Episode 13 of the Leaders Podcast is out now: Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with veteran investigator Matthias Willenbrink.With over 45 years of experience, Matthias began his career in the German Police in 1980 and went on to lead a SWAT team focused on organised crime. After transitioning to the private sector in 1994, he built a reputation for excellence in insurance counter-fraud and international investigative work.A past President of W.A.D. (2015–2016), Matthias has received multiple global awards and remains deeply engaged with professional associations. In this episode, Mike and Matthias explore the challenges and standards within the investigative industry, the value of global collaboration, and why regulation, recognition, and trust are essential to the profession’s future.Stream the full episode now.Leaders Podcast LinksSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Instagram: https://instagram.com/leaders_podAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastConflict InternationalWebsite: www.conflictinternational.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/conflict_intlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=allW.A.D.Website: https://wad.net#leaderspodcast #mikelacorte #matthiaswillenbrink #conflictinternational #WAD #privateinvestigators #internationalinvestigations #PIcommunity #professionalinvestigator #insurancefraud #globalnetwork #leadership #PIstandards

Host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Chuck McLaughlin to reflect on leadership, the 100th anniversary of the World Association of Detectives (WAD), and how the private investigation industry continues to evolve globally.

With over 36 years of experience, Chuck shares insights from his extensive investigative career, including international cases, product liability defence, and his role as Chairman of WAD for 2024–2025.

Watch or listen now:

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

Follow for updates

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Host
https://mikelacorte.com/leaders-podcast

Mike LaCorte is the CEO of Conflict International
www.conflictinternational.com

Follow Conflict International

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@conflict_intl
LinkedIn
Conflict International

#leaderspodcast #podcastclips #mikelacorte #chuckmclaughlin #privateinvestigation #wad100 #conflictinternational #piindustry #investigatorleaders

Leaders Podcast Episode 11 — Out Now

Host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Edward J. Ajaeb, President of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), to discuss his journey in the investigations industry and the value of professional associations like NCISS and WAD.

Edward shares insights from his extensive career in legal investigations, background checks, and online research, as well as the benefits of staying engaged with industry organisations and building connections with peers across the world.

Listen now 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

Stay connected:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/leaders_pod

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

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

• Host: https://mikelacorte.com/leaders-podcast

Mike LaCorte is the CEO of Conflict International.
www.conflictinternational.com

Follow Conflict International:
Instagram @conflict_intl
LinkedIn Conflict International

#leaderspodcast #podcastclips #mikelacorte #edwardajaeb #nciss #privateinvestigators #conflictinternational #investigations

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte sits down with Bernarda Škrabar Damnjanović, a certified international investigator with nearly 20 years of experience. As a global leader in the detective profession, Bernarda has played a pivotal role in shaping investigative standards, organising international conferences, and developing the first global detective exchange program. She shares insights on OSINT, data analytics, and the role of technology in modern investigations. With a strong academic background and a passion for research and education, Bernarda discusses the future of private investigations and the importance of innovation in the field.Bernada's contact details: [email protected]/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842Instagraminstagram.com/leaders_podTik Toktiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinked Inlinkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastMike LaCortehttps://mikelacorte.com#podcastclips #investigations #OSINT #leaderspod #privateinvestigator #dataanalytics

In this Episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Dan Rusu, former president of the World Association of Detectives. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of the investigations industry, the real challenges of obtaining a private investigator’s licence in Romania, and the importance of international collaboration.They reflect on why simply joining a professional association isn’t enough—and how showing up, participating in conferences, and building global connections can elevate your practice. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced investigator, this conversation offers unique insights into working across borders, navigating regulation, and growing within a professional network.Spotifyopen.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Instagraminstagram.com/leaders_podAmazon Music https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcast Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842 Tik Toktiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastMike LaCortehttps://mikelacorte.comhttps://mikelacorte.com/leaders-podcastConflict internationalwebsite https://conflictinternational.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/conflict_intl/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte speaks with Kelly Riddle, a highly respected figure in the investigative industry. With over four decades of experience, Kelly shares insights into his career journey, his leadership roles across multiple national and international organisations, and the principles that have guided his work.

