The Security Circle

Hosted by Yolanda Hamblen (Yoyo)

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Episodes

192

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

An IFPOD production for IFPO the very first security podcast called Security Circle. IFPO is the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and is an international security membership body that supports front line security professionals with learning and development, mental Health and wellbeing initiatives.

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60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 19445 min

EP 194: Beyond Wellbeing — The Workplace’s Role in Suicide Prevention with Christine Clark Award Winning Trainer, Mental Health & Suicide First Aid BS30480

Send us Fan Mail EP 194: Beyond Wellbeing — The Workplace’s Role in Suicide Prevention Suicide prevention is not only a personal or public-health issue—it is also a workplace responsibility. In this profoundly important episode of The Security Circle , Yoyo is joined by Christine Clark to explore the vital role that employers, leaders and colleagues can play in recognising when someone may be struggling. Christine explains why changes in behaviour, performance or communication should never be dismissed—and why asking someone directly about suicide does not introduce the thought but can give them permission to speak. “Someone can appear completely functional—going to work, leading teams and meeting deadlines—while still experiencing suicidal thoughts.” Together, Yoyo and Christine confront the fear and discomfort that often prevent organisations from discussing suicide. They explore prevention, intervention, support following a death by suicide, and the practical guidance now available to help workplaces respond with greater confidence and compassion. This is a candid but deeply human conversation about noticing what may be hidden, having the courage to ask the difficult question and creating workplaces where nobody has to struggle in silence. From the host: I want to let you know that this episode contains frank and sustained discussion about suicide, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of losing someone to suicide. Although this is an important discussion about prevention and the role that workplaces can play, some listeners may find the content distressing. Please take care of yourself and feel free to pause, skip this episode, or listen another time. If anything discussed resonates with you personally, please do not face it alone. In the UK and Ireland alone, you can contact Samaritans free at any time 116 123, or if you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department. If you are listening outside the UK, please contact your local crisis service or emergency number. Listener discretion is advised. Have a good day, folks https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-clark-31721518/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

September 2, 2026Episode 1931 hr 1 min

EP 193: How a Former Spy Turns Contacts into Relationships That Matter: with Julian Fisher Former British Intelligence Officer and Author of Think Like a Spy

Send us Fan Mail EP 193: How a Former Spy Turns Contacts into Relationships That Matter with Julian Fisher Former spy, acclaimed author and returning guest Julian Fisher is back on The Security Circle —and he has unfinished business. Julian’s first appearance remains one of the five most-downloaded episodes in the history of the podcast. This time, he returns to take the ideas behind Think Like a Spy even further, revealing how we can transform casual contacts into trusted, strategic relationships capable of changing our future. At the heart of the conversation is Julian’s OTTERS framework: Objective-setting, Targeting, Trust-building, Elicitation of motivations, Recruitment and Stewardship. Drawing upon HUMINT tradecraft, acting techniques and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Julian explains why genuine relationship-building is fundamentally different from collecting business cards or adding names to a network. Together, Yoyo and Julian explore social capital, trust, authenticity and the importance of understanding what motivates another person. They also examine Strategic Transcendence: the ability to step away from the emotional battlefield, resist an instinctive reaction and respond in a way that serves the outcome we truly want. Through wonderfully relatable stories—from forgotten business cards to confrontational meetings—Julian demonstrates how pausing, observing and remembering our objective can preserve relationships, strengthen our influence and prevent a moment of emotion from damaging years of trust. In an age of AI, total data and growing digital vulnerability, Julian offers a compelling reminder that the real secrets are still kept between people. Because a contact may know your name—but a strategic relationship can change your future. The Intelligence Maven: https://theintelligencemaven.com/ It contains details of Julians next Think Like a Spy Strategic Relations Workshop, which kicks off online on 29th September. LinkedIn page may be of interest to some listeners: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-fisher-67161920/ Substack page: Think Like a Spy by Julian Fisher | Substack For anyone who might like to buy the book: Introduction - Julian Fisher Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

August 26, 2026Episode 19258 min

EP 192: Forged at Sandhurst — A Life of Intelligence, Service and Purpose with Fiona Galbraith British Military Intelligence Veteran

Send us Fan Mail “Where we should make law is where society can’t regulate itself.” EP 192: Forged at Sandhurst — A Life of Intelligence, Service and Purpose with Fiona Galbraith Fiona Galbraith is an extraordinary woman whose life has been shaped by service, courage and an enduring commitment to developing others. Commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1995, Fiona served for 25 years in the British Army as an intelligence officer. Her remarkable career included service with the Iraq invasion force, deployments to Afghanistan and the responsibility of making high-stakes assessments when accuracy, judgement and the courage to hold your ground truly mattered. In this deeply enriching conversation, Fiona reflects on the resilience forged at Sandhurst, the power of military camaraderie and the realities of operating in some of the world’s most demanding environments. She explores how expertise and repeated experience shape our judgement: “I learned to trust my instinct—but instinct becomes reliable only when it has been trained.” And when circumstances demand immediate action: “If you stop to weigh the odds, you may have already missed the moment.” The conversation moves from military intelligence into leadership, communication, social media, violence and the changing meaning of community. Fiona offers a fascinating perspective on how young people experience patriotism, justice and service—and why their minds have become a new battleground. Now helping to prepare young people for purposeful careers in intelligence, resilience and global security, Fiona brings wisdom, optimism and an unmistakable belief in the next generation. This is more than the story of an exceptional military career. It is a conversation about trained instinct, moral courage, purposeful leadership and what it means to serve—whether on the battlefield, in the classroom or within society. https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionagalbraith/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

August 19, 2026Episode 19141 min

EP 191: 'You Have a Talent Recognition Problem', The Leadership Cost of Misreading Talent with Award Winning CISO and Author of "Stop Misreading Talent": by Jason Stockinger

Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest talent problem in your organisation isn't a shortage of great people — but your ability to recognise them? In EP 191 of The Security Circle Podcast , Yoyo sits down with Jason Stockinger Award Winning CISO and author of Stop Misreading Talent: How to Lead Corporate, Veteran, and Neurodivergent Talent into High-Performing Teams for a fascinating conversation about leadership, potential, neurodiversity, curiosity and the assumptions that can cause talented people to be overlooked. Jason challenges the familiar moment when a candidate or colleague is dismissed because “something feels off” — even when nobody can clearly explain or measure what that something actually is. When leaders rely on instinct, familiarity and traditional ideas of what talent should look like, they risk missing extraordinary capability hiding in plain sight. “Stay curious about people long enough to discover what you're currently missing.” Drawing on Jason's military career, corporate leadership experience and his life as the father of a neurodivergent son, the conversation explores why great leadership requires us to stop putting people into convenient boxes and start understanding the individual in front of us. Sometimes the person isn't wrong for the organisation — they're simply sitting in the wrong seat. And responsibility doesn't sit solely with leaders. For anyone who knows they have more to offer but feels unseen, Jason leaves us with something practical: “If you think you're being misread at work, find a mentor and get closer to the people doing what you want to do.” His message is simple: seek out people you admire, learn from them, get into the environments where you want to grow and make your potential easier to see. This is a conversation about replacing judgement with curiosity, recognising potential over familiarity, and asking a question every leader should probably ask themselves: How much great talent have I already overlooked because I didn't recognise it when it was standing in front of me? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2Z6JGC Buy his book here!! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstockinger/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

August 12, 2026Episode 1901 hr 13 min

EP 190: "The Chainsaw Is Already on the Legal Ladder" with Quentin Solt, AI, Futurist & Senior Lawyer, Strategic Advisor on Legal Tech & AI Ethics and Compliance

Send us Fan Mail EP 190: The Chainsaw Is Already on the Legal Ladder with Quentin Solt “Who has more experience, the internet or a single individual lawyer?” That question tells you almost everything you need to know about this extraordinary conversation with lawyer, investor and provocative thinker Quentin Salt . Quentin doesn't believe AI is simply going to make lawyers more efficient. His prediction is considerably more disruptive: “We are heading to the extinction of lawyers as we know them.” And his metaphor for what is already happening inside the profession is unforgettable. Young lawyers are using AI to automate the repetitive work traditionally performed at the bottom of the legal ladder. They have climbed up, reached back down and started cutting away those rungs themselves — without necessarily noticing that the rungs above them may be disappearing too. But this episode quickly becomes about far more than lawyers. Quentin and Yoyo explore what happens when expertise becomes available as a utility; whether AI could have a legitimate role in dispensing justice; what happens to education when traditional professional careers begin disappearing; and why technological progress forces us to reconsider the relationship between work, wealth, purpose and human value. There is also a fascinating tension at the heart of the conversation. Quentin can envisage AI making decisions faster and potentially more consistently than humans, yet argues that justice must retain something profoundly human: grace . An AI system can preserve an extraordinary record of our past, but Quentin warns that such a record risks showing what we have been rather than what we may become . From AI judges and disappearing professions to universal income, human nature, identity assurance and the future of biometrics, this is one of those Security Circle conversations that refuses to stay neatly inside one subject. The chainsaw isn't coming. Quentin's argument is that it's already on the ladder. https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentin-solt/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

August 5, 2026Episode 18853 min

EP 189: The Trust Advantage – How Influence Beats Authority with Nathan Mills, Global Head of Security for Brinks Inc

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary 🎙 EP 189: The Trust Advantage – How Influence Beats Authority What separates good security leaders from truly exceptional ones? In this thought-provoking conversation, Nathan Mills, Global Head of Security at Brinks, shares a leadership philosophy built not on authority, but on trust, influence and curiosity. From technical surveillance countermeasures and diplomatic security to leading global teams at GE, Zoom and Brinks, Nathan explains why today's most effective security professionals are those who can connect people, build relationships and inspire action rather than simply direct it. At the heart of the discussion is a powerful idea: ownership isn't as important as influence . Great leaders don't need to control every decision or claim every success. Instead, they create the conditions for others to succeed, recognising that collaboration will always outperform hierarchy. Nathan also explores why growth never happens inside our comfort zone . Whether taking on new leadership roles, relocating around the world or stepping into unfamiliar challenges, every stage of his career has reinforced the belief that resilience is earned through experience, curiosity and a willingness to embrace discomfort. The conversation also explores servant leadership, empathy, trust, AI, physical and cyber security convergence, mentoring and the future of leadership in an increasingly technology-driven world. Along the way, Nathan offers practical advice on building trust, managing diverse teams, influencing without authority and remaining authentic in an industry that often rewards certainty over vulnerability. This isn't simply a conversation about protecting organisations. It's a masterclass in leading people. If you believe leadership is measured by the number of people who work for you, think again. Nathan Mills makes the case that the greatest leaders are remembered not for the authority they held, but for the influence they had. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-mills-digitalevangelist/ Nathan Mills came into corporate security through the normal channel of an electrical engineering degree and the Foreign Service. (Ha!). He leads with empathy, kindness, and a directness that helps his team understand the role risk management plays in enabling the business to thrive. After leaving the Foreign Service, Nathan led security operations in diverse companies like GE and Zoom and recently landed in Brink's as the Global Head of Security. He is navigating this crazy world with his lovely wife and two young sons. They love being outside (even when it feels like 115 degrees F in Dallas!), exploring new foods and cultures, and is driven by faith. Say hello to him when you see him. Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

July 29, 2026Episode 18850 min

EP 188: A LEGO Episode - "Protecting the World's Imagination" with Perry Curtis, Senior Security Manager - Global - Security Excellence Centre at LEGO

Send us Fan Mail EP 188: Protecting the World's Imagination What does it take to protect one of the world's most iconic brands? In this episode of The Security Circle Podcast , I sit down with Perry Curtis, Senior Security Manager at LEGO , for a conversation that goes far beyond bricks and minifigures. We explore how security protects creativity without getting in its way, why trust is embedded into LEGO's DNA, and what it really means to safeguard one of the most recognisable brands on the planet. From intellectual property and insider risk to global supply chains, cyber security and the challenge of balancing openness with protection, Perry offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at security inside a company built on imagination. Along the way we discover the remarkable story of how LEGO began, why a simple whiteboard can become a security risk, how a single brick made over 60 years ago still connects perfectly with one made today, and why sometimes the most important thing security protects isn't a product—it's the magic that surrounds it. Whether you're a security professional, a leader, or simply someone who has ever built a LEGO set, this episode is a reminder that the very best security often works quietly in the background, enabling innovation, protecting trust and preserving the moments that inspire us. Because sometimes, protecting the world's imagination is the most important job of all. https://www.linkedin.com/in/perry-c-bba603228/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

