CSI Chat

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The CSI Chat podcast is for folks who want to learn about trending business topics and will have a few laughs along the way as we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Why should you listen, well…I will give you two reasons: 1. You will learn about a new business related topic. 2. You will have a few laughs along the way. It is a simple objective, to ”Laugh and Learn”. I hope we can do both! You can find us at our website (csichat.com) and our LinkedIn (group called ”CSI Chat”). We release episodes on the first Tuesday of each month.

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53 recent

June 2, 2026Episode 5350 min

#53 - Michael Abrashoff

We are joined by Mike Abrashoff, a NY Times Best Selling Author, Leadership and Teamwork Expert and the former captain of USS Benfold. Mike is the author of the best-selling book, "It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy". At 36, he was selected to be Commander of USS Benfold and was the most junior commanding officer in the Pacific fleet. The challenges of this underachieving destroyer were staggering, with low morale and the highest turnover rate in the Navy. Few thought the ship could improve. Yet 12 months later it was ranked #1 in performance -- using the same crew. How did Mike do it? By replacing command and control leadership with commitment and cohesion. The lesson was clear: Leadership matters and culture is everything. Since leaving the Navy, Mike has worked with over 1200 organizations instilling leadership initiatives at every level – achieving phenomenal change in unexpected places. We talk to Mike about how we can apply these leadership strategies in the business world!

May 5, 2026Episode 521 hr 21 min

#52 - Kjetil Nyland

We are joined by Kjetil Nyland, who along with Oddbjørn Dybvad and Adnan Hadžiefendić, wrote the terrific book "The Compounders: From Small Acquisitions to Giant Shareholder Returns". Their book analyzes a group of high-performing companies, led by capital allocators, who operate using decentralized structures in fragmented markets, and redefine acquisitive growth. During our "Chat" with Kjetil, we talk about: - What makes these "Compounders" so unique and why are so many of these companies based in Sweden? Is there something in the water in Sweden? - The stories in the book of the authors meeting with the CEOs of these is legendary... from the CEOs making coffee for their guests to the "low key" nature of the offices, the folks that lead these companies are remarkable individuals. - What are some of the key elements of a successful compounder? Decentralization, ability to deploy capital at high rates of return, managers acting as owners. We talk about several of these key elements. I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with Kjetil!

April 7, 2026Episode 511 hr 20 min

#51 - Peter Doherty

We are joined by Peter Doherty who worked for the London Metropolitan Police Service for over 25 years and is currently the head of Crisis Response for S-RM, a global intelligence and cyber security consultancy. Peter is an expert when it comes to keeping yourself safe when travelling to other countries, especially those countries which have been categorized as "high risk". During our "CSI Chat", we talk to Peter about: - The "State of Global Affairs" and why it is riskier than ever to travel to other countries. - What are some of the ways that you can keep yourself safe when travelling to other countries? For example, what can you do before you leave? What are some of the things you need to think about when arriving at the country? - What should you do if you find yourself in a dangerous situation? Peter has several tips that will keep you alive. I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with Peter!

March 3, 2026Episode 501 hr 27 min

#50 - Kyle Buckett

We are joined by Kyle Buckett, a retired US Navy SEAL and a leadership expert. Kyle spent over 20 years in the US Navy and led the advanced training for both junior and seasoned Navy SEALs. Kyle is the Cofounder of "Culture Force" and is the co-author of the incredible book, "Leadership is Overrated: How the Navy SEALs Create Self-Leading Teams that win"? During our "CSI Chat" with Kyle, we talk about: Kyle talks about the process of going through "Hell Week", one of the most difficult elements of the famous US Navy SEAL’s training program, during the "Winter Season". Surviving "Hell Week" with water temperatures approaching "freezing" requires a level of "mental strength" which is off the charts. Chapter 1 in Kyle's book is entitled "Kill the leader...". Kyle explains how every organization needs to be able to survive without the leader and how to build a team that can sustain this drastic change. Kyle outlines how to build a culture within an organization that can produce at a high level. Kyle outlines the importance of "decentralization", how leaders conduct themselves and the need for "rituals". I hope everyone enjoys our Chat with Kyle!

February 3, 2026Episode 491 hr 24 min

#49 - David Thomas

We are joined by author and prominent Canadian business writer David Thomas. David has been writing about businesses for decades for various publications, including the Financial Post, the Globe and Mail, MoneySense and Macleans. David recently released his first book, "The Fairfax Way: Inside Prem Watsa's Secret to Lasting Success" which documents the history of one of Canada's most successful companies. During our "Chat" with David, we discuss: - How was David able to build a relationship with Prem Watsa which ultimately resulted in the terrific book on the entire history of Fairfax. - David provides some perspectives on Prem Watsa who arrived in Canada from India with $8 in his pocket and ultimately became one of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs. - How was Fairfax able to become so successful through leveraging their core values of "Fair and Friendly"? David's book on "The Fairfax Way" is a must read for anyone looking to learn about one of Canada's most successful companies. I hope everyone enjoys the "Chat".

January 6, 2026Episode 4855 min

#48 - Peter Cappelli

We are joined by Peter Cappelli who is the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at The Wharton School and Director of Wharton’s Center for Human Resources. We talk to Peter about his latest book which he co-authored, entitled "In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work". During our "CSI Chat", we talk to Peter about: - The evolution of "Work from Home" and current state of the work force in 2026. What do most employers expect in 2026 as it relates to working from home vs. from the office? - What does the data support surrounding the effectiveness of working from home? Is it is more productive to work in the office or work from home? Peter would argue that it depends on the nature of your job. - What is the right way to transition a team from working from home to working from the office? I hope everyone enjoys the "Chat" with Peter!

December 16, 2025Episode 471 hr 27 min

#47 - Nathan Mueller

We are joined on CSI Chat by Nathan Mueller. Nathan, a CPA, worked for an insurance company in a finance role and he began embezzling money to pay off personal debt and fund a passion for gambling. What started as a $1,100 check to a credit card, spiraled into an $8.5 million fraud over the next four years. After being caught, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison. He was released in September of 2014 and now is a sought-after public speaker preaching the value of ethics and strong internal controls to finance teams around the globe. During our "Chat", we talk to Nathan about: - His upbringing and how he started in finance. We then get into the details of how he managed to defraud an insurance company for over $8 million in a short period of time. Nathan also outlines how he was able to keep Internal Audit and the external auditors "at bay". - Nathan outlines how he eventually was caught and his experience in jail. Nathan outlines what was harder, "Going into jail at the outset or being released?" - Nathan outlines best practices in ethics training and internal controls which should be present in all finance groups. I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with Nathan!

December 2, 2025Episode 4654 min

#46 - Jeffrey Pfeffer

We are joined on CSI Chat by Jeffrey Pfeffer who is the Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University where he has taught since 1979 and has authored or co-authored over 16 books on various business topics, including Power, leadership and career development. We talk to Jeffrey about his latest book, "7 Rules of Power: Surprising – But True – Advice on how to get things done and advance your career". We touch on a number of topics with Jeffrey, including: - What is the definition of "Power" and why is it important to have "Power"? Is there a positive correlation between happiness and power? - What are the "7 Rules of Power"? Why do several of these rules run counterintuitive to our upbringing? - Is there one of the 7 Rules which is most important? Do you need to apply all 7 rules in order to obtain "Power"? I hope everyone enjoys our "Chat" with Jeffrey Pfeffer.

November 18, 2025Episode 451 hr 17 min

#45 - Michael Jarman

We are very lucky to be joined on CSI Chat by the reigning 2024 Microsoft Excel World Champion, Michael Jarman. We talk to Michael about a number of topics, including: What do the "Microsoft Excel World Championships" entail? How does one prepare themselves for the World Championships? If somebody was interested in competing, how do they go about qualifying? What is more important at the Excel World Championships, Speed or Skill? What is Michael's favorite Excel function for moderate and advanced users of Excel? How is the process going for 2025? Is Michael going "back-to-back"? I hope everyone enjoys the "CSI Chat" with the top Excel user on the planet Michael Jarman.

November 4, 2025Episode 441 hr 25 min

#44 - Bill Jelen

We are joined by "Mr. Excel" himself, Bill Jelen. There are very few on the planet who know more about Microsoft Excel then Bill Jelen. Bill started the "Mr. Excel" website in 1998 and since then, has authored over 70 books and runs seminars all over the world on the use of Excel. He also has several other "special talents", including winning the Grand Prize in a local "Stupid Human Tricks" competition by stopping an electric fan with his tongue! We talk to Bill about: - How did he get started in becoming an "Excel Expert"? - What are some of the best tips for beginners and advanced users on Excel? What is Bill's favorite function in Excel? - What are the MS Excel World Championships and is it true that Bill was once a commentator? Bill is a fascinating guy and I hope everyone enjoys the conversation!