Recognised as the “#1 PI in the United States” and named one of the “Top 25 PIs of the 20th Century,” Kelly discusses the evolution of private investigation, the value of professional ethics, and the impact of education and collaboration in shaping the industry’s future.

This is a must-listen for investigators, security professionals, and anyone interested in leadership and legacy in this specialised field.

Kelly's contact details: [email protected]

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music

#podcastclips #leaderspodcast #kellyriddle #mikelacorte #investigations #privateinvestigator

Spotify

open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo

YouTube

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

Instagram

instagram.com/leaders_pod

Amazon Music 

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

Apple Podcasts

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

Tik Tok

tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast

LinkedIn

linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast

Mike LaCorte

https://mikelacorte.com

Conflict international

Website 

https://conflictinternational.com/ 

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/conflict_intl/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

In Episode 8, Mike LaCorte is joined by Wes Bearden, one of the most respected names in the private investigation industry and the current President of the World Association of Detectives (WAD). Wes shares insights from decades of experience leading complex investigations across the globe.

As both a licensed attorney and investigator, Wes brings a rare level of legal understanding to private investigations. He discusses how his lawyer-led team at Bearden Investigative Agency supports law firms, corporations, and individuals through high-stakes situations that demand expert handling.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of private investigation, ethical challenges in the field, and what it takes to lead on a global scale.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

Spotify

open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo

YouTube

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

Instagram

instagram.com/leaders_pod

Amazon Music 

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

Apple Podcasts

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

Tik Tok

tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast

LinkedIn

linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast

Mike LaCorte

https://mikelacorte.com

Conflict international

website 

https://conflictinternational.com/ 

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/conflict_intl/

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all

#podcastclips #leaderspodcast #episode8 #wesbearden #privateinvestigation #worldassociationofdetectives #mikelacorte #investigations

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte welcomes Alexey Solomanidin, head of Vlasta-Consulting Ltd., one of the leading consulting and investigative firms in Russia. With offices across Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, Alexey has built a reputation as a global leader in brand protection and investigations. A former President and Chairman of the World Association of Detectives, he shares insights on tackling counterfeiting, international investigative challenges, and the evolving landscape of intellectual property enforcement. Tune in for expert perspectives on the world of investigations and brand security.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

Alexey's contact details: [email protected]

Spotify

open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo

YouTube

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

Amazon Music

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

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842

Instagram

instagram.com/leaders_pod

Tik Tok

tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast

Linked In

linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast

Mike LaCorte

https://mikelacorte.com

#podcastclips #brandprotection #investigations #leaderspod #intellectualproperty

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte speaks with Matt Spaier, a seasoned private investigator and industry leader with a global reach. As the founder of PI Perspective and Investigators Toolbox, Matt has built a reputation for fostering collaboration and innovation within the investigative community. He shares his journey into private investigations, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of networking and technology in modern investigative work. From surveillance tactics to international cases, Matt offers invaluable insights for both aspiring and experienced investigators.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

PI Perspectives

https://pi-perspectives.com

Spotify

open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo

YouTube

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

Amazon Music

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

Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842

Instagram

instagram.com/leaders_pod

Tik Tok

tiktok.com/@leaderspodcast

Linked In

linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcast

Mike LaCorte

https://mikelacorte.com

#podcastclips #privateinvestigator #investigations #networking #leaderspod

Episode 4: Brand Protection & International Investigations with Ron Harrison

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte sits down with Ron Harrison, a career detective with the Metropolitan Police for 30 years, specialising in international fraud and organised crime. After retiring in 1999, Ron transitioned into private investigations, eventually leading Surelock International Ltd. Now a recognised expert in brand protection, Ron shares his experiences tackling counterfeit operations across the globe—from South Korea to the Caribbean—and working with some of the world’s biggest brands. He also discusses high-profile investigations, fraud cases, and the ever-evolving challenges of brand protection in today’s market.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.

Spotifyopen.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoAmazon Musichttps://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/3...Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...Instagraminstagram.com/leaders_podTik Toktiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinked Inlinkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastMike LaCortehttps://mikelacorte.com

#podcastclips #investigations #brandprotection #fraudprevention #leaderspod