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. 4h ago

    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

  2. Jul 29

    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

  3. Jul 22

    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

  4. Jul 15

    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

  5. Jul 8

    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

  6. Jul 1

    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

  7. Jun 24

    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

  8. Jun 17

    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

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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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