The Security Circle

Yolanda Hamblen (Yoyo)
  • 5.0 (4)
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  • Updated Weekly

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. Sep 23

    EP 196: Ant Examines My Phone — The Hidden Risks Inside Our Everyday Apps with Ant Davis Security Awareness, Instagram Influencer & AI Enablement Practitioner

    Send us Fan Mail EP 196: Ant Examines My Phone — The Hidden Risks Inside Our Everyday Apps What do WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Waze, dating apps, QR codes and fitness trackers really know about us? In this highly engaging episode of The Security Circle, Yolanda is joined by Cyber Security Awareness and AI Enablement Practitioner Ant Davis to examine the technology we use every day—often without giving a second thought to the information we are sharing. The conversation culminates in the brilliantly revealing “Ant Examines My Phone” round, where Ant gives his immediate cyber reaction to the apps and technology sitting on Yolanda’s phone. Along the way, he reveals why free apps are rarely truly free, how Instagram monitors our behaviour without secretly tracking our eyes, and why Waze users may be sharing more with Google than they realise. Ant also exposes how easily dating profiles can be investigated using basic open-source information, why moving a conversation to WhatsApp can be an early warning sign of a scam, and how fraudulent websites can appear above legitimate businesses in sponsored search results. He explains the danger of QR-code stickers, how fitness trackers can reveal where we live and when our homes may be empty, and why even security professionals can be caught out by curiosity and misplaced trust. The episode also explores the extraordinary opportunities—and risks—created by artificial intelligence. Ant reveals how AI can now reproduce a convincing copy of a website within minutes, placing increasingly powerful tools into the hands of both legitimate creators and cybercriminals. Funny, accessible and packed with surprising revelations, this episode is not about telling people to abandon technology. It is about helping us understand the invisible exchange taking place every time we tap, scroll, scan, share or accept. After listening, you may never look at the apps on your phone in quite the same way again. “All the things that are great about us being human are also what make us vulnerable. We’re curious, inquisitive, creative and emotional—and that is what scammers exploit.” — Ant Davis“That’s the frightening part about AI: for everything we build for good, someone else can find a way to use it for harm.” — Ant Davis https://www.linkedin.com/in/antdaviscyber/ Instagram = antdaviscyber  Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  2. Sep 16

    EP 195: The Gentle Art of Leadership, Why Gentle Leaders Create the Greatest Impact with Brian Donovan Executive Coach

    Send us Fan Mail EP 195: The Gentle Art of Leadership, Why Gentle Leaders Create the Greatest Impact What if the strongest leaders are not the loudest people in the room? In this episode of The Security Circle, Yoyo welcomes globally recognised executive coach and two-time author Brian Donovan for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, influence and the human qualities that enable people to perform at their best. Brian is the author of Leadership Is Changing the Game and The Gentle Art of Leadership, two books that challenge outdated leadership models and offer a more human-centred approach to achieving results. Together, Brian and Yoyo explore the difficult transition from tactical expert to strategic leader—particularly within security, cyber and technology, where technical ability can lead to promotion without preparing someone to inspire, influence or develop others. They discuss why gentle leadership should never be confused with weakness, how empathy and accountability can coexist, and why treating people with dignity consistently produces stronger results. Brian also explains how leaders can identify and reinvent their natural strengths, establish healthier boundaries, delegate effectively and move beyond the belief that they must carry every burden themselves. The conversation also examines toxic workplace cultures, the importance of recognising when an environment can no longer be changed, and the personal agency required to take control of your future. Brian asks listeners to consider one deceptively powerful question: What do you want to be known for? From integrity and emotional intelligence to reputation, resilience and the courage to say no, this episode invites leaders to look honestly at the impact they have on the people around them. As Brian reminds us: “Gentle is not soft. Gentle is knowing how to respect people, treat them with dignity and get the best out of them.” “The best leaders know how to get people to step up—and how to foster other great leaders.” “You don’t have to be loud, brash, arrogant or narcissistic to be a leader. That image of leadership is a myth.” This is an insightful and reassuring conversation for anyone who wants to lead with greater clarity, humanity and impact—and proof that leadership does not need a raised voice to leave a powerful impression. BIO Brian Donovan is an executive coach, speaker and author, based in Melbourne and working globally. He helps technical experts make the transition to leadership. It's the step security and technology organisations expect of the people they promote on technical credibility and rarely train them for.   That transition is the subject of his first book; Leadership Is Changing the Game: The Transition from Technical Expert to Leader. It draws on both sides of his career: senior executive roles at Telstra, Australia's largest telco, and CEO of the IT Skills Hub, a not-for-profit set up to grow the supply of IT professionals. Forty years in the sector means he coaches from inside the problem rather than beside it. Brian is a self-confessed gentleman. That belief sits at the heart of The Gentle Art of Leadership, a book he co-authored with Dean Phelan to challenge the outdated notion that leaders have to be loud, brash, or domineering. The book brings together original research and interviews with more than fifty leaders worldwide. Its argument is simple: leaders who treat people with dignity and respect get the better result. The skills and practices that make that possible are learnable. Brian is also an accredited delivery partner for Influential U, facilitating programs in Transactional Intelligence®, a framework for building the influence a leader needs to reduce friction and get results. More on the framework in the book, HIGH TQ.   Website: www.donovanleadership.com LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfdonovan1/ X: https://x.com/Briandonovan1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DonovanLeadership/ Medium: https://medium.com/@brian-18714 Substack: https://substack.com/@briandonovan3 Email: brian@donovanleadership.com Phone: +61 418 552 723     Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

  3. Sep 9

    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

  4. Sep 2

    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

  5. Aug 26

    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

  6. Aug 19

    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

  7. Aug 12

    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

  8. Aug 5

    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

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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    196
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Security Circle
  • Show Website
    The Security Circle

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