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🔑 Top Talking Points: “Targeted: CEOs, Culture, and the Fallout We Didn't Predict”

1. The Assassination of Brian Thompson
   – Overview of the attack, public reaction, and why so little is known about the case
    – The transformation of the attacker into a disturbing “folk hero” among some Gen Z communities
2. Executive Risk in a Post-COVID World
   – The new vulnerability landscape for C-suite leaders
    – Boards and legal teams under pressure to take protective intelligence seriously
3. Cultural and Psychological Disruption in the Workplace
   – The breakdown of the “psychological contract” between employers and employees
    – Why many organizations can no longer define what a “happy employee” looks like
4. The Power (and Neglect) of Sentiment Analysis
   – How companies are missing early warning signals
    – The shift from traditional threat monitoring to broader emotional intelligence strategies
5. The Secret Service Model for the Private Sector
   – Why organizations must think of CEOs like heads of state
    – The need for threat councils, brand monitoring, and pre-event risk intelligence
6. Kindness, Community, and the Rise of Faith
   – An unexpected resurgence in church attendance among Gen Z
    – How security professionals can use compassion to rebuild fractured cultures
7. The Role of Authenticity in Leadership and Social Media
   – Audience fatigue with AI-generated content
    – Why authenticity, engagement, and connection are winning trust in 2025
8. What Comes Next: Security as Culture Keepers
   – Tim's forecast: security leaders must step up as cultural architects
   – Rebuilding trust, tracking sentiment, and protecting more than just people — but values

 Tim Wenzel, the Creator of The Kindness Games and Associate Managing Director of Enterprise Security Risk Management at Kroll, is a global security executive, international keynote speaker and thought leader in the security, leadership, and wellness industries. 

As a highly regarded Coach & Mentor, he has a passion to transform the existing paradigms of leadership and risk management while building highly effective teams and joyful environments for them to experiment and thrive within.

Tim is a leadership columnist with the Security Journal Americas magazine and a sought-after SME in Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM). He helped lead the effort to codify it as the official risk doctrine within ASIS International as the Outreach & Education Lead on the 2017 - 2022 ESRM Steering Committees.  In 2024 & 2025, Tim was named as one of Security Journal Americas’ 30 influencers in the Security Industry.In 2024, Tim was named a Top 40 Thought Leader in the security industry, worldwide by the Life Safety Alliance. In 2023, Tim co-authored a book entitled: The Kindness Games: How a Single Post Changed Our Mindset about Community. In 2022, Tim was named a Global Influencer & Thought Leader in the Security Industry by IFSEC International, and was profiled by US Veterans magazine. He also became an Executive Fellow at WiLD Leaders, specializing in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, leadership, team development, and coaching.

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

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“Resilience doesn’t stop you falling off the bike — it helps you get back on.”
– Rick Cudworth

In this powerful episode of The Security Circle, host Yolanda is joined by organizational resilience expert Rick Cudworth, whose career spans engineering, technology, strategic risk, and leadership across some of the most complex environments — from chemical plants to the London 2012 Olympics and UK government preparedness for Brexit.

Rick unpacks the critical shift from reactive crisis planning to “Resilience by Design” — building organizational strength into systems, processes, and people before disruption strikes. He shares practical insights from leading readiness programs, including how to prepare teams to respond not just to major incidents, but to the everyday friction that derails operations.

Together, they explore:

• Why resilience is not just a plan, but a mindset and structure.
• How human purpose and well-being are central to a resilient workforce.
• Why we should focus less on “likelihood” and more on high-impact risk preparedness.
• The future of resilience — from AI and climate shocks to supply chain adaptation.

With powerful reflections on COVID, black swan events, stakeholder psychology, and personal resilience built through sport, Rick brings calm clarity to a chaotic world.

