In this episode, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict, sits down with Bob Heales, Executive Director of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.), the largest and most prestigious international network for investigators and security professionals.

With a career spanning over four decades, Bob has led the investigative community at the highest levels — from missing person cases and major criminal investigations to shaping global standards through W.A.D.

Together, Mike and Bob explore the value of professional networks, the opportunities W.A.D. creates for investigators worldwide, and a look ahead to the historic W.A.D. 100th Anniversary Conference, taking place September 2–6, 2025 at The Drake Hotel, Chicago.

Listen now and discover what it means to be part of a truly global investigative community.

Leaders | Episode 22 | John Rowan: From Chief of Detectives to Private Sector Leadership

In Episode 22 of Leaders, hosted by Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, we sit down with John Rowan, Senior Vice President at Conflict International and former Chief of Detectives for Suffolk County Police Department.

With over 30 years in law enforcement, John shares how his work leading major investigations—including the Gilgo Beach serial killer case and MS-13 task forces—prepared him for the challenges and opportunities in the private sector.

🎙️ Topics covered in this episode:

• What defines great leadership in high-pressure environments

• The transition from public service to private sector intelligence work

• Leading the Gilgo Beach Task Force and overseeing high-profile investigations

• Collaborating with federal agencies on MS-13 and organized crime

• Why professionalism and standards are non-negotiable in security and investigations

Whether you’re in law enforcement, private investigations, security, or corporate intelligence—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by:

Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International

www.conflictinternational.com

🔗 Listen and Subscribe:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e69QdVN2

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dVvCVRG3

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#privatesecurity #investigationindustry #professionalstandards #leadershipinsecurity #truecrimepodcast #podcastclips #securitypodcast #transitiontoindustry #leaderspodcast

n Episode 21 of Leaders, Allen Cardoza, Vice President of International Business Development at Conflict International, shares powerful insights from his 45-year career in private investigation.

Starting at just 19 years old, Allen quickly became known for his work in missing child cases and child trafficking investigations. In this episode, he recounts the real stories that shaped his mission and the global operations that defined his legacy.

Allen also reflects on his time as President of the World Association of Detectives and discusses what led him to join Conflict International as Vice President of International Business Development.

Hosted by Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, this episode is essential viewing for anyone working in or interested in private investigations, international security, child protection, and intelligence operations.

www.conflictinternational.com

#leaderspodcast
#allencardoza
#conflictinternational
#privateinvestigator
#childtrafficking
#missingchildren
#investigations
#securityindustry
#intelligencecommunity
#worldassociationofdetectives
#humantraffickingawareness
#investigationleaders
#internationalsecurity
#fyp

Episode 20 – Mike LaCorte x Mark Hodgson

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Tremark and a long-standing figure in the UK investigations industry.

They discuss the journey of building a business from the ground up, the evolving role of the Association of British Investigators, and why the UK GDPR Code of Conduct is essential in today’s landscape.

Insightful, honest, and packed with value—don’t miss it.

#leaderspodcast
#privateinvestigation
#podcastclips
#professionaldevelopment
#ukgdpr
#associationofbritishinvestigators
#conflictinternational

Mike LaCorte x Ian Withers

Episode 19 of the Leaders Podcast

From high-profile intelligence contracts to uncovering political scandals, Ian Withers reflects on nearly 60 years as a leading international investigator.In this episode, Ian joins Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, to discuss covert work for the South African government, tracking down a man at the centre of a potential UK political scandal, and revisiting infamous criminal cases for BBC documentaries.

They also explore what makes a strong leader, the importance of respect and perspective, and the role global associations have played in shaping the private investigation

industry.Podcast LinksSpotify: https://lnkd.in/e69QdVN2YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dVvCVRG3Instagram: https://lnkd.in/d7F2RhPWAmazon Music: https://lnkd.in/e2bDyJaUApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/emqXjsKiTikTok: https://lnkd.in/dHT5-rgR

#leaderspodcast#privateinvestigation#intelligencecommunity#internationalinvestigations#covertoperations#truecrime#professionaldevelopment#conflictinternational#mikelacorte#ianwithers

Mike LaCorte x Brett Mikkelson | Episode 18

In this episode, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Brett Mikkelson, Founder of B.M. Investigations in Panama and a leading figure in international investigations.

They explore Brett’s military background, his hands-on work across Latin America, and the mindset needed to lead complex investigative operations. From leadership philosophy to the importance of global associations, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone in the investigations, intelligence, or security sectors.

Available now on all major podcast platforms.

#leaderspodcast
#privateinvestigations
#leadership
#intelligence
#professionalsecurity
#cii
#investigationindustry

Mike LaCorte x Brig Barker — Leaders Podcast Episode 17

Join host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, as he sits down with Brig Barker, President and Special Programs Officer for Blue Atlas Group. Brig shares insights from his extensive career as a retired FBI agent and Army officer, offering a unique perspective on counterterrorism, AI innovation, and leadership in complex investigations.

Brig’s impressive background includes:

• Over 15 deployments to Africa and the Middle East

• Roles as an FBI SWAT operator, certified sniper, and senior advisor embedded with USSOCOM

• Opening the FBI Attaché office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and leading the Blood Diamonds investigation

• Authoring The Dark Trajectory of Jihad and publishing numerous counterterrorism articles

• Expertise in Arabic, Farsi, and German languages

This episode dives deep into the evolving challenges in private sector investigations, the impact of AI and deepfakes, and what it takes to succeed in the field.

Listen to the full conversation on:

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e69QdVN2

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dVvCVRG3

Instagram: https://lnkd.in/d7F2RhPW

Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/e2bDyJaU

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/emqXjsKi

TikTok: https://lnkd.in/dHT5-rgR

#leaderspodcast #counterterrorism #investigations #aiinnovation #securityexpert

In Episode 16 of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Steven Kirby, an experienced investigator and long-time member of the global investigations community, to discuss how leadership, technology, and association involvement have shaped the profession over time.

Together, they explore how the industry has transitioned from relationship-driven methods to more regulated, tech-reliant practices — and what that shift means for today’s investigators. From the value of mentorship and trusted networks, to the evolving role of data and open-source intelligence, Steven offers insight into how to remain effective in a changing landscape.

This episode covers:
– What makes a strong and trusted leader
– The role of professional associations in building global networks
– How privacy regulations have changed the way investigators work
– The difference between collecting data and producing meaningful information
– Why technological skill is no longer optional

A valuable conversation for both experienced investigators and those entering the field.

Leaders Podcast

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e69QdVN2

YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dVvCVRG3

Instagram: https://lnkd.in/d7F2RhPW

Amazon Music: https://lnkd.in/e2bDyJaU

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/emqXjsKi

TikTok: https://lnkd.in/dHT5-rgR

#leaderspodcast
#investigationindustry
#professionalleadership
#osint
#globalnetworking
#privateinvestigators

Leaders Podcast – Episode 15
Mike LaCorte x Jean Schmitt

In Episode 15 of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, speaks with Jean Schmitt — a licensed private investigator with over three decades of experience and the current Chairman of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.).

Based in Paris, Jean reflects on his professional journey, his leadership roles in international and European associations, and his involvement in licensing reform in France. He discusses how long-term commitment to professional bodies like W.A.D. has shaped his career, built trust across borders, and helped define standards in an evolving industry.

This episode explores:
– The value of credibility and trust in international investigation
– The role of professional associations in building networks
– Jean’s experience helping regulators understand the industry
– Why mentorship and long-term involvement matter

Watch now for insights into the people, processes, and standards shaping global private investigation today.

Listen and follow the Leaders Podcast on all platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast
Instagram: https://instagram.com/leaders_pod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1

Conflict International
Website: https://www.conflictinternational.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/conflict_intl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.)
Website: https://wad.net

#leaderspodcast
#WAD
#investigationindustry
#duediligence
#professionalstandards
#internationalnetworking
#privateinvestigators

In Episode 14 of the Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Siti Subaidah, a respected investigator with decades of experience in the Malaysian and international investigative landscape.

Siti shares how her entry into the industry happened by chance — starting with administrative duties and evolving into hands-on investigative work. Through in-house training, she developed a skillset that allowed her to handle sensitive cases with discretion and professionalism.

The conversation also explores the state of the investigations sector in Malaysia, including the corporate risk environment and the importance of understanding local business culture.

Siti reflects on her long-standing relationship with the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.), dating back to 1986 when she helped host one of its conferences in Singapore — years before officially becoming a member. She explains how W.A.D.’s international diversity and network influenced her early on and why she remains involved today.

This episode is a must-listen for professionals entering the private sector, those working in corporate due diligence, and anyone looking to understand the value of global association networks.

Listen on all major platforms:

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo

Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1

Amazon Music
https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcast

TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast

Instagram
https://instagram.com/leaders_pod

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast

Conflict International
Website: https://www.conflictinternational.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflict_intl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.)
Website: https://wad.net