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Podcast Talking Points – Neil Woods Episode

• A raw look inside the life of an undercover cop: Neil Woods recounts his years infiltrating dangerous drug gangs across the UK, living double lives and navigating high-stakes deception.
• The emotional and psychological toll of undercover work: Neil opens up about the trauma, fear, and moral conflict that came with being deep undercover — and the long-term effects on his mental health.
• The failure of the war on drugs: Drawing from firsthand experience, Neil dismantles the narrative of drug enforcement success and exposes how these tactics often fuel organized crime rather than dismantle it.
• From enforcement to activism: Once part of the machine, Neil now fights against it. He shares how his lived experience turned him into a passionate advocate for drug policy reform and a member of LEAP (Law Enforcement Action Partnership).
• The human cost of policing drug crime: Real stories of those caught in the crossfire — from gang members to vulnerable individuals — and how current laws perpetuate cycles of violence and addiction.
• Insight into criminal psychology and gang dynamics: What really goes on inside these criminal networks? Neil shares chilling yet insightful perspectives on manipulation, power, and survival.
• Whistleblowing and the courage to speak out: Neil reveals the institutional resistance to change and the risks he’s taken by speaking the truth about systemic failures within UK policing.

BIO

A former Derbyshire police officer, Neil worked undercover for the East Midlands Special Operations Unit through the nineties and noughties. He resigned as a Detective Sergeant in 2011. 

The author of a bestselling memoir Good Cop Bad War, and the drug policy history book Drug Wars with JS Rafaeli, he’s now a leading figure in the international drug law reform movement. He has written for multiple publications such as The Guardian and the Independent, and appeared in news features and documentaries in many nations. Neil is a board member of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership in the USA and Europe. He is a founding member of the Coalition on Drug Policy Reform & Environmental Justice and a director of OEV Partners

https://lawenforcementactionpartnership.org

https://www.reformrestorerecover.org

https://www.oevpartners.com

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

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Exciting Topics Covered in the Michael Centrella Podcast

• 🛡️ What it really means to serve in the U.S. Secret Service
• 🇺🇸 Protecting Presidents, foreign dignitaries, and global events
• 💣 Being on the ground in Washington, D.C. on 9/11 — and the intense hours that followed
• 🚨 The split-second decision-making required in high-stress security environments
• 🧠 Mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and how to lead through crisis
• 💼 The Secret Service beyond the movies — the realities vs. Hollywood myth
• 🔍 Cybersecurity and financial crime investigations under the Secret Service’s umbrella
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing a demanding service career with family life
• 📈 Lessons in leadership, humility, and building up the next generation
• 🏛️ The evolution of threats over two decades in national security
• 💬 Career reflections: pivotal moments that shaped a life of service
• ✨ Why purpose and passion still drive him after 25+ years
• 🔐 The transition from field operations to executive leadership

BIO:

Michael R. Centrella is a federal law enforcement special agent with 25 years of experience with the U.S. Secret Service. As the Assistant Director of the Secret Service’s Office of Field Operations, he leads efforts to combat transnational cybercrime, safeguard America’s financial payment systems, and provide physical protection to world leaders. Centrella’s expertise spans intelligence gathering, risk assessment, major event security, and cybersecurity. He is also a certified chief information security officer (CISO) and a passionate advocate for leveraging AI responsibly in cybersecurity.

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

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Daniel Garnham

• 20 years as a UK police cyber detective and digital trainer.

• Lead implementor and auditor on ISO27001 cyber security standard.

• International speaker in cybercrime, cyber security and digital forensics.

• Global trainer in cyber for Interpol, United Nations and Council of

Europe.

• Teacher of law enforcement in 6 Eastern European countries.

• Named in the top 25 of UK security influencers 2025.

• Judge of global cyber security awards.

• Founding member of Global Online Harm Alliance.

• Penetration tester.

• Chainalysis Cryptocurrency Certified.

• Certified teacher.

• Founder and head of UK cyber and physical security trade union.

• Written cybercrime, digital forensics and cyber security courses for

Arden university, London and Alma Mater University, Slovenia.

• Owner of GSG Consultancy, London.Daniel is an ex UK police officer with 20 years’ service investigating transnational cybercrimes and providing trauma

support after terrorist incidents, notably the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. Played a key role in implementing a digital

transformation to a national UK police force and conducting training to hundreds of police officers across the UK in criminal

investigations and digital forensics. Expert in the field of Cybercrime methodologies and typologies for the Global Online

Harm Alliance providing expert advice and training to global partners into investigations of all types of online harm

including cyber enabled romance fraud, human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Trainer and advisor to Interpol,

Council of Europe, CEELI and the American Bar Association in cyber investigations, the dark web and the criminal

exploitation of virtual currencies and Blockchain technology. Providing training on a domestic and international basis to

investigation teams throughout the world. Daniel is an information security consultant for UK based CyberCrowd where he

takes clients through the ISO 27001 accreditation and gamified learning.

• Internationally recognised qualification, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Cyber Crime Foundation Course

• Internationally recognised qualification, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Cyber Crime Protect Course

• Internationally recognised qualification Cryptocurrency Fundamentals Certificate (CCFC) from Chainalysis

• UDEMY certification in Digital Forensics and Cybercrime

• Founder and President of the UK’s only security trade union, the Security Industry Federation

• Member of the UK Security Institute

• Member of the International Professional Security Association

• Member of the Working Group for the UK Government Department for Trade

• Cyber expert for Innovate UK• Associate lecturer in criminology and cybercrime at Arden University

• Wrote a complete cybercrime degree course for university students

• Investigated a large-scale ransomware attack on the UK’s critical national infrastructure

• Investigated crimes on the dark web using OSINT tactics

• Investigated multiple cybercrimes and attacks on the UK’s critical national infrastructure

• Created and delivered training packages for Moldova and Bulgaria in respect of OSINT Investigation, cybercrime

and the management of serious and complex crime

• Created and delivered training packages for Morrocco in respect of cyber enabled AML

• African Crime project on Romance Fraud

Contact:

[email protected] www.gsgsconsultancy.co.uk

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

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Podcast Episode Summary: Joe McDonald on Security, Training, and Thinking Outside the Box

This week on the Security Circle Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Joe McDonald—a man whose career spans from growing up in a house full of cops, to serving in the Marine Corps, becoming a police officer, and eventually leading security operations at some of the most critical infrastructure sites.

Joe shares how structured training, thinking outside the box, and embracing change have been the foundation of his success. We dive into his new book, Developing a Security Training Program, which is more than just a guide—it’s a playbook for transforming security professionals into strategic thinkers.

Key Topics We Cover:
🔹 How the Marine Corps gave him direction and shaped his leadership style.
🔹 The importance of structured security training and why it should never be an afterthought.
🔹 Why security is both an illusion and a necessity, and how organizations can reinforce it.
🔹 The dangers of complacency in the industry—from poor hiring practices to lack of supervision.
🔹 The impact of future-proofing security training and keeping up with evolving threats.

Joe’s no-nonsense approach, combined with his humor, sarcasm, and wealth of experience, makes this episode a must-listen for security professionals, leaders, and anyone who loves a great career journey story.

📖 Bonus: We also provide a direct link to his book so you can dive deeper into his methodology!

🎧 Listen now and get ready to challenge the way you think about security and training! 🚀

Or buy the book here!!

