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. 12H AGO

    EP 157 The Messy Middle of Leadership: Lessons from Scaling Pyramids with Chris Stitt

    Send us a text In this episode of the Security Circle Podcast, Host Yolanda “Yoyo” Hamblen is joined by Chris Stitt, a highly respected security and leadership practitioner whose career spans crisis management, international security operations, and complex bureaucratic environments. Chris brings rare credibility to the leadership conversation — not from theory, but from lived experience in high-pressure, high-stakes security roles where decisions are made with imperfect information and real consequences. Drawing on his book Scaling Pyramids, Chris explores where leadership actually happens: in the messy middle between strategy and execution, authority and influence, risk and responsibility. Together, they unpack why middle leaders carry the greatest burden in security organisations, how toxic leadership quietly erodes mission effectiveness, and why power often sits far away from org charts. Chris shares candid stories from his career — including moments of pressure, constraint, and reflection — and explains how effective leaders translate chaos into clarity, protect their teams, and influence upwards without positional power. Key themes include servant leadership in reality (not rhetoric), decision-making in the fog, navigating bureaucracy without losing integrity, and why organisations fail when silos overpower shared purpose. This is a thoughtful, honest conversation for security professionals who operate in complex environments and want leadership guidance that reflects the real world — not the textbook. A must-listen for anyone leading from the middle, carrying risk, or trying to make meaningful change inside large, layered organisations. Buy this awesome book here!!! https://a.co/d/2jCCuTl https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherstittcem/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    1h 2m

  2. DEC 17

    EP 156 “It’s Not in the Manual: Michael Gips on Writing the Leadership Book Security Needs”

    Send us a text It’s Not in the Manual: Michael Gips on Writing the Leadership Book Security Needed In this powerful and deeply human episode of The Security Circle Podcast, host Yolanda “Yoyo” Hamblen is joined by one of the most respected voices in global security leadership, Michael Gips, to explore why the security profession needed this leadership book—and why it needed it now. Michael shares the story behind It’s Not in the Manual, a book built not on abstract frameworks or academic theory, but on real experiences, real people, and real leadership moments from across the security and risk profession. Drawing on decades of work in security, risk, and leadership, he explains why traditional leadership literature often fails security professionals—and how elevating authentic stories from the field creates something far more meaningful and practical. The conversation ranges widely and candidly: from leadership in a world of permanent crisis and convergence, to the hidden emotional toll of security work, to why mental health is not a “soft issue” but a core leadership responsibility. Michael speaks openly about vulnerability, limits, and the leadership mistakes that shaped his thinking, offering rare honesty from someone at the top of the profession. Together, Yoyo and Michael unpack mentorship, thought leadership, interviewing as a leadership skill, and why the future of security leadership will depend less on titles and tools—and more on curiosity, humility, humanity, and judgment. Along the way, they explore how stories, humour, and cultural references can make leadership lessons stick, even in the most complex and high-risk environments. This episode is a masterclass in real-world leadership for security and risk professionals—for those navigating complexity, carrying responsibility, and leading when there is no playbook to follow. If you’ve ever felt that leadership in security isn’t taught, isn’t written down, or simply isn’t in the manual—this conversation is for you. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelgips/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    1h 4m

  3. DEC 10

    EP 155 Turning Adversity Into Advantage: Jeff Slotnick on Health, Hope & Leadership

    Send us a text Podcast Summary In this standout episode of The Security Circle, security legend Jeff Slotnick returns for his second appearance, bringing extraordinary depth, wisdom, and vulnerability. Fresh from a life-changing battle with cancer — which he faced with discipline, positivity, and what he jokingly calls “giving cancer a healthy body” — Jeff reflects on resilience not as a buzzword but as a daily practice grounded in body, mind, and mindset. He shares how Hapkido, begun during his military service in Korea, shaped his entire leadership philosophy: centered thinking, controlled energy, redirecting force, and treating setbacks as fuel for future success. Jeff dives into the beauty and resilience of Korean culture, lessons from military engineering, and the strategic mindset that distinguishes good security leaders from great ones. From enterprise risk and convergence, to the future of AI, insider threat, board-level communication, and the shift from tactical to strategic leadership, Jeff offers a masterclass in what modern security leadership truly looks like. His message is simple but profound: be kind, be collaborative, be a futurist, and always understand that security is fundamentally a business function. This episode is rich with wisdom, humility, humour, and hard-won insight — a must-listen for anyone serious about the future of security. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-slotnick%E2%80%8F-cpp-psp-08a54a6/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    50 min

  4. DEC 3

    EP 154 When Sport, Strategy & Security Collide. Security Isn’t a Solo Sport — And Why That Needs to Change with Paul Harvey

    Send us a text 🎧 Podcast Summary — When Sport, Strategy & Security Collide Security Isn’t a Solo Sport — And Why That Needs to Change In this powerful episode of The Security Circle, Yolanda “Yoyo” Hamblen sits down with security heavyweight Paul Harvey to explore the unexpected intersections between elite sport, leadership, crisis management, and modern protective security. Paul shares his early journey from rising cricket talent to the boardrooms of major security organisations — revealing how the lessons learned on the pitch shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, competition, and building high-performing teams. The conversation dives into: 🏏 From Cricket to Command How elite sport cultivated Paul’s competitiveness, mental toughness, discipline, and team leadership — qualities that would become the backbone of his security career. 🤝 Why Security Can’t Be a Solo Profession Paul explains why protective security must operate like a cohesive team rather than isolated individuals, highlighting the critical importance of collaboration across operations, BD, finance, scheduling, and frontline staff. ⚠️ Lessons from COVID Paul reflects on steering a business through the chaos of the pandemic — the fear, the strategy resets, the pressure on people, and the communication needed to keep teams aligned and clients reassured. 🧠 Coaching, Communication & Personal Growth He discusses the transition from a direct, male-dominated environment to a more inclusive and emotionally intelligent leadership style — and how coaching reshaped the way he motivates and supports others. 👥 Diversity, Competency & the Future Workforce A candid look at the talent shortages in the industry, the need to “grow your own” leaders, and why guaranteed minimum competency must become a non-negotiable standard in security. 🛡️ Martin’s Law & Public Safety Paul breaks down why mandated standards are essential, how Martin’s Law will influence the sector, and why the industry must move beyond commercial decision-making when lives are at stake. 🌍 Raising the Bar for the Entire Sector From TinyG and the City Security Council to developing the next generation of professionals, Paul advocates for collaboration across associations and clearer alignment across the security ecosystem.   This episode is rich with insights, lived experience, humour, and straight-talking wisdom from one of the sector’s most respected voices. If you’re interested in leadership, protective security, crisis resilience, professional standards, or the future of the industry — this one is unmissable. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-harvey-373b7116/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    1h 3m

  5. NOV 26

    EP 153 No Tech Just Cyber - Why Defensive Security Isn’t Enough Anymore with Terry Cutler International Award-Winning Cybersecurity Expert

    Send us a text 🎧 Episode Summary — “Why Defensive Security Isn’t Enough Anymore” In this episode, cybersecurity author, keynote speaker and ethical hacker Terry Cutler joins The Security Circle to unpack the harsh realities of today’s cyber threat landscape. Terry discusses the shift organisations are experiencing as budgets tighten while attacks accelerate, and shares real-world examples of ransomware events, failed backups, flawed recovery assumptions, and the hidden costs that follow a breach. This is an unfiltered conversation about consequences, leadership responsibility, and the evolving nature of cyber risk — urging organisations to go beyond defence and invest in preparedness, response capability and true operational resilience. Terry Cutler is an internationally recognized cybersecurity expert, Government-cleared Ethical Hacker, and the CEO of Cyology Labs, one of Canada’s few cybersecurity firms certified under the Controlled Goods Program (CGP). For more than 20 years, he has advised major Canadian enterprises, government agencies, critical-infrastructure operators, and billion-dollar brands including TELUS, CrowdStrike, Insight, and GardaWorld, helping their clients prevent, detect, and recover from sophisticated cyber threats. As a frequent national media commentator for over 15 years, Terry has appeared on CTV, CBC, CityNews, Global News, PBS, and numerous podcasts including IT World Canada reaching millions of Canadians with timely guidance on emerging cyber threats. He has delivered high-impact cybersecurity keynotes and live presentations across Canada, the U.S., and Dubai, speaking to LIVE audiences as large as 2,500 people and 20,000 in virtual Reality. Terry is the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book “Insider Secrets to Internet Safety: Advice From A Professional Hacker” and the creator of Internet Safety University, an online training program with more than 43,000 enrollments from 150 countries. His broader cybersecurity ecosystem includes the Fraudster App, cyPenTest automated penetration testing, dark-web monitoring, vulnerability management, and vCISO advisory services. His work has earned him numerous industry accolades, including Cybersecurity Educator of the Year, a three-time placement on IFSEC Global’s Top 20 Most Influential Cybersecurity Experts, a two-time placement on Life Safety Alliance Top 40 Global Thought Leaders, and recognition on the CISO Platform Global Top 100 List. Terry has launched the much-awaited Fraudster App (www.FraudsterApp.com) to assist businesses and individuals in staying safe online. **You can schedule a meeting with Terry at www.TalkToTerryCutler.com  Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    52 min

  6. NOV 19

    EP 152 90,000 Heartbeats, One Security Chief: Wembley Stadium- Behind the Scenes, with Steve McGrath

    Send us a text In this powerful and engaging episode, YoYo sits down with Steve McGrath, the Head of Security at Wembley Stadium, to explore what it really takes to protect one of the world’s most iconic venues. With a background in counter terrorism policing and years of operational leadership, Steve shares an inside look into managing security for events that bring in up to 120,000 people at a time across Wembley and the surrounding estate. Steve explains how security has evolved far beyond protecting the stadium itself. Working with transport hubs, local businesses, residents, police, and Wembley Park stakeholders, he highlights the need for a holistic, layered security approach that begins long before visitors reach the turnstiles. From behavioural detection teams on Olympic Way to the surprising role passive detection dogs now play in identifying pyrotechnics and smoke devices, Steve reveals the human and technical innovations behind crowd protection. The conversation also dives into his counter terrorism experience during landmark events such as the Manchester Arena attack and Salisbury poisoning inquiry, and how those lessons continue to influence stadium security today. Steve reflects on the changing nature of risk, from extremist threats to everyday momentum attacks, and the increasing role of human behaviour in modern security strategies. Blending humour, real-world anecdotes, and deep operational insight, Steve brings listeners into his world: the pressure, the purpose, the joy of creating world class experiences, and the emotional reminders—like the Peace Bear on his desk—that keep him grounded in the mission. This episode offers an unforgettable, behind-the-arch look at the complexity, responsibility, and heart behind securing the UK’s largest stadium. https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-mcgrath-fsyl-ctrm-gcgi-3a969519b/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    55 min

  7. NOV 12

    EP 151 Inside the Hiring Mind: What Security Recruiters Really Look For With Kathy Lavinder

    Send us a text In Conversation with Kathy Lavinder In this powerful and wide-ranging episode, Yolanda “YoYo” Hamblen sits down with Kathy Lavinder, one of the most respected and experienced global recruiters in the physical security sector. With 25 years at the helm of her specialist search firm, Kathy brings clarity, honesty, and deep industry insight into the evolving world of security hiring. Kathy reflects on the major shifts she’s seen across the industry: the diversification of candidate backgrounds, the rise of more inclusive leadership, and the growing integration of risk disciplines as organisations face more complex, asymmetrical threats. From anti-billionaire sentiment to geopolitical instability, she explains how modern security leaders must operate with eyes wide open to the world outside their door. Together, Kathy and YoYo unpack the challenges candidates face — from the stigma around mental health disclosures to the discouraging reality of rejection and inconsistent interview processes. Kathy offers grounded advice on culture fit, navigating bias, and why structured interviewing is essential for fairness. She shares frank guidance on using AI for CVs, preparing for interviews, researching companies properly, and why resilience is an overlooked but vital attribute for anyone on the job market. Kathy also breaks down the myth of “identical candidates,” explains why job descriptions can be problematic, and reminds applicants that interview success depends on aligning their message with what the organisation actually needs. From the recruiter’s side, Kathy is refreshingly open about the importance of being an honest broker — transparent with candidates, loyal to clients, and committed to integrity over shortcuts. She also offers straight-talking perspective on US hiring realities, including current visa limitations. This is a must-listen for anyone hiring, interviewing, or navigating their next career step in the security profession. Kathy’s wisdom lands with practicality, humanity, and clarity — a standout conversation on the realities of recruitment in our industry today. BIO Kathy Lavinder is the Founder and Executive Director of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, LLC., (SI Placement) a retained executive search firm. She has 25 years of experience identifying and placing high level security management, investigators, intelligence specialists, and related personnel. Lavinder’s clients have included multinational corporations, financial institutions, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, professional service firms, and the family offices of high-net-worth individuals, as well as NGOs and non-profits in the U.S. and internationally.   Lavinder began recruiting in January 2000 after working in corporate investigations and journalism.  In a career that has bridged these worlds, Lavinder has developed unique insights and extensive contacts. Lavinder is frequently quoted in national publications on security and talent acquisition topics.   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-lavinder/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    54 min

  8. NOV 5

    EP 150 AI Changes the Game — but Humans Still Write the Rules with Julian Fisher Espionage Specialist and Gavin Stone Former British Intelligence

    Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Summary AI changes the game — but humans still write the rules with Julian Fisher & Gavin Stone In this powerful episode of The Security Circle, former British intelligence specialists Julian Fisher and Gavin Stone pull back the curtain on the shifting landscape of espionage, AI, and global security. We explore the critical truth shaping modern intelligence work: Technology accelerates intelligence — but it cannot replace human intent, trust, or judgement. From real-world covert operations to modern disinformation campaigns, they break down: 🔍 Why HUMINT still outranks machine-driven intelligence 🧠 How adversaries are adapting to AI surveillance & identity profiling 🌍 The geopolitical ripple effects of conflicts in strategic regions 🤖 Agentic AI and what it means for future espionage 🛰️ Supply-chain infiltration, deception ops & covert tech 📉 The risk of governments over-relying on technology 👩‍💻 Why younger generations may be the key to a healthy digital future This is a rare, unfiltered look into the mindset of intelligence operatives navigating a world where data moves faster than diplomacy — and where the strongest weapon remains human insight. If you care about the intersection of AI, national security, and real-world intelligence, this episode is a must-listen. Gavin Stone — Podcast Bio Gavin Stone is a security leader and intelligence specialist known for bringing elite protective-operations thinking into the corporate world. With a background spanning high-risk global environments, behavioural analysis, and threat intelligence, Gavin focuses on strengthening organisational resilience through human-centric security practice. Passionate about professional development in the protective industry, he is a respected trainer, mentor, and advocate for raising standards across the security and intelligence community. Julian Fisher — Podcast Bio Julian Fisher is a technology, intelligence and innovation strategist specialising in bridging the gap between emerging capability and real-world operational impact. With experience across national security, enterprise risk and advanced technology programmes, Julian focuses on how organisations can leverage intelligence-driven decision-making, digital transformation and adaptive security architecture to stay ahead of evolving threats. A thoughtful voice in future security culture, he champions ethical leadership, continuous learning, and mission-focused innovation. Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    1h 21m
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Yolanda Hamblen (Yoyo)
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Security Circle
  • Show Website
    The Security Circle