatch is the Director of Global Corporate Security and Site Operations for The Washington Post and faces this challenge every day. He has experience collaborating with local law enforcement, conflict management, communications, enterprise-wide security and business partnerships. Prior to his current role, he worked for Gavin de Becker and Associates and began his career as a Sergeant for the US Marine Corps.
Matt joins host Fred Burton to discuss:
- How his decision to join the Marine Corps affected his career trajectory
- The biggest challenges he faces and the current climate of the news industry
- Evolving from an executive protection mindset to protecting journalists
- Risk mitigation strategies and examples of location-specific resources
Dave Benson speaks of his experience as a Special Agent for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and lessons learned from this pivotal event during his conversation with Fred Burton. He is an accomplished security professional with over 40 years of Public and Private Sector expertise in the areas of security management, protective operations, travel security, contingency planning and vulnerability/risk assessment, and mitigation. Prior to his government service, Dave served in various management positions for Walt Disney World Security.
Dave and Fred discuss:
- Pitfalls in protection during the Centennial Olympic Park bombing in 1996
- How his role as Director of Training for DSS led him to a career focused on behavioral threat assessments and addressing targeted violence
- Strategies to address concerning behaviors and mitigate risk in today’s threat environment
Robert Dodge is the Chief Executive Officer of Prosegur Global Risk, a key business unit of the world’s third-largest security company. He leads the team that advises some of the largest organizations around the world on risk mitigation and security strategies, advising companies on the critical need to connect what happens online with what’s on the ground. Prior, he was Global President of the Corporate Risk Services Division at G4S and International Senior Vice President at Pinkerton.
In this episode, Robert and host Fred Burton discuss:
- The most challenging global environments to manage risk
- The evolution of risk management and its link between cyber and physical domains
- Why risk encompasses more than security
- Advice for others seeking risk management, intelligence-led roles
Julie Marzheuser is the Organized Retail Crime Investigations Manager at The Kroger Co. — the country’s second-largest supermarket chain by revenue. In her role, she conducts threat assessments for internal and external cases and provides executive protection to C-Level executives and board members. She is a former law enforcement professional with a wide range of experiences — including investigations, crisis/hostage negotiation, SWAT team, VIP protection, and event security.
In this episode, Julie discusses the following topics with host Dr. Marisa Randazzo:
- What led her to begin a career path on the front lines of security
- Her transition from the public to the private sector
- Challenges in the retail industry and how she has worked to address them
- Advice for women and girls looking to get into the security industry
Bruce McIndoe has been a visionary and serial entrepreneur in the national security, intelligence, and operational risk management space for global organizations over the last four decades. Throughout his career, he has learned how important clear, action-oriented communication is to keep others informed and safe. He is President of McIndoe Risk Advisory LLC and formerly led the creation of the first 24×7 Global Watch Operations Center at iJET International, Inc. He has also been honored as a Protective Intelligence Honors Pioneer.
Straight from the floor of GSX 2022, Bruce joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss:
- Milestones in history (9/11 and COVID-19) and how they affected corporate security
- The biggest changes in the security space over the last few decades
- The importance of using common operating information and language
- Examples of objective-centric enterprise risk management strategies
In this episode, John discusses the following topics with host Fred Burton:
- Challenges in protecting high-profile rock bands
- Social media threats and how to address them
- Protecting large audiences of over 20,000
- Skills necessary to be successful in protecting people and assets in the music and entertainment industry
- Common misconceptions when it comes to protecting rock bands
John also leads a podcast called Spear Talk where he discusses life on the road as a security professional.
Surprises are never met with open arms in the world of a security professional. Scenarios - both good and bad - are played out over and over again so nothing can catch them off guard. In the words of George Taylor, former Marine Corps Sniper turned global risk consultant, “prevention always beats reaction.”
Surprises are never met with open arms in the world of a security professional. Scenarios - both good and bad - are played out over and over again so nothing can catch them off guard. In the words of George Taylor, former Marine Corps Sniper turned global risk consultant, “prevention always beats reaction.”
Knowing how to interpret, contextualize and communicate the information around us is crucial to preventing any unwanted surprises; however, oftentimes it’s shared without factoring in who is on the receiving end. As Chief Operating Officer at Exlog Global, George helps clients recognize negative trends earlier so they can mitigate harm to people and assets. He speaks with host Chuck Randolph on the importance of understanding an organization’s culture and risk tolerance before delivering any advice, and why information is not intelligence until it’s communicated effectively — making it both an art and a science.
Straight from the floor of GSX 2022, Don Sortor, Senior Vice President of Global Integrity, Inc, joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss the evolution of open source intelligence.
There was a time in the security profession when practitioners were fed intelligence informing them about how to approach (or avoid) a threat. Fast forward a few decades and it’s now evolved into an influx of information where it’s hard to identify what is needed and how to get ahead. More importantly, the ability to manage information to maintain privacy has become one of the most challenging aspects of security.
Don and Chuck discuss the rapid changes in managing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and share the unfortunate implications of turning a blind eye to such an important issue. The shift from actively finding information to preventing information from being discovered has changed the way we conduct business in our day-to-day lives. They discuss how to balance connecting with others online and protecting yourself, your family, and your business. They conclude with Don’s insight on Global Integrity’s latest product and how it’s revolutionizing the privacy industry and how we communicate.
Don has 30+ years in the security field. He is a subject matter expert in cyber and physical security having worked in the telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and defense industries. He is deeply skilled in managing security programs and bringing products and services to market. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a past member of the group of experts to the OECD on cryptography, a former chairman of I-4, and current Vice Chair of the ASIS Intellectual Property Protection Steering Committee and a member of the ASIS Critical Infrastructure Protection Committee. Don is a US Navy veteran.
Thinking beyond tactical day-to-day security operations is a goal we’ve heard time and time again. However, in today’s threat landscape it’s a choice we can’t ignore. Reading changes around the world that occur outside the boundaries of business operations is growing in importance to both corporations and non-government organizations alike.
Rodger Baker joins host Fred Burton to discuss the increase in companies incorporating geopolitical analysis into their overall business plan. However, it’s not always placed in the right area and defaults to solely a security concern. He shares why this strategic analysis can’t live alone in one department and understanding the broader landscape before incorporating it internally is crucial.
Rodger Baker is the Executive Director of the Stratfor Center for Applied Geopolitics at RANE, a global center of excellence for geopolitical intelligence and analysis. For more than 20 years Rodger has guided the company's analytical process and is one of the world's leading experts on North Korea - having dedicated extended periods of time living and working in and around the Korean peninsula. His core emphasis is the multidisciplinary approach to geopolitics and the evolution of international relations to develop mid- and long-term forecasts to assist companies, governments and other globally engaged organizations make informed decisions.
Straight from the floor of GSX 2022, Jim Bernhardt, Corporate Security Leader at the Nikola Motor Company, joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss the impact of storytelling to demonstrate the value of scenario planning and addressing risk before it becomes a larger issue.
Thinking about what could go wrong is innate in nearly every security professional’s mindset — from a visitor passing through monitoring stations unnoticed to a USB drive containing valuable information getting into the wrong hands. However, these same thoughts are rarely shared by the people they protect, and communicating the need to scenario plan and manage risk to the C-suite is no walk in the park.
Jim Bernhardt, Corporate Security Leader at the Nikola Motor Company, discusses how to approach this daunting, but critical task with host Chuck Randolph. He shares what guides his risk assessment strategy, and how to use company-wide documentation such as the 10K to educate his team on risk factors and develop metrics to address them, using language that makes sense to business units throughout the company.
Jim manages all corporate security operations for Nikola Motor Company, a leading technology and manufacturing organization. He provides protection for company personnel and property by creating, implementing and maintaining security systems, policies, procedures, and practices. He also manages physical security, loss/fraud prevention, crisis/emergency management, business continuity, travel security, incident investigations, event security, and executive protection. Jim began his career as a Company Officer for the U.S. Army.
Ken White has been with the organization for over four years and previously led security operations and security readiness for the Seattle campus and over 80 Expedia Group offices through North, Central, and South America as well as the Caribbean. His experience includes regional threat detection, security system implementation, security budgets, contracts, and staff management.
When you have a retail footprint in nearly 40 countries around the globe, having the same security plan in each region is a straight path to chaos — or worse, harm to employees, customers, or assets. Dan Maloney, Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Security with Verizon Communications, knows a thing or two about building a comprehensive (“360”) security plan that is specific to each environment where Verizon operates.
He chats with Fred about how he puts his plan into action — from culture, to prioritizing resources in the most pressing environments, to identifying technology gaps and more. He shares how security extends far beyond the physical sides and demands a multi-layer approach with intelligence teams, GSOC, continuity teams, and executive protection — the more people are talking the greater chance you have of getting in front of an unwanted event. They end their discussion by acknowledging the stress that retail environments undergo on a daily basis and tips that his team has found successful to minimize it.
Dan Maloney serves as Chief Security Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Security with Verizon Communications where he oversees 13 departments covering full-spectrum security across the global corporate footprint. He has been with Verizon and its legacy companies since 1997, and he oversees and coordinates global security efforts throughout Verizon and all its business units, including enterprise-wide security strategy and programs, physical security, cybersecurity, legal compliance, and law enforcement matters.
Straight from the floor of GSX 2022, Bryan Flannery, President of Foresight Consulting, LLC and Protective Intelligence Honors recipient, joins host Chuck Randolph to discuss the state of violence and the importance of building a comprehensive program to effectively address it.
Bryan and Chuck discuss how protection has evolved far beyond a person standing next to you — it’s about a feeling of confidence that a space and all visitors have been vetted, that there are contingency plans in place for all scenarios, and, most importantly but often overlooked, that all teams are exchanging the information they need to keep people and assets safe. No feeling is more important.
Bryan shares the more common gaps he observes in security programs and why identifying the cracks is critical to success — risk will always be there, but it’s the programmatic responses in place (i.e. proper reporting mechanisms) that mitigate it from becoming a company-wide concern.
Bryan Flannery is the President of Foresight Security Consulting. His passion to keep people safe leads him to bring a holistic approach to security and safety, garnered over 22 years in the military, law enforcement, and as a consultant for state and federal government agencies, corporate clients, schools, and houses of worship.
Straight from the floor of GSX 2022, podcast hosts Fred Burton and Chuck Randolph share what they’re hearing from booth 3355 as the three-day event kicks off. From threat fatigue in the news to understanding the global threat landscape and how it’s evolved from decades past, they share the most significant challenges corporations face today and lessons learned from their time in the industry. Whether you’re reading this from the event or at home, they encourage listeners to network, learn and ‘understand your blind spots' — because they are always learning something new from guests on the show. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more episodes from our time at GSX 2022.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music track is titled Roll the Dice by Marc Walloch
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Check out her book on Amazon here: WISE GALS: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music track is titled Roll the Dice by Marc Walloch
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music track is titled Roll the Dice by Marc Walloch
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Danny was honored as a Thought Leader in the Protective Intelligence Honors — a program that recognizes physical security professionals who have left their mark on and continue to advance the field of protection.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
When a CEO receives a threatening letter it’s rarely just a one-off incident. However, it’s surprising to realize how frequently these notes are tossed in the trash and treated without concern. Will Plummer, Chief Security Officer of RaySecur, knows first-hand how mail is a bellwether to many other security events, and when ignored, can cause very avoidable turmoil for corporate security teams and the people they protect.
Will speaks with host Chuck Randolph on the importance of screening procedures in mail rooms and how easily address information can be obtained online and needs to be monitored with the same vigilance — especially in the wake of controversial decisions or lay-offs. For more information, check out Will’s 2021 Annual Mail Security Report containing valuable insights for mail and physical security teams. https://raysecur.com/mail-security-report-2021/
Will is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army, where he earned a Bronze Star with Valor as a Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. He commanded multiple Special Operations support units and served as a certified EOD Team Leader and a Master Instructor. Over his military career, he managed thousands of full-spectrum EOD operations and directed VIP security support for the last eight U.S. presidents. As RaySecur's Chief Security Officer, he consults with customers to evaluate and strengthen their mail security strategies. He also leads the RaySecur Professional Services team providing customers with risk assessments, the formation of best practice security procedures, training, and 24/365 threat identification and mitigation support.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music track is titled Roll the Dice by Marc Walloch
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
He was recently featured on NPR where he discussed behavioral patterns of people who carry out mass shootings, and commented specifically on the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.
Trigger Points: Inside the Mission to Stop Mass Shootings in America
Mónica also has a weekly show which can be found on Clubhouse (an audio drop app). The show will be expanding the program with pre-recorded segments on LinkedIn in mid-June.
Here is the link to their next episode: Women in Protection
Check out her latest research here: Private sector intelligence: on the long path of professionalization
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music track is titled Roll the Dice by Marc Walloch
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
In this interview series, we spotlight leaders recognized in the Protective Intelligence Honors who have had a lasting impact on the security world as we know it. It is our hope that their insights on leadership and the timeless practice of security and protection will inspire you in your own efforts.
We all know that actions speak louder than words, but in some industries acting on change is harder than expected. Security is one of those industries; however, John McClurg, BlackBerry’s current Senior Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, didn’t let that stand in his way. Throughout his career, he has pushed the boundaries of what has always been done to establish programs that complement the interdependency between the cyber and physical security arenas, and was one of the first in the field to recognize the need for the two to converge.
Listen to his conversation with Fred as they discuss his career beginning as a Special Agent with the PBI on one of the nation’s first Joint Terrorism Task Forces, to leading several Fortune 500 companies in their efforts to link what happens online with what occurs in front of our eyes every day.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Check out their latest work here: International Handbook of Threat Assessment 2nd ed.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Dogs have been the greatest security asset since the need for protection was deemed necessary. Having the ability to detect the slightest sounds to something as monumental as identifying an IED beneath the surface, the bark from a dog is one of the most powerful signals for trouble ahead.
John Devine is the Founder, Lead Trainer and CEO of Devine K9s, an organization committed to training K9s in a variety of functions — from general obedience to tactical service dog training. In his discussion with Fred, he shares how he first learned of SEAL TEAM service dogs during his time in service, the top three K9 breeds for security, and how he selects and trains dogs before they’re paired with their owner. Just when you thought John couldn’t get more impressive, he rounds out the podcast by sharing information on his charity, Rescue 22 Foundation, which provides fully task-trained service dogs to veterans.
John Devine cut his dog training teeth training and deploying with K9s in the SEAL TEAMS. After 10 years as a Navy SEAL, he started his business as a renowned trainer in behavior modification, obedience, scent detection, tactical K9 consulting and service dog training.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Flexibility has taken on an entirely new meaning for security professionals in the era of COVID-19, but for those in the executive protection space, there are intricacies to the role that have been impacted in ways not even the most skilled practitioner could predict.
In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with John Haynes, Senior Director, Protective Intelligence and Operations at Dell Technologies, to discuss the lasting impact that the pandemic has had on his area of expertise — executive protection. He shares the two biggest changes to his role, where technology comes into play (hint: it’s crucial), and where he sees things evolving in the next three to five years.
John Haynes has responsibility for the company’s executive protection, protective intelligence and event security programs. Prior to his position with Dell, John served many years with the U.S. Government in various assignments around the world, to include security, protection, threat analysis, counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.co or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
In this bonus episode, Ontic’s Co-Founder, Tom Kopecky, switches seats with our podcast host, Fred Burton, to discuss key findings from Ontic's recently released 2021 Mid-Year Outlook State of Protective Intelligence Report.
Tom and Fred discuss current trends as companies embrace hybrid work and employees return to the office, as well as the aftermath of January 6th. They also highlight the biggest changes from the 2021 State of Protective Intelligence Report, including:
Regulation and compliance reporting — The need to measure has risen to the top of the biggest 2021 challenges for physical security leaders, as has benchmarking and measurement to demonstrate return on investment.
Effectively assessing physical threats — While still high on the previous list, this category reflected a significantly bigger challenge to overcome in the mid-year report.
Cyber-physical convergence — Unification and seeing all information (cyber and physical) under the same lens is critical, and is fortunately well underway in many industries this year.
For more information on what lies ahead, listen to the full podcast and download a copy of the report at Ontic.co/report
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
It’s no secret that the nature of threats are evolving; however, the C-suite narrowing in cyber threats leaves room for error that no company can afford. The physical side of threats is still disregarded by many leadership teams, and it will take forward thinking leaders to stay committed to using common operating information, or making sure teams are looking at data in the same way.
In this episode, Chuck and Fred discuss the convergence of technology in the executive protection space, the concept of “edge risk,” and the impact of COVID on the industry. They also cover the role of the human mind in assessing threats and the risk of over reliance on the IoT in today’s culture.
Charles (Chuck) Randolph is the Senior Director of Operations and Intelligence for AT Risk International. He leads a team whose role is to fuse and report on threat intelligence and other risk trends which affect the company. Prior to this role, Chuck was responsible for transforming the executive protective, event security and intelligence services to function beyond their traditional roles to those of strategic enablers at Microsoft. He is also a founding member of the Corporate Executive Protection Leadership Council (CEPLC) and the International Protective Security Board (IPSB).
When corporate security teams or law enforcement officers are on the front lines dealing with a crisis, they need more than a weapon on their belt to diffuse the situation. The art of negotiation and communicating to lower tension and stall for time is underrated and overlooked.
Gary Noesner, former FBI hostage negotiator, knows this firsthand, which is why he authored a book on the topic — Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator. In this episode, Fred and Gary discuss what skills are needed to be an effective hostage negotiator, the curriculum he built to support the role, and changes he foresees in the space.
Gary Noesner retired from the FBI in 2003 following a 30 year career as an investigator, instructor, and negotiator. He was an FBI hostage negotiator for 23 years of his career, retiring as the Chief of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit, Critical Incident Response Group, the first person to hold that position. He has appeared in numerous television documentaries about hostage negotiation, terrorism, and kidnapping and has been interviewed in Time, Forbes, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, and the New York Times.
In this interview series, we spotlight leaders recognized in the Protective Intelligence Honors who have had a lasting impact on the security world as we know it. It is our hope that their insights on leadership and the timeless practice of security and protection will inspire you in your own efforts.
With a background in the U.S. Secret Service, most recently as Chief Research Psychologist, Marisa knows the important balance of data and human observation. Today, she provides threat assessment training and consulting for school shootings, targeted violence and protective intelligence investigations. In her conversation with Fred, Marisa shares her career story, lessons learned along the way, and where she sees the physical security industry evolving in the years to come.
In this interview series, we spotlight leaders recognized in the Protective Intelligence Honors who have had a lasting impact on the security world as we know it. It is our hope that their insights on leadership and the timeless practice of security and protection will inspire you in your own efforts.
To say that Gabrielle is passionate about protecting victims and thoroughly assessing a case is an understatement. She has personally assessed and managed thousands of cases of inappropriate pursuit, threats, and harassment, including workplace violence, domestic violence, and public figure/executive pursuit. In her conversation with Fred, Gabrielle shares what led her to launch her career in threat assessment, lessons learned along the way, and where she sees the physical security industry evolving in the years to come.
In this interview series, we spotlight leaders recognized in the Protective Intelligence Honors who have had a lasting impact on the security world as we know it. It is our hope that their insights on leadership and the timeless practice of security and protection will inspire you in your own efforts.
For nearly half a century Tony has trained corporations, governments, law enforcement agencies and military organizations in over 40 countries to avoid vehicle violence. In his conversation with Fred, Tony shares what led him to establish International Security Driver Association (IDSA), lessons learned along the way, and where he sees the role of technology factor into the future of physical security.
In this interview series, we spotlight leaders recognized in the Protective Intelligence Honors who have had a lasting impact on the security world as we know it. It is our hope that their insights on leadership and the timeless practice of security and protection will inspire you in your own efforts.
Nabih Numair is a global security professional who has built and led teams covering the entire spectrum of physical security; executive protection, security operations, global security operations centers, event security, travel security, workplace violence, security training programs, and more. In his conversation with Fred, Nabih shares stories of his career and where he sees the security landscape evolving.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.co/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
For more information, check out Rich’s company website: www.reputationdefender.com
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Here at the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence, we’re continually creating and sharing relevant content for the physical security community. Over the course of the past year, our podcast series has highlighted stories of threat actors, unfortunate events, and shifts in industry practice, and we’ve had some fascinating conversations with authors, security experts, and corporate security leaders along the way.
There are many influential leaders who have inspired and enabled those in the protection community to successfully shift to a more proactive, always-on approach to physical security. That’s why we launched Protective Intelligence Honors, a program we developed at the Center to celebrate the top leaders in our industry.
Each month we will be recognizing new leaders, and we will be spotlighting many of them on the podcast.
Check out ProtectiveIntelligenceHonors.com to learn more.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Check out the book The Lone Star Speaks: Untold Stories About the JFK Assassination
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Mr. Stewart was one of the DSS Special Agents profiled in the book “Relentless Pursuit: The DSS and the Manhunt for the Al-Qaeda Terrorists” by Samuel M Katz.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Visit SIGMA Threat Management Associates for more information on workplace threat management training and consulting.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Learn more about Texas Armoring Corporation (TAC), visit their website: https://www.texasarmoring.com/
A portion of TAC’s manufacturing operation is in San Pedro Sula, Honduras which has been subject to severe storms and damage. If you would like to read more or kindly donate to the cause, please view Mark’s LinkedIn article.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Learn more about Dr. Meloy, visit his website here: http://drreidmeloy.com/
View his book, co-edited book with Drs. Hoffmann and Sheridan, Stalking, Threatening and Attacking Public Figures (Oxford University Press, 2008)
View his most recent book (co-edited by Dr. Hoffman) here: International Handbook of Threat Assessment (Oxford University Press, 2014)
To learn about WAVR-21, co-founded by Dr. Meloy, here: www.wavr21.com
Have you ever stepped back to think about how you carry yourself as you walk down the street? Everything from your posture, to your line of sight, to what you are fidgeting with (cellphone, anyone?) is what an attacker is observing from afar. A cue as small as turning your head twice within one minute can signal to an observer that you are uncomfortable with your surroundings. Kelly Sayre, Founder and President of the Diamond Arrow Group, educates women about these exact observations and how vital it is to pay attention to your intuition.
In this episode, Fred and Kelly discuss the “what if” scenarios that often aren’t discussed. While acts of violence that actually happen are always shared, having a dialogue around what didn’t happen is equally important. It’s critical to have a plan in case you find yourself in a situation where you are being followed and need to take action. Even the slightest variance is worth acknowledging to prevent an attacker from accomplishing their goal. Whether carrying mace or a simple flashlight, it’s important for the individual to feel comfortable using it and feel empowered to protect themselves from harm.
Kelly is Founder and President of the Diamond Arrow Group, which teaches situational awareness to women so they have the confidence to move forward and live life on their own terms. Teachings are offered through speaking engagements, classes, one-on-one consultations and online training programs.
Purchase Brad’s latest book, Near Dark, here.
Brad shares his ‘top gear’ from his 2018 Bestselling Novel, Spymaster here. (The list includes Beirut Rules: The Murder of a CIA Station Chief and Hezbollah's War Against America by Fred Burton, Samuel M. Katz)
Check out Brad’s research for his 2012 novel, Blacklist here. (The list includes Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent by Fred Burton )
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
For a complete bio, here is Mars’ website: https://mars-law.com/
Read Mars’ recent press in the Wall Street Journal: The Cop, the Lawyer and the Walmart Executive Who Took on College Football
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Learn more about Philip Jett and his writing here: www.philipjett.com
Pre-order Taking Mr. Exxon: The Kidnapping of an Oil Giant’s President on Amazon
The Death of an Heir: Adolph Coors III and the Murder That Rocked an American Brewing Dynasty is also available on Amazon
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai
or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Learn about the “A Night for Life” virtual event here
Learn about the mission of the Whitney/Strong here: whitneystrong.org.
Find out how to donate or get involved here: Whitney Strong Volunteers
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Read Ami’s blog ‘Protection Circle’ here: https://protectioncircle.org/
Check out Ami’s book Surveillance Zone on Amazon.com
Learn more about HighCom Security services and their new e-learning course.
For even more reading, check out Fred’s Definitive Protective Intelligence Reading List.
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Check out
“Rebels at Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within” by Lois Kelly & Carmen Medina on Amazon.com
Also "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman and "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond on Amazon.com
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Check out “A Dark Night in Aurora: Inside James Holmes and the Colorado Mass Shootings” on Amazon.com
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Support Tony by visiting the International Security Driver Association and The Vehicle Dynamics Institute
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
Check out Gary's Book A Sniper in the Tower on amazon.com
Brought to you by The Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence
Produced by AJ McKeon
Music by Brian Bristow and performed by Smokin’ Novas
Contact us at podcast@ontic.ai or visit ontic.ai/center for more information.