July 22, 2026Episode 1871 hr 7 min

EP 187: The Cost of Trust with Debbie Fox, Cyber Fraud: Author, Speaker, Survivor, Advocate

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a successful, intelligent and independent professional becomes the target of an organised criminal network? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of The Security Circle Podcast , Yolanda welcomes fraud survivor, author and cyber fraud advocate Debbie Fox to share the extraordinary story of how an online relationship turned into a sophisticated romance fraud. Debbie explains how criminals patiently built trust over weeks of daily conversations, convincing video calls and carefully crafted stories that appeared completely legitimate. Despite carrying out checks, verifying information and trusting her instincts, she found herself manipulated by highly skilled psychological tactics designed to exploit empathy rather than technology. Together, Yolanda and Debbie explore why anyone with a digital device can become a target, how organised fraud networks weaponise trust, and why victim blaming remains one of the biggest barriers to reporting these crimes. Debbie also shares the devastating aftermath of fraud, from navigating complex reporting systems to discovering just how difficult it can be to recover financially and emotionally. The conversation follows Debbie's remarkable journey from victim to activist, discussing how she channelled her experience into writing four books, educating financial institutions, law enforcement and policymakers, and campaigning for better protection and support for fraud victims. This is far more than a story about romance fraud. It is a powerful discussion about human psychology, social engineering, resilience and the responsibility we all share in recognising that cybercrime increasingly targets people before it targets technology. Whether you work in cyber security, policing, financial services, risk management, or simply want to better protect yourself and those you care about, this episode offers invaluable insights into one of today's fastest-growing global threats. In this episode you'll discover: How organised criminals build trust through psychological manipulation. Why intelligent, successful people are just as vulnerable to sophisticated fraud. The warning signs that families and friends should never ignore. What happens after the fraud is discovered and why reporting remains so challenging. How Debbie transformed personal tragedy into a global mission to raise awareness and improve support for victims. Practical advice to help recognise and reduce the risks of online fraud. EP 187: The Cost of Trust is a compelling reminder that while technology continues to evolve, our greatest vulnerability—and our greatest strength—will always be human trust. If the episode title grabs people's attention, this summary reinforces why they should invest the next hour listening. I think it's one of the strongest episode summaries you've produced this year. Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

July 15, 2026Episode 18650 min

EP 186: The Crime That Steals Consent—From Men and Women: with Dawn Dines Founder of 'Stamp Out Spiking'

Send us Fan Mail EP 186: The Crime That Steals Consent—From Men and Women Released on International Spiking Awareness Day , this powerful episode of The Security Circle Podcast tackles one of society's most misunderstood and underreported crimes. Yolanda sits down with Dawn Dines , founder of Stamp Out Spiking , whose remarkable twenty-year campaign has transformed public awareness of spiking and helped secure a landmark change in UK law. Together, they explore why spiking is far more than a nightlife issue. It is a crime that affects both men and women , reaches far beyond bars and clubs, and has devastating consequences for victims, families and communities. From drink, vape and needle spiking to robbery, sexual violence and coercive control, this episode challenges long-held myths and examines why victims so often struggle to be believed. As Dawn explains, this is an invisible crime—but one that demands visible action. In this episode, you'll discover: Why spiking is a growing public safety and safeguarding issue Why men and women are both victims The myths surrounding drink, vape and needle spiking How security professionals, hospitality staff and the public can better recognise the warning signs Why education, awareness and early intervention are critical Dawn's extraordinary journey to changing UK law after two decades of determined campaigning Two messages from this conversation capture its importance: "Men and women are both victims. Predators don't discriminate—our awareness shouldn't either.""The most dangerous weapon in a spiking attack isn't the substance—it's the removal of choice." Whether you work in security, policing, hospitality, healthcare, education, or simply want to help protect those around you, this is an episode that will change the way you think about spiking—and why awareness has never mattered more. Dawn Dines is Founder and CEO of Stamp Out Spiking, the UK charity leading national action on all forms of spiking through policy change, prevention, specialist training and victim advocacy. With over two decades of experience, Dawn has driven systemic change by bringing together government, policing, security, education, festivals, hospitality and the night-time economy. Her sustained campaigning helped secure a landmark legal shift in 2026, when the Crime and Policing Act gained Royal Assent and introduced a modern offence covering spiking. Dawn has given evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee and contributes to national discussions on enforcement, data, safeguarding and victim support. Under her leadership, Stamp Out Spiking works with police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners, universities and industry partners, delivering accredited training for frontline teams. She also leads national awareness campaigns and Westminster roundtables focused on improving the victim journey and building a coordinated national response across Britain. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-dines-b47a421b/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

July 8, 2026Episode 18554 min

EP 185: Before You Deploy AI... Listen to This with Don Morrow Founder, Podcast Host, AI Program Advisor, 5X Award Winner, SJA Influencer, SSN Emerging Leader Under 40, LSA Top40 Thought Leader

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 185 of The Security Circle Podcast , Yolanda Hamblen welcomes back cyber security advisor, entrepreneur and AI strategist Don Morrow for an eye-opening conversation that moves beyond the hype and tackles the questions every business leader should be asking before deploying AI. From the rapid emergence of advanced AI models such as Mythos and Fable 5 to the realities of AI agents, prompt injection, token bombing and the growing cyber threat landscape, Don explains why the greatest challenge isn't the technology itself—it's organisational preparedness. Together they explore why many organisations are rushing to embrace AI without fully understanding the operational, financial and security implications, why trust is becoming one of the most valuable assets in modern business, and how security leaders can prepare for a future where AI is both a powerful ally and an increasingly capable adversary. Rather than creating fear, this episode offers practical, accessible guidance for executives, security professionals and business leaders who want to adopt AI responsibly while strengthening resilience across their organisations. Whether you're leading digital transformation, shaping cyber strategy or simply trying to separate genuine opportunity from AI hype, this conversation provides valuable insights into one of the most important leadership challenges of our time. Before you deploy AI... listen to this. I think this captures the essence of the discussion: it's not really an AI episode—it's a leadership and preparedness episode wrapped in AI . That distinction is what will resonate with your audience. https://www.linkedin.com/in/donmorrow/ Bio: Don Morrow is the Founder and CEO of HighlandTech, an AI automation agency that builds domain-specific AI Agents designed to function as outcome-driven digital workers. HighlandTech focuses on vertical AI solutions that eliminate operational friction and deliver measurable ROI for businesses. Don is also the creator of Electra, an Agent Operating System and emerging agent marketplace. Electra’s first Vertical Agent is a Customer Success Agent purpose-built for physical security integrators, designed to automate high-friction workflows and improve service outcomes across the customer lifecycle. With over a decade of experience in enterprise and cloud sales leadership at Honeywell and Brivo, Don brings a practical, operator-first approach to AI adoption. He is a Board Advisor for Security Technology and Artificial Intelligence at LifeSafetyAlliance.org and hosts the podcast AI PHYSEC TODAY, where he explores how AI is reshaping the physical security industry. Don holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and a certification in Artificial Intelligence from MIT Professional Education. His work centers on building AI Agents that combine domain expertise, outcome alignment, and real-world execution. AI Readiness Audit Brief: Most enterprise physical security teams are being asked to “do something with AI,” but few have a clear picture of where it actually makes sense in their operations. The HighlandTech AI Readiness Audit changes that. Through structured interviews with leaders, managers, and key team members, we deliver a prioritized, fundable roadmap tailored to how your organization actually works — so you can move from uncertainty to confident, strategic AI adoption. Ready to build clarity before you build AI? https://highlandtech.ai/#/ai-audit Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers