The Security Circle

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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 Rica
Drug trafficking, migration, and societal instability
Why ego can become one of the greatest risks in security leadership
Complexity theory and the Cynefin Framework in crisis management
Semiotics, misinformation, propaganda, and “irregular warfare”
Why understanding culture and human behaviour is now essential for modern security professionals
This 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

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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

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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 it
How AI is already transforming cybersecurity and software development
The hidden risks of AI agents operating inside businesses
Why “human in the loop” matters more than ever
The future impact on jobs, education and younger generations
Whether AI is subtly reshaping human behaviour and decision-making
Why governance, accountability and ethics can no longer be treated as optional
Jaci 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

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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

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EP 174 Ransomware Nation: Why Business Is Still Getting Punched in the Face with Jamie MacColl
Ransomware is no longer “just an IT problem.” It is a national security threat, an economic threat, and a direct threat to business survival.
In this explosive episode of The Security Circle, Yolanda interviews cybercrime expert Jamie MacColl, whose recent appearance on BBC Panorama put the UK’s ransomware crisis firmly in the spotlight.
Together they unpack the brutal reality facing organisations today: why businesses are still failing the basics, why boards are not listening until they get “punched in the face,” and how cyber criminals are exploiting weak fundamentals like poor patching, missing MFA, vulnerable suppliers and operational complacency.
From the chaos caused by attacks on UK retail, manufacturing and healthcare, to the rise of groups like Scattered Spider, Jamie explains why ransomware has become a business hostage crisis hiding in plain sight.
This episode dives into:
• Why ransomware should be treated like terrorism and organised crime
• The dangerous culture of silence stopping businesses learning from attacks
• Why “secure by design” and “secure by default” are still more slogan than reality
• How supply chain weakness is fuelling the next wave of attacks
• Why governments are struggling to legislate fast enough
• What businesses must do now to survive the next six months
If your organisation still thinks “it won’t happen to us,” this episode is your wake-up call.
Because in today’s world… complacency is expensive.
🔥 We love Thursdays.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-maccoll-b925a8127/
Jamie MacColl is a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. His current research focuses on ransomware and other financially motivated cybercrimes, the UK’s national cyber strategy, and the role of private companies in global cyber governance. He is also currently a Senior Research Associate at Virtual Routes, a European think tank, and a Project Fellow at the Research Institute for Sociotechnical Cyber Security. Jamie holds an MPhil in International Relations and Politics from the University of Cambridge and BA in War Studies from King’s College London.
Security Circle ⭕️  is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers