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In this episode of the Security Circle podcast, host Yolanda interviews Matt Todd, a seasoned hostage negotiator with 30 years of experience in the police force. Matt shares insights into the world of hostage and crisis negotiation, discussing the importance of emotional intelligence, listening skills, and non-judgmental communication. He recounts stories from his career, including negotiating with individuals on the verge of suicide and handling high-stakes barricade situations. Matt also touches on the complexities of kidnap negotiations and provides practical advice on improving listening abilities in everyday life. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges faced by negotiators and underscores the critical role of empathy and understanding in resolving life-threatening scenarios.

Matt Todd, PhD - Director

Matt is a Director in the Security Risk Consulting business where he currently delivers kidnap incident management training and hostage/kidnap negotiation skills to global companies and governments around the world. Prior to this Matt served with three UK police forces for 30 years, working predominantly in the area of serious crime. For the past 18 years, Matt has specialised in hostage and crisis negotiation.

Matt holds a PhD in terrorist negotiation studies with Manchester Metropolitan University. During his PhD studies Matt co-authored a paper titled “Police Crisis Negotiation”, published in the Routledge Handbook of Forensic Linguistics.

Matt’s most significant experience and highlights include:

Deployed for 17 years to support policing operations in kidnap for ransom (including complex cross-border cases), blackmail, extortion, cyber-extortion, and international crime in action cases, supporting victims and families or as a coordinator providing strategic negotiation advice to senior investigating officers.

Lead for the Hostage and Crisis Negotiation Unit at Greater Manchester Police.

Supported the UK Government's Crisis Group (COBR), advising on international and terrorist kidnapping in cases involving UK subjects as individuals or part of multi-national groups.

Course director for the UK national hostage negotiator and kidnap negotiator courses training UK and international law enforcement and military personnel in hostage and kidnap negotiation.

Delivered lectures and training programmes in crisis and communication to private companies in the UK and aboard.

As a course director, prepared and delivered UK’s national hostage negotiation course and also delivered the UK’s international hostage negotiation training course to police and military staff around the world.

Delivered training for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security hostage incident management programme and the United Nations Counter Terrorism Centre’s capacity-building project on international best practices on addressing kidnapping for ransom

He has been a member for the FBI’s hostage negotiator programme and the International Negotiator Working Group, where he presented his research program on negotiation at marauding terrorist attacks in Japan.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-matt-todd-0818823b/

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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BIO Sandi Davies

As Chief Executive Officer of the International Foundation for Protection Officers it is my intention to meet and exceed the goals and objectives of this organization. Developing and making available the best security educational programs possible is critical to the success of the Foundation. Additionally important is the effort involved in creating and maintaining productive working relations with our many members, partners and supporters around the world. We have a great team!

"Since it's inception in 1988, the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) has played a leading role in providing professional education to security professionals and students. The Foundation has collaborated with colleges, universities, corporations, training providers, professional associations and employers. Through membership, discounts on learning products and professional certification processes; the IFPO strives to professionalize security personnel in all industry sectors. The Certified Protection Officer (CPO) designation has been attained by over 45,000 persons in more than 45 countries around the world. Thousands of supervisory staff have become Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM). Hundreds of instructors, faculty and consultants have helped in the teaching of protective service materials and become Certified Protection Officer Instructors (CPOI's)."

BIO Bill Tenney

William “Bill” Tenney is a Navy veteran and recognized professional in the fields of corporate security, intelligence, and business resilience. He has built and led high-performing teams in financial services, technology, media, and retail sectors in the U.S. and overseas.

In the private sector, Bill has built and led corporate security teams at MetLife, Bloomberg LP and Target. Bill began his career in the U.S. Navy, serving in the U.S., Japan, and London, and deployed aboard the USS Midway and USS Independence. He also served in the foreign service in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York.

He earned a master's degree in National Security Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Olaf College.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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BIO

Manya Chylinski is a consultant who helps organizations build compassionate, mentally healthy workplaces that support well-being and resilience. Drawing from her experience as a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombings, Manya specializes in trauma-sensitive leadership and understanding the psychological impacts of violence and disaster. She has spoken about compassionate leadership and fostering supportive workplace environments on stages across the US, including SXSW, TEDx Northeastern, the National Homeland Security Conference, and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Emergency Management Conference. 

Through her advisory, analysis, and workshops, Manya helps organizations reimagine leadership with empathy and prioritize well-being, empowering teams to thrive no matter what challenges arise. 

Learn more at www.manychylinski.com.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manyachylinski/

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Kerry Daynes is one of the UK’s best known and well-respected psychologists and, as a Registered Forensic Psychologist, worked frontline in her field for over thirty years.  Her remarkable career has involved everything from shoplifters to serial killers and has seen her stabbed, stalked and even locked in a prison cell for misogynist laughs! Her first genre-defining book, The Dark Side of the Mind, was a Sunday Times bestseller and received widespread acclaim. The sequel, What Lies Buried, was listed for the Crime Writers Association Golden Dagger Award for Non-Fiction. She currently travels the world as a seasoned and in-demand speaker. Kerry is deaf, she is also a proud Patron of the National Centre for Domestic Violence and sits on the Trustee Board of anti-stalking charity The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.


Book link: Kerry Daynes’ True Stories of Forensic Psychology (2 book series) Paperback edition

Kerry Daynes  Consultant & Forensic Psychologist

The Dark Side Of The Mind: True Stories From My Life As A Forensic Psychologist is OUT NOW  here

What Lies Buried: a forensic psychologist's true stories of madness, the bad, and the misunderstood is OUT NOW here

Speaking & Media:  Sylvia Tidy-Harris at Tidy Management 

Inspirational Woman Award winner 2023. Patron of the National Centre for Domestic Violence - Patron of Talking2Minds (treating PTSD and stress-related illness) - Anti-Stalking Campaigner and proud Trustee at The Suzy Lamplugh Trust.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Tom Vazdar is a renowned expert in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, as well as the founder of Riskoria Advising & Professional Services LLC, where he supports organizations in integrating AI, managing risks, and safeguarding data. He leads the Enterprise Cybersecurity MSc program at OPIT - Open Institute of Technology and lectures in the global AI for Changemakers accelerator, fostering innovation in the nonprofit sector.

As a Program Board Member for eFraud Europe at RSA Conferences, Tom collaborates with leading experts, professors, and authors to shape content on cybercrime. He also served as an Advisory Board Member for Financial Cybercrime at Europol.

Tom is a board member of Disaster Tech Lab, advising on AI and cybersecurity in crisis response, and of the Croatian Association for Artificial Intelligence (CroAI), where he contributes to the development and promotion of AI technologies in Croatia. Through his work in strategy, education, and global collaboration, Tom is shaping the future of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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BIO

Chris Middleton is a highly accomplished Chartered Security Director with over two decades of experience in driving strategic initiatives and safeguarding organizations of all sizes.

His career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, challenging the status quo and driving positive change, along with a focus on giving back to others.

He has been asked to sit on several advisory boards and thought leadership panels. He has been recognized for his contributions to both the security and facilities management industry, winning awards including the highly prestigious OSPA award in 2022. Through his career he has been fortunate enough to have held senior security & facilities management roles working for large professional service firms, EY, PwC, Deloitte, and Marsh & McLennan.

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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BIO

I spent 10 years in the talent & recruitment industry, building my personal brand and video content expertise from the ground up, having had no qualifications or professional background. 

I believe the human element of a digital age I've grown up in is losing touch and I'm on a mission to change that.
A decade working with blue chips, startups and everything in between has taught me that most corporates follow the same cookie cutter narrative & it's harder than ever to standout from the crowd.

At Vidible, we believe Videos, Podcasts & Events create deeper connections with customers, offer authentic insight into a company and showcase the people behind the business. (And the numbers back it up!)

We transform how brands are perceived - less artificial intelligence... more human intelligence!

If you'd like to be a guest on my female leadership Podcast or want a refreshing perspective on marketing, hit me up. [email protected]

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Lee Chambers is the Founder and CEO of Male Allies UK. After a diverse career, from corporate finance to building and exiting tech company, he is now focused on supporting organisations to engage men in inclusion and promote effective allyship. He has been featured on the Startups 100 Index, has received a Great British Entrepreneur Award, and sits on the board of CMI Women, Regenerage UK and the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. In 2024, he received the Freedom of the City of London for services to equality in business. 

He is a Kavli Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences in the USA, the first Black British scientist to be awarded in its 33-year history, received for his work on health inequalities. He is the 2023 UN Women Changemaker of the Year, and is an ambassador for the UK Governments Lilac Review for Disabled Entrepreneurship. He speaks globally on allyship and intersectionality, having taken the stage at One Young World, ChangeNOW and the Bloomberg Global Equality Summit, and is the author of the upcoming book, Momentum: 13 Ways To Unlock Your Potential.

Personally, he shares his experiences as a Black autistic man, a stay-at-home dad, and his journey to learn to walk again after acquiring a chronic illness. He lives near Preston with his three children.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leechambers-1/

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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BIO

Eren is the Head of Safer Business Network Training and has successfully led initiatives in equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), fostering positive and inclusive work environments. His focus on employees and effective strategies has created award-winning, diverse workplaces and enhanced organisational cultures. Eren is renowned for building partnerships and improving safety across the UK and internationally. His involvement in key projects with stakeholders, including 'WAVE', 'Ask for Angela', Safe Havens, and initiatives to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, reflects his strong commitment to create safer communities.

 https://www.linkedin.com/in/eren-bessim-9b8442110/

Awards:

David Clark Award 2023 – 1st November 2023

LGBT Defence Award – Outstanding Achiever – October 24

Security and Fire Excellence Award 2024 – December 24

[email protected]

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

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Mission: Inspiring others to learn and thrive!

Services: OSHA-compliant Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification Training; Fire Safety Awareness Training, 911 Readiness, and Team Building Seminars; Consulting, and Motivational Speaking. We equip individuals with the knowledge needed to make a difference, whether in a life-or-death situation, their career, or the lives of those around them.  Together, we can help others "live to see a new day."

Client Review: “With New Day Education & Motivation, you're not just learning, you're preparing for real-life scenarios that demand swift action and sound judgment. It's an investment in knowledge that can save lives.” RaceTrac, Inc.

Recommendation: "Rebecca has demonstrated creativity, adaptability, and abundant enthusiasm. Chief Rebecca Strobl is an extremely capable professional.  She has my strongest recommendation. "  Fire Chief, Eddie Robinson, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccastrobl/1

Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers