The Security Circle

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

  Send us a textPodcast SummaryIn 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

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• 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 CollideSecurity Isn’t a Solo Sport — And Why That Needs to ChangeIn 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 CommandHow 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 ProfessionPaul 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 COVIDPaul 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 GrowthHe 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 WorkforceA 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 SafetyPaul 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 SectorFrom 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

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• 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

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

  Send us a textIn 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

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

  Send us a textIn Conversation with Kathy LavinderIn 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.BIOKathy 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

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