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

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🎙️ Podcast Summary:

In this dynamic episode, Yolanda welcomes fellow podcast host and security entrepreneur Mark Ledlow, founder of Fearless Mindset and CEO of Ledlow Security Group. From humble beginnings in the Marine Corps to leading a thriving executive protection firm, Mark shares his unfiltered journey into the world of security, resilience, and digital storytelling. Together, they dive into the power of mindset, the lessons podcasting teaches us, and the importance of authenticity in a black-and-white industry. Mark’s personal reflections—from near-death experiences to the transformative moment of watching his father’s final breath—bring depth to a conversation that’s as real as it is inspiring.

🔑 Key Talking Points:

1. From Imposter Syndrome to Industry Voice:
   Mark opens up about his early doubts in podcasting and how consistency and storytelling transformed his confidence, brand, and influence across the security industry.
2. Security with Soul: The Power of Authentic Conversations:
   The duo reflect on why traditional security narratives fall flat — and how bringing vulnerability, humor, and humanity into podcasts connects with wider audiences.
3. Executive Protection in a Changing World:
   Mark shares real-world insights from the field, including the post-COVID spike in digital threat management, high-profile protest risk, and what today’s CEOs really need.
4. Legacy, Leadership, and Living Fearlessly:
   Inspired by his late father’s battle with cancer, Mark reveals how the concept of a "fearless mindset" shaped his company, his media platform, and his commitment to lifting others up.

About Mark

Mark Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology with a Minor in Psychology 

From Southern Oregon University  one of the Top Criminology Programs in the Country. 

Mark Graduated on the Dean's List 

Mark also Served an 8 year contract in the United States Marine Corp 

and was honorably discharged a week after 9-11

During Mark's College Years he also Served in the Marine Reserves 

Worked for the Oregon Youth Authority in Youth Corrections and Served as a Police Reserve. 

Once Graduating from Southern Oregon University he went to work in the Corp Banking with both Key Bank and Washington Mutual which is now Chase Bank. 

Mark is the President of Ledlow Security Group A boutique Security Consulting firm which is  Headquartered in Frisco Texas. Ledlow Security Group Executed over 250 Missions last year. 

Focusing on Intelligence, Residential Security, Executive Protection, Providing the Executive Assistance and Chief of Staff a high level of  Personal Touch

Mark is also the Founder of and Host of The Fearless Mindset Podcast with over 119k subscribers on YouTube. The Fearless Mindset Podcast can be found on all Podcast platforms. 

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

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✍️ Short Podcast Summary:

In this gripping episode of The Security Circle, former British intelligence officer Gavin Stone lifts the veil on the murky world of corporate espionage. From railgun leaks in Korea to bugs in boardrooms, Gavin shares shocking real-world tactics used to infiltrate companies, manipulate insiders, and extract secrets. With wit, wisdom, and a touch of dry humour, he breaks down how naivety, greed, and ego are exploited—and why the greatest threat might be sitting at the desk next to you.

📌 Top Talking Points (Bullet Highlights):

• What is corporate espionage and how it differs from state-level spying
• Real-world tactics used to infiltrate companies—from “smile campaigns” to keyloggers
• How even small behavioral shifts in employees can signal a leak
• Case study: Tracking a railgun intelligence leak between Korea and Russia
• Red flags in business: Sudden wealth, asking for access outside of role, and being “too helpful”
• Why being a good spy is more about patience and boredom than action-movie drama
• The psychology of betrayal: How money, ego, and dissatisfaction drive insiders
• How technology—like charger ports and USB leads—can be weaponized for espionage
• Celebrity and CEO vulnerabilities in the digital age
• The importance of social and corporate resilience in the face of rising global instability

💬 Powerful Quote from Gavin:

“Spying is the most dangerous way in the world to make friends.”

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

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• 🕵️‍♂️ From war zones to waiting rooms — how behavioural cues, atmospheric shifts, and body language reveal hidden threats and emotions.
• 🔍 What do pickpockets, Taliban operatives, and salespeople have in common? The answer lies in "rehearsal behaviour" — and Gary teaches you how to spot it.
• 💬 Mirroring, microexpressions, and emotional leakage — decode the invisible signals people are constantly giving away.
• ⚠️ How laughter in a firefight helped a Marine survive: Discover the psychological tactics that protect soldiers—and how they apply to daily stress.
• 🎭 The psychology of accents, crowd control, and proxemics — learn why your feet reveal more than your words and how lifts, queues, and airports are behavioural goldmines.

BIO

Gary Simpson is a former Royal Marines Commando and seasoned security professional who specialises in applying Nonverbal Communication (NVC), Behaviour, and body language analysis within high-risk security environments. As co-founder of Special Projects Group, Gary has developed cutting-edge methodologies to sharpen situational awareness across military, law enforcement, and protective services. His training equips professionals with the tools to detect threats early, recognise distress signals, overcome language barriers, and identify concealed weapons - turning intuition into a measurable skillset.

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvc-guy/

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

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BIO

Craig Foster : Head of Corporate Real Estate, Safety & Security, Crisis Management & Resilience at Grab

Craig is a member of Grab’s senior management team and leads real estate & facilities, safety & security, and business continuity teams that help keep Grabbers safe and productive. Craig has lived and worked in Asia since 1986 and has over thirty years of leadership experience across law enforcement, security risk consulting and corporate roles in the manufacturing, finance and technology sectors .

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/craig-foster-0b85524

 About this episode:

🎯 Key Highlights & Insights:

• A Life-Changing 'Punt' into Policing:
   
  • Craig's spontaneous decision to join the Royal Hong Kong Police in 1986 became a 13-year adventure in cultural immersion, leadership, and transformation.
•  
  • His early doubts quickly gave way to deep purpose and a new home base in Asia.

• Firsthand Witness to History:
   
  • He played a key role during the 1997 Hong Kong handover, managing security for global leaders including the now King Charles and Tony Blair.
•  
  • He described juggling “three ceremonies” (British, Hong Kong, Chinese) amid diplomatic tensions and massive logistical challenges.

• From Badge to Boardroom:
   
  • Transitioning from police superintendent to corporate risk consultant was a humbling and eye-opening shift.
•  
  • Navigating crises in foreign cities like Manila and Bangkok required real-time problem-solving without authority or backup.

• 2004 Tsunami: A Catalyst for Change:
   
  • Craig’s deeply personal experience searching for missing persons in Thailand inspired the founding of ACSG.
•  
  • The tragedy revealed the power of collaborative intelligence—airline data, credit card tracking, and hotel coordination—to save lives.

• Building a Resilient Security Network:
   
  • Today, ACSG connects 450 members across 260 organizations, with live crisis chats in 21 countries.
•  
  • Its mentoring program and peer support model have shaped the region’s risk culture for two decades.

• Technology + Humanity = Resilience:
   
  • At Grab, Craig is helping integrate AI into crisis management: early warning, automated crisis activation, and post-incident lessons learned.
•  
  • But tech is just a tool—resilience still demands leadership, training, and trust.

• Embedding Risk Thinking into Business DNA:
   
  • He emphasizes that preparedness isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a business value and a cultural shift.
•  
  • Many companies still operate in silos, resisting the convergence of cyber, physical, and operational resilience.

• Giving Back:
   
  • Now at a stage where "giving back" feels right, Craig wants to mentor the next generation of security professionals.

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

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🎧 Episode Summary: “Tough Enough to Talk”

In this deeply moving and candid conversation, host Yolanda Hamblen sits down with Stu Bratt—a military veteran, engineer, and founder of Tough Enough to Care, a mental health charity on a mission to break the stigma around men’s mental wellbeing. Stu shares his personal journey through loss, emotional growth, and ultimately, transformation into a fierce mental health advocate. Together, they explore how vulnerability, community, and meaningful conversation can be life-saving.

🔥 Teaser Highlights:

• From RAF to Realisation: Stu opens up about his time in the military and how the "man up" culture nearly cost him his own mental clarity.
• Tragedy Sparks Purpose: After losing two friends to suicide within four days, Stu’s emotional default of blame turned into a mission for change.
• “Lads, Don’t Be a Dick – Talk”: A drunken Facebook post led to the birth of Tough Enough to Care, now a registered charity supporting thousands.
• The Disappearing Pub Culture: Has the decline of traditional male social spaces like pubs made it harder for men to open up?
• Resilience vs. Reality: Why slowing down, self-awareness, and learning to say “no” are vital tools in your mental health toolkit.
• The Social Media Paradox: Connection or comparison? Stu weighs in on how social media magnifies mental health struggles.
• Blair’s Mental Health Comments: Stu tackles Tony Blair’s controversial view on self-diagnosing depression and the UK benefits bill—with nuance and fire.
• Advice for the Silent Struggler: If you’re silently battling, this is the part of the podcast you must hear. You are not alone.

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

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🎙️ Podcast Summary:

In this compelling episode, Yolanda sits down with Lena Sisco — former Department of Defense interrogator, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and body language expert. Lena shares her extraordinary and unexpected journey from archaeology to military intelligence, revealing the mental and emotional endurance it takes to interrogate high-value detainees, including at Guantanamo Bay. She discusses her development of a rapport-based interrogation method, the power of empathy and listening, and her experiences training law enforcement and corporate leaders in communication and human behavior.

🔥 Top Juicy Subjects Covered:

• Becoming an Interrogator: Initially hesitant, Lena was recruited into one of the first IPW (Interrogation of Prisoners of War) programs allowing women.
• Training Breakdown: Describes grueling military training meant to strip ego and rebuild resilience and open-mindedness.
• Gitmo Deployment: Shares raw insights from her first real-world assignment at Guantanamo Bay, including sensory overload, nerves, and how she learned on the job.
• Empathy vs. Aggression: Advocates for building trust over fear, even in high-stakes scenarios, challenging old-school macho interrogation styles.
• Strategic Listening: Talks about how real listening uncovers both information and motivation, critical to interrogation and everyday communication.
• The Birth of Her Method: After rejecting traditional aggressive techniques, Lena created a rapport-based system that has since trained law enforcement and businesses.
• TV Series "Killer Performance": Behind-the-scenes look at analyzing real serial killers’ behavior on a true-crime TV series.
• Her Favorite Interrogation Win: Tells a powerful story about a detainee named Abdulaziz who turned informant simply because Lena was “too nice to lie to.”
• New Books in the Works: Lena is working on two more books, including one on dark psychology aimed at helping everyday people navigate manipulation.

Biography

Lena Sisco is the CEO and Founder of two companies, The Congruency Group and Sector Intelligence. She is a former Naval Intelligence Officer and Marine Corps-certified interrogator who conducted hundreds of interrogations during the Global War on Terror.

Lena Sisco is an expert in body language (voted top 11th in the world by GlobalGurus), communication techniques, lie detection, and leadership. She was voted the top #11 body language expert worldwide and has appeared on multiple news outlets, such as FoxLiveNow, Newsmax, and CourtTV. She has been an expert witness on the HBO Series “Burden of Proof,” Reelz Series, “Killer Performance,” and an Emmy-nominated court TV show. She is a TEDx speaker, a keynote speaker, and an expert panelist for SPYEX and the SPY Museum in Washington, D.C.

Since 2003, Lena has trained the Department of Defense, government agencies, law enforcement, special forces, and private sector industries in body language, interviewing, statement analysis, detecting deception, elicitation, executive presence, and change leadership.

Lena is certified in Organizational Change Management and received her certificate in the Psychology of Leadership from Cornell University. She has a Master's degree in archaeology from Brown University and a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Rhode Island. She is the author of “You’re Lying,” “Honest Answers,” and “The 13 Power Moves of Dark Psychology.” You can reach her at [email protected] or at +1 703.898.6364. Her websites are: www.thecongruencygroup.com and www.sectorintell.com.

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Get ready for an adrenaline-charged deep dive into the world of espionage with Alex Bomberg — from army life and corporate spying to the psychology of secrets. Alex shares jaw-dropping stories, career lessons, and why the real battlefield today is inside your mind. Expect truth bombs, laughs, and a few surprises along the way.

Alex Bomberg’s Personal Journey: From school expulsion and army service to building a career in security and counterespionage.

Corporate Espionage: Real-world stories about surveillance, bugging hotels, and intelligence gathering for commercial clients.

Technical Surveillance (TSCM): The realities of bug sweeps and the importance (and limitations) of technical countermeasures.

Psychology in Security: How human behavior, learning styles, and insider threats shape security vulnerabilities.

Cognitive Warfare and Social Media: How information warfare, influence operations, and AI are changing the security landscape.

The Evolution of Technology: How advances in mobile devices, AI, and surveillance have made espionage both easier and harder.

Nudge Theory in Security: Using subtle psychological prompts to improve security behavior without heavy-handed rules.

Broken Windows Theory: How neglect in small areas can escalate to bigger risks in both cities and organizations.

Building a Security Network: The value of professional networks, mentorship, and fostering good relationships in the security world.

Resilience and Risk Management: How organizations need to focus on culture and resilience to survive future security challenges.

BIO

Alex Bomberg is the Founder and Group CEO of Intelligent (UK Holdings) Limited, a global security and intelligence group headquartered in Gloucestershire, England. A former British Army soldier and has been a prominent figure in the security industry since establishing International Intelligence Limited in 2002.

Under his leadership, the group has expanded to include multiple specialist companies, including Intelligent Protection International Limited, which provides multilingual close protection services worldwide. Bomberg is recognised as a leading expert in counter-espionage, technical surveillance counter-measures (TSCM), and risk management.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management and a Member of the Security Institute. Bomberg is also a sought-after speaker and media commentator, having lectured at institutions such as King's College London and the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and appeared on major news outlets, including the BBC, CNN, and Sky News.

In 2025, he introduced the "Big Dave Theory," a new academic concept addressing client bias in security decision-making.

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Summary of Episode:

🎙️ Episode Summary: Jonathan Perillo on Purpose, Mentorship, and the Evolving Security Industry

• Introduction & Background
  Jonathan shares his journey from joining the U.S. Marines post-9/11 to building a career in private security. 
• His early interest in the Coast Guard shifted to the Marines after meeting a recruiter and being inspired by the ethos and uniform. 
• Lessons from the Marines
  Describes boot camp and reconnecting with his former drill instructor after 20 years.
•  Key takeaway: Learning to become independent and trust his own decisions as a non-commissioned officer.
•  Shared a powerful turnaround moment from being overly reliant on guidance to becoming a confident leader.
• Transition into Security
  Security began as a side job during and after his military service. 
• A mentor helped him realize security wasn’t just a “bridge job” — it was his calling. 
• Jonathan emphasizes the distinction between guarding and strategic security leadership. 
• The Purpose of Purpose
  Purpose is what separates a job from a career. 
• Security professionals who find purpose in their roles perform with deeper commitment — but it can also lead to burnout if not balanced.
• Security as a Dual-Layer Industry
  Describes security as a field that accommodates both thinkers and doers.
•  Celebrates those content in frontline roles and those who aim to reshape the industry.
• Challenges in the Industry
  Rise in assaults on frontline officers, particularly in healthcare and retail 
• Advocates for protective legislation but urges caution to avoid unintended regulatory burdens.
• Security & Firearms Culture
  Discusses differences in firearms norms between the U.S. and UK 
• Emphasizes the seriousness and safety culture among responsible gun owners.
• AI and the Future of Security
  Believes the industry will initially fumble AI adoption due to data immaturity. 
• Sees early uses in validation (e.g., reviewing risk assessments) and predictive analytics in cyber/physical domains 
• Highlights use cases like drones, robot dogs, and sensor-equipped patrol units in expansive or hazardous environments.
• On Mentorship
  Strong advocate for mentoring through ASIS International.
•  His approach: guide, don’t clone — help mentees discover their own path 
• Reiterates the importance of choosing mentors that match specific needs or stages of personal/professional growth.

• Final Thoughts
  Urges security professionals to support each other and amplify the voices of those driving positive change. Encourages listeners to “change the world by changing their world” — starting with their mindset and community.

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