The Security Circle

Yolanda Hamblen (Yoyo)

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.

  1. 1 g fa

    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

  2. 15 lug

    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 issueWhy men and women are both victimsThe myths surrounding drink, vape and needle spikingHow security professionals, hospitality staff and the public can better recognise the warning signsWhy education, awareness and early intervention are criticalDawn's extraordinary journey to changing UK law after two decades of determined campaigningTwo 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

  3. 8 lug

    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

  4. 1 lug

    EP 184: The Board Said "Cut Costs". The CISO Asked for More… And Got It. With Coach Jennifer Selby-Long and Flutter CISO Billy O'Brien

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ EP 184: The Board Said "Cut Costs." The CISO Asked for More… And Got It. With Jennifer Selby-Long and Flutter CISO Billy O'Brien Podcast Description What do you do when the business is cutting budgets, but your security programme needs more investment, not less? That's exactly the challenge faced by Flutter CISO Billy O'Brien in his first CISO role. Instead of accepting the status quo, he partnered with executive coach Jennifer Selby-Long to change minds, influence stakeholders, and secure the funding his team desperately needed. Jennifer Selby Long and Billy Obrien Podcast Transcript .docx In this episode, we explore: 🔹 Why today's CISO must be a business leader, not just a technical expert 🔹 The art of influencing boards and winning hearts and minds 🔹 How coaching can transform leadership effectiveness 🔹 Why empathy is becoming one of the most important skills in cybersecurity 🔹 How to secure investment without fearmongering 🔹 The human side of leading change and transformation This is a masterclass in leadership, influence, and proving that cybersecurity is ultimately about people. Standout Quotes  "The most important skills in cybersecurity may not be technical at all." "You can't scare the board into investing forever. You have to show them why it matters." "Transformation succeeds when people come on the journey with you."   I think you've landed on a very strong title here. It immediately poses a question in the listener's mind: "How did he convince the board to spend more money during cost cutting?" https://www.linkedin.com/in/billyobrien/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferselbylong/ Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  5. 24 giu

    EP 183: The Day Seeing Stopped Believing, with Tom Vazdar Cybersecurity Expert, AI Governance Specialist and CEO of Riskoria

    Send us Fan Mail When AI Learns to Lie: Trust, Deepfakes and the Fight for Reality with Tom Vazdar Artificial intelligence is evolving faster than any technology we have seen before, but are we truly prepared for the risks that come with it? In Episode 183, returning guest Tom Vazdar, cybersecurity expert, AI governance specialist and CEO of Riskoria, joins Yoyo for a fascinating and, at times, sobering conversation about the future of AI, digital trust and the threats that are already reshaping our world. Together, they explore the uncomfortable reality that while organisations are racing to adopt AI, many are doing so without the governance, guardrails or understanding needed to use it safely. The conversation examines how AI is now being used both to defend against cyber threats and to create entirely new ones. This episode dives into: 🔹 Why AI adoption is outpacing regulation and security practices. 🔹 The rise of deepfakes, voice cloning and synthetic media—and why proving something is real may soon become one of society's biggest challenges. 🔹 How poorly governed AI systems can inadvertently expose sensitive information and create entirely new attack surfaces. 🔹 The growing use of AI by criminals to conduct fraud, scams and social engineering at unprecedented scale. 🔹 The impact of AI on children and young people, and why digital literacy has become as important as reading and writing. 🔹 The geopolitical race for AI dominance and the enormous infrastructure and energy demands powering the next generation of artificial intelligence. 🔹 Why protecting people, trust and critical thinking may become the defining security challenge of our time. Throughout the episode, Tom offers a balanced perspective. He is an advocate for AI and its incredible potential, but equally passionate about ensuring society understands the risks that accompany this technological revolution. This is ultimately a conversation about far more than technology. It is about truth, trust, human behaviour and our ability to navigate a world where seeing is no longer believing. A few powerful themes from this episode: "The biggest challenge of AI may not be protecting systems—it may be protecting our ability to know what is real." "Digital literacy is no longer optional. It's becoming a life skill." "The future of security is not only about defending technology; it's about defending people and their minds." Episode 183 is an essential listen for security professionals, business leaders, parents and anyone curious about the rapidly changing world around us. If you've ever wondered where AI is taking us—and whether we're ready for the journey—this conversation will leave you with plenty to think about. Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  6. 17 giu

    EP 182: Every CEO Has a Plan Until Someone Targets Their Family, with Sherelle Blackwell Commercial Director at Rock Security Solutions

    Send us Fan Mail "You are literally there for them in their lowest and most vulnerable moments." "You are letting someone into the most intimate parts of your life — your home, your work, your family. There has to be trust there." Executive protection is often misunderstood. Popular culture paints a picture of dark sunglasses, earpieces, and imposing figures standing between a VIP and danger. The reality is far more complex—and far more human. In Episode 182 of The Security Circle Podcast, I sit down with Sherelle Blackwell, Commercial Leader for Close Protection and Premium Security Solutions at Rock Security Solutions, to explore what really happens when business leaders, high-net-worth families, and public figures become targets. From kidnap and ransom threats against families, to protecting executives during periods of intense public scrutiny, Sherelle offers a rare insight into a world built on trust, discretion, intelligence gathering, and calm decision-making under pressure. Together we discuss why many organisations have invested heavily in cyber security and physical security controls but still have no meaningful executive protection strategy. We examine how rapidly changing geopolitical tensions, insider threats, reputational attacks, deepfakes, and targeted campaigns are creating new risks for today's leaders and their families. Most importantly, we explore a simple but uncomfortable truth: when a threat moves beyond the executive and towards the people they love, every plan is suddenly put to the test. This is a fascinating conversation about preparedness, trust, resilience, and the human side of protection. Because every CEO has a plan... until someone targets their family. LI Profile: (4) Sherrelle Blackwell | LinkedIn Company website: Home - Rock Security Solutions Bio: Sherrelle Blackwell is the Commercial Director at Rock Security Solutions, where she blends her team's operational experience with strategic insight & commercial acumen to elevate standards in protective services. With a career spanning elite corporate environments, Sherrelle has led programs focused on close protection, threat mitigation, and colleague safeguarding across complex, high-pressure settings. Known for her partnership-driven approach, she brings a strong focus on preparedness, ensuring teams aren’t just reactive, but ready. Sherrelle champions training that is practical, risk-informed, and culturally aligned. Her perspective bridges frontline reality and executive risk, making her voice essential in today’s evolving protection landscape. Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  7. 10 giu

    EP 181: Operating in the Space Between Panic and Hope: Dr Matt Todd, Hostage and Crisis Negotiator

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary – EP 181 | The Return of Dr Matt Todd Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones switch off. Others quietly change the trajectory of an entire podcast. When Dr Matt Todd first joined The Security Circle Podcast back in Episode 113, listeners around the world connected with something extraordinary. It wasn't just the stories from a former hostage and crisis negotiator who had stood on bridges in the middle of the night, worked alongside governments during international kidnappings, and helped people navigate their darkest moments. It was the humanity behind them. To this day, Matt's first appearance remains the single most downloaded episode in the history of The Security Circle Podcast – a remarkable achievement in a catalogue filled with some of the security industry's greatest minds. Yet, if you know Matt, you will know that success sits lightly on his shoulders. Few people combine such profound expertise with such genuine humility. In this deeply thoughtful return to the podcast, Matt shares the lessons that years of crisis negotiation, global deployments, academic research, and human connection have taught him. From the surprising power of a simple cup of tea to the importance of truly listening, he explores why behaviour matters more than words, how emotion shapes decision-making, and what leaders can learn from those standing at the edge of despair. Together, we discuss the reality of negotiating in the aftermath of terrorist attacks, managing families through unimaginable crises, navigating the challenges of social media in a connected world, and the four behavioural drivers that underpin so much of human behaviour: control, identity, respect, and capacity. But perhaps most importantly, this episode reminds us that beneath every title, every role, and every crisis, there is simply another human being trying to be heard. Warm, insightful, and profoundly moving, Dr Matt Todd returns to The Security Circle Podcast not only as our most popular guest, but as one of its most cherished. Whether you joined us for Episode 113 or are discovering Matt's wisdom for the very first time, this is a conversation that will change the way you listen, lead, and connect with others. Because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can offer another person isn't an answer. It's our attention. Our presence. And perhaps... a cup of tea. ☕ Welcome back, Dr Matt Todd. The Security Circle wouldn't quite be the same without you. Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  8. 3 giu

    EP 180: Russia Wants You Angry: A Spy's Warning to the West with Sean Wiswesser Russian Espionage & Security Expert and Former CIA Senior Operations Officer

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary 🎙️ EP 180: Russia Wants You Angry: A Spy's Warning to the West What if the greatest threat facing Western democracies isn't a missile, a tank, or even a cyberattack? What if it's distrust? This week on The Security Circle Podcast, I sit down with former CIA case officer and Russian intelligence specialist Sean Wisswesser to explore the hidden battlefield of modern conflict — information warfare, influence operations, espionage, and the psychological tactics being used to divide societies from within. Drawing on nearly three decades in the intelligence community, Sean shares extraordinary insights into how Russian intelligence operates, why democracies remain a target, and what ordinary citizens need to understand about the unseen war being fought every day across social media, politics, and public discourse. Together we discuss: 🔹 Russian intelligence tradecraft and modern espionage 🔹 Putin's strategic view of the West 🔹 Information warfare and cognitive manipulation 🔹 The weaponisation of social media and division 🔹 The lessons of Ukraine for Western democracies 🔹 Why young people are increasingly targeted by influence operations 🔹 The psychology of betrayal, treason, and recruitment 🔹 Whether the West is winning or losing the intelligence war Two powerful moments from the episode capture the challenge facing democracies today: 🗣️ "For Putin, the greatest threat isn't NATO. The greatest threat is a functioning democracy on his border." 🗣️ "Russian intelligence doesn't care which side you choose. They just want you fighting each other." This is a fascinating conversation about spies, strategy, influence, and the future of democracy itself. Whether you're a security professional, intelligence enthusiast, or simply trying to make sense of an increasingly complex world, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 🎧 Available now on all major podcast platforms. I think this title and summary work exceptionally well together because they reinforce the central theme Sean kept returning to throughout the interview: the real battleground isn't territory, it's trust. https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go?url=https%3A%2F%2Fa.co%2Fd%2F0hW0vRex&trk=flagship-messaging-web&messageThreadUrn=urn%3Ali%3AmessagingThread%3A2-OTBmOTQ5MWUtZDM0Ni00M2Q0LWFhODEtZjk0MTc3ZTc5MGE3XzEwMA%3D%3D&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_messaging_conversation_detail%3B6crqUSPZRNuwsaVUr46TNw%3D%3D Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

Descrizione

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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