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 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

    46 min

  2. Jun 10

    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

    1h 20m

  3. Jun 3

    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

    59 min

  4. May 27

    EP 179 The Future of Fraud: 'There Is a Scam for Everyone', with Becky Holmes Author of "Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You"

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary EP 178 The Future of Fraud: There Is a Scam for Everyone with Becky Holmes This week on The Security Circle Podcast, we welcome back fraud expert, author, and social engineering commentator Becky Holmes for a gripping conversation about the rapidly evolving world of deception, manipulation, and digital trust. Following the success of her bestselling book Keanu Reeves Is Not In Love With You, Becky returns to discuss her powerful new release, The Future of Fraud — and why modern fraud is no longer just about dodgy emails and suspicious links. Today’s scams are organized, scalable, emotionally manipulative, AI-enhanced, and designed to exploit human vulnerability at scale. From romance fraud and pig butchering scams to deepfakes, fake businesses, cloned travel websites, and emotionally engineered attacks, Becky explains why fraudsters are no longer hacking systems — they are hacking people. Together, we explore: • Why “there is a scam for everyone” • How AI and deepfakes are eroding digital trust • The psychology behind social engineering • Why smart people still fall victim to fraud • The parallels between romance fraud and domestic abuse • How organized crime has industrialized deception • Why shame remains one of the fraudster’s greatest weapons • The growing responsibility of social media and search platforms • And why the future of fraud is becoming deeply personal This is a fascinating, emotional, and eye-opening discussion that challenges the belief that fraud only happens to “other people.” Because in today’s world, the real attack surface isn’t technology. It’s human trust. https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyholmeshatesspinach/ Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    54 min

  5. May 20

    EP 178 From Costa Rica to Complexity Theory: Rethinking Modern Security with Erik D. Erikson

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary From Costa Rica’s escalating violence and drug trafficking routes to complexity theory, semiotics, cultural anthropology, and the psychology of human behaviour — this week’s episode of The Security Circle Podcast goes far beyond traditional security conversations. Joining me is Erik D. Erikson, a Costa Rica-based security professional, trainer, coach, and systems thinker whose work explores the intersection between security, culture, language, community dynamics, and human resilience. In this fascinating discussion, we unpack: The changing security landscape in Costa RicaDrug trafficking, migration, and societal instabilityWhy ego can become one of the greatest risks in security leadershipComplexity theory and the Cynefin Framework in crisis managementSemiotics, misinformation, propaganda, and “irregular warfare”Why understanding culture and human behaviour is now essential for modern security professionalsThis is not a typical cyber security episode. It is a deep exploration into how people, systems, narratives, and communities shape the environments security professionals must operate within every single day. Thought-provoking, unconventional, and packed with insight — this episode challenges us to think differently about what security really means in today’s world. https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-d-erikson/ Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    57 min

  6. May 13

    EP 177 From Space Missions to Security Missions with Bruce McIndoe Founder, iJET/WorldAware & Top 40 Global Thought Leader in Life Safety 2024/25

    Send us Fan Mail This week on The Security Circle Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most fascinating minds in modern security and operational resilience — Bruce McIndoe. Bruce’s career journey is extraordinary. From working in astrophysics and NASA missions, through intelligence operations supporting military environments where decisions could mean life or death, to pioneering the travel risk management industry as Founder of iJET International (now part of GardaWorld/Crisis24), Bruce has spent decades helping organizations navigate uncertainty, disruption and crisis. Today, as President of McIndoe Risk Advisory, Bruce advises global organizations on operational resilience, protective intelligence, people risk management and the future of cross-functional security operations. In Episode 177 — From Space Missions to Security Missions — we explore: 🚀 What NASA taught Bruce about failure, systems thinking and mission-critical risk 🛰️ Why intelligence work changes the way you view uncertainty forever 🧠 Why “the biggest risk isn’t technology — it’s people” ⚠️ The dangers of security silos in modern organizations 🤝 Why the future belongs to multi-capable security professionals 📊 Why more dashboards, more AI and more tools do not automatically create resilience 🔮 The Future Operations Center and how AI could reshape operational security forever This episode is packed with insight for anyone working across security, cyber, resilience, crisis management or leadership. Some standout quotes: 💬 “Technology feels comfortable. People don’t.” 💬 “Resilience isn’t built on perfect intelligence.” 💬 “Good training builds judgment, not just muscle memory.” This is one of those conversations that challenges the way you think about security altogether. Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    53 min

  7. May 6

    EP 176 AI Is Smarter Than Most Companies Are Ready For Because Its Just Too Good: with Dr Paul Dongha PhD, Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy, NatWest Group and Jaci Badenhorst Lead, for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform

    Send us Fan Mail Podcast Summary Paul reflects on his extraordinary journey researching AI agents nearly 30 years ago — long before the world was paying attention — while Jaci shares practical insights into how organisations are struggling to balance innovation with control. Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future problem. It is already shaping how businesses operate, how decisions are made, how cyber attacks evolve, and even how humans think, trust and behave online. From AI-powered cyber threats and vulnerable AI agents to surveillance concerns, hallucinations, insider risk, and the growing dependency humans are developing on chatbots, this episode explores why some of the very people building AI are also the ones warning us to slow down and think carefully. The conversation dives into: Why AI is advancing faster than many organisations can govern itHow AI is already transforming cybersecurity and software developmentThe hidden risks of AI agents operating inside businessesWhy “human in the loop” matters more than everThe future impact on jobs, education and younger generationsWhether AI is subtly reshaping human behaviour and decision-makingWhy governance, accountability and ethics can no longer be treated as optionalJaci is a finance transformation and AI governance leader at NatWest Group, where he serves as the Lead for NatWest AI Digital Enabler Platform. In this role, he focuses on enabling responsible adoption of emerging technology at scale, with an emphasis on strong risk management, clear accountability, and practical governance that supports innovation while protecting colleagues, customers, and the organisation. Paul is the Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at one the UKs largest bank, leading a dedicated team of AI practitioners, and pioneering Responsible AI in financial services. Paul also leads the bank’s AI Strategy to ensure AI provides not only a highly personalised customer experience but is also deployed ethically to augment colleagues’ day-to-day work. Paul is also co-author of ‘Governing the Machine: How to Navigate the Risks of AI and Unlock its True Potential’ (Bloomsbury Business, 2025), a practical guide to responsible AI which has since been named in the Amazon top 10 bestsellers in two categories and in the FT top 5 Business Books of the Month. Paul's influential work has been published throughout leading articles, including The AI Journal, The Green Business Journal, Business Reporter, Natwest, Evident AI Responsible AI Report, Irish Tech News and CIO Business World Magazine. Paul’s influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms and into the global arena, where he actively participates in international forums, policy discussions and projects aimed at setting global standards for responsible. Paul has a PhD in Agentic AI and was previously a university researcher and lecturer in Computer science and AI. Jaci began his career at PwC working in Assurance and Business Recovery Services, before moving into FP&A at NatWest. He later transitioned into data and technology, bringing together financial rigour with hands-on experience of building and governing digital capabilities in a regulated environment. Alongside his industry role, Jaci chairs the ICAS AI Working Group and is a member of the ICAS Ethics board. His work connects professional ethics, assurance-minded thinking, and real-world experience of deploying AI.  Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    54 min

  8. Apr 29

    EP 175 Your Smart Home is Watching You: AI, Surveillance & the Cost of Convenience with Elizabeth Parks President & CMO of Parks Associates

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In Episode 175 of The Security Circle Podcast, Yolanda (Yoyo) Hamblen is joined by Elizabeth Parks, President and Chief Marketing Officer of Parks Associates and fellow 2025 Life Safety Alliance winner, for a fascinating deep dive into the realities of our hyperconnected world. From smart homes and surveillance tech to AI companions and the hidden risks of convenience, Elizabeth shares eye-opening insights from decades of tracking consumer behaviour, connected technologies, and the ever-blurring lines between physical security and cybersecurity. Together, Yolanda and Elizabeth unpack some of the biggest questions facing us right now… Is your smart TV really listening… or even watching? Why are consumers willingly trading privacy for convenience? Why do smart, informed people still click phishing links? Are AI tools becoming companions we trust too much? And are connected devices making our homes safer… or more vulnerable? With shocking real-world examples, including connected TVs allegedly capturing thousands of images per hour, AI hallucinations, phishing scams, smart cameras aiding law enforcement, and the growing dependency on devices like Alexa and ChatGPT, this episode explores the security, ethical, and emotional consequences of life online. If you’ve ever wondered whether convenience is costing us control… this episode is for you. 🎙️ Expect bold opinions, practical advice, and some unsettling truths about the devices already inside your home. We love Thursdays! Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers

    54 min
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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
    182
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Security Circle
  • Show Website
    The Security Circle

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