The Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast

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237

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast, the show for corporate security professionals who are elevating the practice and perception of security. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, our podcast offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of modern corporate security. Hosted by Fred Burton and Manish Mehta, our episodes are packed with real-world examples and forward-thinking solutions to help you secure your organization effectively. Whether you're looking to enhance your intelligence-gathering capabilities, build a robust security team, or stay updated on the latest industry trends, this podcast empowers you to make informed decisions and lead with confidence. Tune in and join us on our mission to keep people safe and make organizations stronger. Subscribe now and never miss an episode.

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60 recent

June 3, 202622 min

The New Executive Protection Playbook: Why Security Must Converge with Ken Senser

The risk landscape facing corporate leaders has changed dramatically. In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with longtime security executive Ken Senser to discuss how threats have evolved from large-scale physical attacks to today's digitally enabled, grievance-driven risks. Drawing on decades of experience with the CIA, FBI, Walmart, and Corporate Security Advisors, Ken shares his perspective on executive protection, protective intelligence, AI, and the growing convergence of cyber and physical security. The conversation explores what security leaders must do to protect executives, strengthen organizational resilience, and prepare for the future of risk. You'll learn: How executive protection has evolved from physical security to a converged risk discipline Why doxing, swatting, and online radicalization are reshaping threat landscapes How AI will transform both protective intelligence programs and attacker capabilities Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.

May 13, 202626 min

Incivility to Targeting: Bob Hayes on the New Era of Executive Risk

A growing culture of incivility is reshaping the corporate risk landscape, and security leaders are being forced to adapt quickly. In this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Fred Burton sits down with Security Executive Council founder Bob Hayes to discuss the research behind rising workplace aggression, executive targeting, activist-driven threats, and the long-term implications for corporate security programs. Bob shares lessons drawn from decades of research and leadership experience, including why organizations often overlook their most probable risks and how security teams can better align intelligence with business action. The conversation also explores the evolution of executive protection and the importance of actionable intelligence in today’s environment. You'll learn: Why workplace incivility is becoming a growing corporate security concern How executive targeting trends are shifting toward activist-driven threats What organizations often miss when assessing executive risk Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. Resources mentioned in this episode: Beyond Incivility: The Soaring Business Cost of America’s Deteriorating Civility Executive Targeting Report: Analysis of Attacks on Corporate Executives from 2003-2025 If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

April 29, 202624 min

Influence Without Authority: Mike Howard’s Playbook for Modern Security Leaders

Transitioning from the CIA to leading global security at Microsoft is no small leap. Mike Howard shares how he navigated that shift, rebuilt a security program at scale, and learned to influence without authority in the private sector. He reflects on the importance of aligning security with business strategy, building diverse teams to tackle emerging threats, and continuously evolving as a leader. The conversation also explores how security leaders can think more broadly about risk in an increasingly interconnected world. You'll learn: Why influence, not authority, is the most critical skill in corporate security How aligning with business strategy unlocks buy-in and resources The importance of diverse talent in addressing emerging and complex threats Sign up for our monthly newsletter here.

April 15, 202628 min

From SEAL Teams to Storytelling: Jack Carr on His Latest Thriller, The Fourth Option

Jack Carr returns to the show to discuss his latest novel, The Fourth Option, and the creative journey behind expanding beyond the James Reese universe. Drawing from his experience as a Navy SEAL and his deep passion for storytelling, Jack shares how authenticity, discipline, and relentless curiosity shape his writing. The conversation explores collaboration, the evolution of modern audiences, and the balance between technical accuracy and compelling narrative. Along the way, Jack reflects on the importance of reading, the influence of history, and how stories can build empathy in an increasingly distracted world. You'll learn: How real-world experience informs authentic and compelling storytelling Why reading is foundational to creativity, empathy, and leadership The evolving challenge of capturing attention in a distracted digital world If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

April 1, 202624 min

Bridging Government and Private Sector Intelligence with Josh Skule

After more than two decades in the FBI, including leading its global intelligence program, Josh Skule has seen firsthand how intelligence shapes national security and business risk. In this conversation, he shares lessons from the Bureau, the challenges of transitioning into the private sector, and why collaboration across government and industry is more critical than ever. The discussion explores how organizations can better balance tactical demands with long-term strategy, navigate evolving threats, and build smarter, intelligence-led security programs. It’s a candid look at what it takes to lead in today’s complex risk environment. You'll learn: How to balance immediate threats with long-term intelligence strategy Why information sharing between government and private sector remains challenging How to build a modern, intelligence-led corporate security program If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

March 18, 202622 min

How Intelligence Shapes Modern Corporate Risk Management with Jim Bacigalupo

What does it take to lead security operations at the highest levels—from protecting U.S. diplomats overseas to safeguarding a global financial institution? In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with Jim Bacigalupo, former Diplomatic Security Service leader and current corporate security executive, to discuss the transition from government security operations to the private sector. Jim shares lessons from managing large-scale embassy security programs, building modern GSOCs, and navigating the evolving risk landscape inside global financial institutions. The conversation explores the role of intelligence, technology, and leadership in proactive security programs—and why the human factor still matters most. You'll learn: • How government security experience translates into corporate security leadership • What “good” looks like in a modern GSOC and intelligence program • Why effective security programs combine technology with strong human analysis Learn more in Ontic Resources. If you're enjoying the show, take a minute to rate and review.

March 4, 202633 min

Leading with Intelligence: A CSO’s Playbook for Proactive Security

In this episode, Manish sits down with Raju Bhatia, Chief Security Officer at Regions Bank. With more than 25 years of experience — including two decades with the FBI and senior corporate security leadership at Bank of America — Raj shares how his career evolved from federal investigations to leading intelligence-driven security programs in the private sector. He unpacks what it takes to move from reactive response to proactive prevention, how to break down silos in large organizations, and why duty of care must be embedded into business strategy — not treated as a standalone function. You’ll learn: How to transition from reactive security to an intelligence-led, proactive model that mitigates incidents before they escalate What it takes to influence up, across, and down — and speak the language of the business as a modern CSO How to build a culture of safety and duty of care that protects people, brand, and enterprise value in today’s dynamic threat environment Similar episodes: Strengthening Financial Services Against Evolving Threats: Insights from Bert Oliveira Positioning Security as a Business Enabler: Strategies for Success with Jeremy Baumann Inside the Adversary Mindset: Building Smarter Protection in a Connected World If you're enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.

February 18, 202620 min

Inside Cold Zero: Brad Thor on Intelligence Operations Gone Wrong

Fred Burton sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Cold Zero. Centered on a CIA extraction gone wrong in the Arctic Circle, the novel explores the realities of modern intelligence operations, global competition, and high-stakes decision-making under extreme pressure. Thor shares the real-world inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with former fighter pilot Ward Larson to ensure operational accuracy, and how today’s fragmented threat environment shaped the story’s geopolitical tensions. The conversation also examines the human element of intelligence work — from trust between allies to making critical calls without complete information.You'll learn:How real-world intelligence tradecraft and CIA extraction operations inspired Cold ZeroWhat happens when intelligence operations go wrong — and how leaders make decisions with incomplete informationWhy trust between partners is the foundation of effective connected intelligence in today’s threat landscapeSign up for our monthly newsletter here.If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.

February 4, 202629 min

Bridging Cyber and Physical Security in High-Risk Environments with Wayman Cummings

Manish Mehta sits down with Wayman Cummings, Chief Information Security Officer at Ochsner Health, to explore what cyber-physical security convergence really looks like in practice. Wayman shares how his unconventional path into cybersecurity shaped his leadership style and his perspective on risk in high-stakes environments like healthcare. The conversation dives into insider risk, the role of AI as augmented intelligence, and why most physical threats today begin with digital reconnaissance. Wayman also challenges the idea that convergence is a myth, offering real-world examples of how teams, technology, and trust must come together to make it work. You'll learn: Why convergence fails without people and process alignment Why AI should augment human judgment, not replace it, in security operations How leaders can build credibility, break down silos, and scale security impact in high-risk environments If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.

January 21, 202625 min

Positioning Security as a Business Enabler: Strategies for Success with Jeremy Baumann

Host Fred Burton sits down with Jeremy Baumann, CEO and founder of Corporate Security Advisors, to explore what it truly means to build high-performing, business-aligned security programs. Drawing on three decades of experience across law enforcement, corporate security, and consulting, Jeremy shares how security leaders can move beyond being seen as a cost center and instead become trusted enablers of business success. Their conversation dives into intelligence-led security, crisis readiness, resilience, and the business acumen today’s CSOs need to thrive in an increasingly complex risk environment.What you'll learn:How to position corporate security as a business enabler that reduces risk while minimizing frictionWhat separates “paper plans” from truly crisis-ready and resilient organizationsWhy intelligence, business fluency, and learning to say yes are critical skills for the next generation of security leadersSign up for our newsletter here.If you’re enjoying this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show.