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=developing+a+security+training+program&crid=2CYIILKK6AT5R&sprefix=developing+a+security+training+program%2Caps%2C137&ref=nb_sb_noss

https://www.routledge.com/Developing-a-Security-Training-Program/McDonald/p/book/9781032274034

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

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Podcast Summary: Security Circle Podcast with Pauline Norstrom

Overview

In this episode of the Security Circle Podcast, host Yolanda welcomes back Pauline Norstrom, CEO of Anacanta Consulting, for a second appearance. The discussion centers around artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation, cybersecurity, and the broader ethical implications of technology.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Impact of Meta Removing Fact-Checking on Facebook
   • Meta’s decision to remove fact-checking raises concerns about misinformation spreading unchecked.
   • Facebook previously introduced fact-checking after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which involved unauthorized access to 87 million users' data for political influence.
   • The potential return of large-scale misinformation campaigns is a key concern.
2. The Role of AI in Social Media & Misinformation
   • AI is at the core of social media operations, influencing what users see.
   • The removal of moderation could allow algorithms to amplify harmful content.
   • AI's ability to manipulate user sentiment and engagement raises ethical issues.
3. The Future of Social Media & Trust in Tech
   • Increasing numbers of people are leaving platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) due to toxicity and lack of control.
   • Without trust and proper regulation, platforms may lose advertising revenue, making unchecked AI a potential commercial risk.
4. The Risks of AI-Generated News & Fake Information
   • Example: Apple AI wrongly reported false news stories, further eroding public trust in media.
   • AI models can "hallucinate" or generate false information based on incorrect or biased datasets.
   • Responsibility should lie with companies to ensure accurate AI outputs.
5. AI Regulation and the Business Risk Factor
   • Lack of AI regulation in the UK is causing uncertainty for businesses.
   • The UK has voluntary AI guidelines but no strict legal framework.
   • Businesses are hesitant to adopt AI fully due to liability risks.
6. AI in Business vs. Public Use
   • AI adoption in regulated industries (healthcare, finance, law) requires human oversight.
   • The Air Canada chatbot case highlights liability issues when AI provides misleading advice.
   • AI should be a tool for enhancement, not a replacement for human decision-making.
7. The Online Safety Bill & Protecting Children
   • The UK’s Online Safety Bill is 10 years overdue and lacks enforceability.
   • AI-driven social media poses risks to children, exposing them to harmful content.
   • Ethical concerns arise around uncontrolled AI algorithms influencing young users.
8. The Future of AI and Its Ethical Challenges
   • AI can be beneficial if used correctly, but over-reliance on it can be dangerous.
   • Businesses and governments must establish clear accountability for AI decisions.
   • Pauline argues that AI is just maths, and humans must critically assess its outputs.

Final Thoughts

Pauline Norstrom emphasizes that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance intelligence rather than replace human expertise. The conversation underscores the need for critical thinking, regulation, and ethical AI deployment to prevent harm while maximizing AI's benefits.

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

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Podcast Summary: Interview with Dr. Gavriel Schneider on Presilience and Risk Management

In this podcast, Dr. Gavriel Schneider discusses the concept of Presilience, a proactive approach to risk and resilience. He contrasts traditional compliance-driven security measures with a more dynamic, opportunity-focused mindset. Dr. Schneider shares insights from his career in close protection, risk psychology, and high-performance leadership, explaining how decision-making under pressure, stress inoculation, and integrated risk management are crucial for both individuals and organizations. He also highlights how AI and automation will reshape risk strategies and why adaptability is key in today’s fast-changing world.

Six Key Talking Points

1. Presilience vs. Traditional Resilience
   • Presilience is a forward-thinking approach, focusing on proactive risk intelligence rather than reacting after an event occurs.
   • Compliance is necessary but insufficient; organizations must go beyond resilience to anticipate and leverage risks.
2. Decision-Making and Risk Psychology
   • Many organizations operate in a reactive mindset, investing in security only after incidents occur.
   • High-performing leaders understand human engagement as the missing link in effective risk management.
3. Stress Inoculation and High-Performance Culture
   • Training to thrive under pressure is more effective than just enduring stress.
   • Modern workplaces must integrate psychology, neuroscience, and physiology to improve decision-making.
4. AI and Automation in Risk Management
   • AI will enhance human decision-making, but only if professionals adapt and integrate it effectively.
   • The best performers will be those who learn to use AI as an assistive tool, rather than fearing automation.
5. Risk as an Opportunity, Not Just a Threat
   • Traditional risk management sees risk as something to be avoided, but uncertainty can drive innovation.
   • Successful leaders shift from fear-based security approaches to opportunity-centric risk strategies.
6. Masterclass and Future of Risk Management
   • Dr. Schneider is launching a masterclass with Rochester Institute of Technology to teach Presilience.
   • The program condenses years of research into practical tools for security professionals, managers, and leaders

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gav-schneider/

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

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For media inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Richard Ticho, Executive Producer of The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary

[email protected] 

(862) 686-1312

1. Introduction & Purpose of the Documentary

• Overview of the Women in Security documentary by Yvette Freeman
• Why this film was made—shedding light on challenges and triumphs of women in a male-dominated industry
• The importance of storytelling in driving change and awareness

2. Women’s Role in the Security Industry

• Historical underrepresentation of women in security and how this has evolved
• Key challenges women face: bias, lack of mentorship, limited leadership opportunities
• Success stories and achievements of women breaking barriers in security

3. Voices from the Documentary

• Richard’s perspective on how security events have shaped the narrative on gender inclusion
• Bonnie Michelman’s insights as a seasoned security professional—what’s changed and what still needs work
• Sandy Davis’ role in leading the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and why representation matters at leadership levels

4. Allyship & Industry Support

• The importance of male allies in advocating for workplace equality
• Policies and initiatives that can support women in security
• How organizations can foster more inclusive hiring and promotion practices

5. The Impact & Future of Women in Security

• How the documentary aims to inspire the next generation of women in security
• What more needs to be done—training, mentorship, visibility
• Encouraging more young women to consider security as a career path

6. Call to Action

• Where listeners can watch the documentary
• How they can support or get involved in mentorship and advocacy efforts
• Encouraging open conversations and continuous learning in the industry

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

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Christopher Stitt, CEO of CrisisLead, LLC

Christopher Stitt founded CrisisLead, LLC, in 2023, leveraging over 25 years of expertise in converged security, risk management, crisis leadership, and organizational development. Through CrisisLead, Chris consults for and coaches businesses worldwide, delivering innovative security solutions, robust program management, and leadership training with a strong focus on team building and leader development.  He has also partnered with Risk 2 Solution with whom he serves as a Senior Consultant and Trainer in the Presilience methodology and framework.

Previously Chris served as a Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. His distinguished career included roles both domestically and internationally.  Among his overseas positions, he served as the Regional Security Officer in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and Panama City, Panama, and as Deputy Regional Security Officer in San Salvador, El Salvador, and Baghdad, Iraq. Among his domestic positions, he twice served as Chief of Emergency Planning and concluded his career as Deputy Regional Director for International Programs in the Americas and Caribbean.

Since 2020, Chris has been shaping the next generation of national security professionals as Adjunct Faculty at George Mason University, teaching courses in homeland security concepts. Beyond teaching, he contributes thought leadership through articles, podcast appearances, and speaking engagements at conferences and events.

Chris is actively engaged in the professional community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the DC Chapter of the Association of Continuity Professionals and is a member of IAEM, ASIS International, OSAC, and the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chris holds multiple credentials, including Board Certification in Security Management (CPP), Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), Security Risk Management Certified Professional (SRMCP), Registered Presilience Practitioner (RPP), and Certified Facilitator for Whole and Intentional Leader Development (WiLD Leaders). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM) and holds FEMA’s Master Continuity Practitioner Certificate.

His academic achievements include a bachelor’s degree in Sociology (Criminology) and Psychology from Ohio University, a master’s degree in strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, a Graduate Diploma in Organizational Presilience, Risk, and High Performance from the Institute of Presilience, and the ISMA Leadership Certificate from Georgetown University. Currently, he is pursuing an Executive MBA.

An Eagle Scout, Chris has been honored with numerous awards, including the FBI Medal for Meritorious Achievement, the Department of State Innovation in Use of Technology Award, the Secretary of State’s Career Achievement Award, and several Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards.

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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