The Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast

More data and more technology don’t automatically translate into better security decisions. Host Manish Mehta speaks with Bill Udell, CEO of Control Risks, and Luke Quanstrom, CEO and Co-founder of Ontic, about why technology and human expertise must work together to turn intelligence into action. They explore how disconnected systems and organizational silos slow decision-making, and why AI needs human judgment and a more complete picture of risk. The conversation also examines the convergence of physical and digital risks, rising expectations for security teams, and the growing importance of AI fluency. Throughout the discussion, they connect these changes to a larger challenge: translating security insights into business-relevant decisions that resonate with the C-suite and board.

You'll learn:
• Why better security requires technology and human expertise working together
• How disconnected systems limit AI insights and slow decisions
• Which skills security teams need as physical and digital risks converge

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Keeping a major event safe means protecting more than the stadium. Robert Gummer, Deputy Chief of Emergency Management and Security at LA Metro, joins Fred Burton to discuss lessons from the World Cup and how they’re informing preparations for the 2028 Olympics. He shares how integrating security across business units and strengthening partner relationships helped support safe transportation and fan events. The conversation explores how teams cut through threat-reporting noise, prioritize resources across transit hubs and fan zones, and connect intelligence to operational decisions. Looking ahead to the Olympics and Paralympics, Gummer explains why security deployments must become more flexible as the event footprint expands.

You'll learn:

• Scale event security beyond stadiums to transit hubs and fan zones
• Build the partnerships and coordination that major events demand
• Use actionable intelligence to prioritize event security resources

Learn more about Connected Intelligence for the public sector here.

Cyber threats don’t stay online—and insider threats don’t stop at the employee roster. Former FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate joins Fred Burton to explore what these shifting boundaries mean for corporate security. Drawing on nearly three decades at the FBI and his advisory work at FTI Consulting, Paul discusses cyber-physical convergence, the expanding scope of insider threats, and the importance of connecting intelligence across teams. He shares why building trusted relationships before a crisis, getting security fundamentals right, and turning information into action are essential to protecting people and organizations.

Listeners will:
• Learn how compromised systems, exposed personal information, and online surveillance can turn digital threats into real-world harm
• Understand how remote work, contractors, and supply chain partners are expanding insider risk beyond the traditional employee model
• Explore how collaboration across security, human resources, legal, and leadership helps teams connect intelligence and take preventive action

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Protection is most effective when it enables the mission rather than simply restricting it. In this episode, Fred Burton speaks with Jonathan Wackrow, managing director of Sentinel Resource Group, former U.S. Secret Service special agent, CNN law enforcement analyst, and co-author of The Protector’s Edge. Drawing on his experience with the Presidential Protective Division, Jonathan explains how leaders make consequential decisions with imperfect information, adapt plans as threat conditions change, and establish clear thresholds before a crisis. He also explores the shift from tactical protection to strategic leadership, including the importance of trust, cross-functional coordination, and understanding the principal’s objectives. The conversation closes with a powerful view of Connected Intelligence as the link between people, functions, context, and decisions that creates real decision advantage.

You'll learn:

• How protective leaders make consequential decisions with imperfect information

• Why adaptability, predefined thresholds, and trusted relationships matter in volatile environments

• How Connected Intelligence turns siloed information into decision advantage

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AI is creating new possibilities for corporate security, but readiness depends on far more than adopting a new tool. Ontic CEO and co-founder Lukas Quanstrom joins Manish to explain why connected, governed data and clearly defined workflows are essential for trustworthy AI outcomes. They discuss the difference between using AI for efficiency and using it to achieve foresight at scale, where systems continuously identify patterns and surface risks before teams think to ask. Lukas also shares practical steps security leaders can take now, from choosing a focused use case to measuring whether teams can reach evidence-backed decisions faster. Their conversation offers a grounded look at how generative and agentic AI could reshape security operations while keeping governance, accountability, and human judgment at the center.

You'll learn:

• Why connected, governed data is the foundation of AI readiness
• How foresight at scale differs from simply making existing work faster
• Practical steps for building trusted, evidence-backed AI workflows

Take Ontic's AI Readiness Assessment here.

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A mature GSOC does far more than monitor alarms. Manish speaks with Nick Saroka, Vice President of Operations at Exlog Global, about turning the GSOC into an enterprise nerve center that supports decisions across the business. Nick explains how teams can connect threat monitoring to organizational objectives, determine when to escalate with incomplete information, and earn credibility through relationships and repeated performance. He also explores AI’s role as a force multiplier for intelligence collection and dissemination while keeping human validation and judgment in the loop. The conversation closes with practical career advice for analysts who want to understand the businesses they protect and create greater organizational value.

You'll learn:

• How to align GSOC intelligence with business objectives and operational decisions
• What to weigh when moving from monitoring to escalation and action
• Where AI can accelerate intelligence workflows without replacing human judgment

Similar episodes:

• Building Next-Gen GSOCs with Visa’s Niall Herlehy
• A Modern Approach to Managing GSOCs with Jesse Leeds
• Fail Forward: Lessons in Leadership and Innovation with Jacob Valdez
• Embracing Change in Corporate Security: Strategies for Modernization with Ryan Schonfeld of HiveWatch

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Frank Rodman, CEO and co-founder of Torchstone Global, joins Fred Burton to discuss what it takes to protect people, events, and organizations in an increasingly complex threat environment. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across the Diplomatic Security Service, corporate security, executive protection, GSOC operations, and major global events, Frank shares lessons from the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation, the Tokyo subway sarin attack, Olympic Games, and Super Bowls. The conversation explores why private-sector security depends on influence, coordination, and clear communication, not just authority. Frank also explains how Connected Intelligence helps teams turn fragmented information into the context needed to make better security decisions before risk becomes crisis.

You'll learn:

• How protective intelligence helps teams connect weak signals before a crisis
• Why major event security requires coordination, red teaming, and thoughtful trade-offs
• How security leaders can build stronger teams by combining expertise, communication, and business acumen

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Modern executive protection requires far more than a physical presence. In this episode, Fred Burton speaks with Bryan Niederhelm, Senior Vice President of Threat Assessment and Management at Gavin de Becker & Associates, about the evolving landscape of protective intelligence, threat assessment, and violence prevention. Bryan shares why the fundamentals of human behavior, preparation, and disciplined observation remain critical, even as AI and emerging technologies reshape the security conversation. The discussion also explores how protectors can avoid over-reliance on tools, build curiosity into their work, and better communicate risk to the people they protect.

What you'll learn:

• Why modern protection depends on preparation, mindset, and understanding human behavior
• How AI, drones, and emerging technologies may influence protective intelligence
• Why curiosity and humility are essential skills for the next generation of protectors

Learn more in Ontic Resources.

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The risk landscape facing corporate leaders has changed dramatically. In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with longtime security executive Ken Senser to discuss how threats have evolved from large-scale physical attacks to today's digitally enabled, grievance-driven risks. Drawing on decades of experience with the CIA, FBI, Walmart, and Corporate Security Advisors, Ken shares his perspective on executive protection, protective intelligence, AI, and the growing convergence of cyber and physical security. The conversation explores what security leaders must do to protect executives, strengthen organizational resilience, and prepare for the future of risk.

You'll learn:

• How executive protection has evolved from physical security to a converged risk discipline
• Why doxing, swatting, and online radicalization are reshaping threat landscapes
• How AI will transform both protective intelligence programs and attacker capabilities

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A growing culture of incivility is reshaping the corporate risk landscape, and security leaders are being forced to adapt quickly. In this episode of the Connected Intelligence Podcast, Fred Burton sits down with Security Executive Council founder Bob Hayes to discuss the research behind rising workplace aggression, executive targeting, activist-driven threats, and the long-term implications for corporate security programs. Bob shares lessons drawn from decades of research and leadership experience, including why organizations often overlook their most probable risks and how security teams can better align intelligence with business action. The conversation also explores the evolution of executive protection and the importance of actionable intelligence in today’s environment.

You'll learn:

• Why workplace incivility is becoming a growing corporate security concern
• How executive targeting trends are shifting toward activist-driven threats
• What organizations often miss when assessing executive risk

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Beyond Incivility: The Soaring Business Cost of America’s Deteriorating Civility
• Executive Targeting Report: Analysis of Attacks on Corporate Executives from 2003-2025

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Transitioning from the CIA to leading global security at Microsoft is no small leap. Mike Howard shares how he navigated that shift, rebuilt a security program at scale, and learned to influence without authority in the private sector. He reflects on the importance of aligning security with business strategy, building diverse teams to tackle emerging threats, and continuously evolving as a leader. The conversation also explores how security leaders can think more broadly about risk in an increasingly interconnected world.

You'll learn:

• Why influence, not authority, is the most critical skill in corporate security
• How aligning with business strategy unlocks buy-in and resources
• The importance of diverse talent in addressing emerging and complex threats

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Jack Carr returns to the show to discuss his latest novel, The Fourth Option, and the creative journey behind expanding beyond the James Reese universe. Drawing from his experience as a Navy SEAL and his deep passion for storytelling, Jack shares how authenticity, discipline, and relentless curiosity shape his writing. The conversation explores collaboration, the evolution of modern audiences, and the balance between technical accuracy and compelling narrative. Along the way, Jack reflects on the importance of reading, the influence of history, and how stories can build empathy in an increasingly distracted world.

You'll learn:

• How real-world experience informs authentic and compelling storytelling
• Why reading is foundational to creativity, empathy, and leadership
• The evolving challenge of capturing attention in a distracted digital world

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After more than two decades in the FBI, including leading its global intelligence program, Josh Skule has seen firsthand how intelligence shapes national security and business risk. In this conversation, he shares lessons from the Bureau, the challenges of transitioning into the private sector, and why collaboration across government and industry is more critical than ever. The discussion explores how organizations can better balance tactical demands with long-term strategy, navigate evolving threats, and build smarter, intelligence-led security programs. It’s a candid look at what it takes to lead in today’s complex risk environment.

You'll learn:

• How to balance immediate threats with long-term intelligence strategy
• Why information sharing between government and private sector remains challenging
• How to build a modern, intelligence-led corporate security program

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What does it take to lead security operations at the highest levels—from protecting U.S. diplomats overseas to safeguarding a global financial institution?

In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with Jim Bacigalupo, former Diplomatic Security Service leader and current corporate security executive, to discuss the transition from government security operations to the private sector. Jim shares lessons from managing large-scale embassy security programs, building modern GSOCs, and navigating the evolving risk landscape inside global financial institutions. The conversation explores the role of intelligence, technology, and leadership in proactive security programs—and why the human factor still matters most.

You'll learn:

• How government security experience translates into corporate security leadership
• What “good” looks like in a modern GSOC and intelligence program
• Why effective security programs combine technology with strong human analysis

Learn more in Ontic Resources.

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In this episode, Manish sits down with Raju Bhatia, Chief Security Officer at Regions Bank. With more than 25 years of experience — including two decades with the FBI and senior corporate security leadership at Bank of America — Raj shares how his career evolved from federal investigations to leading intelligence-driven security programs in the private sector. He unpacks what it takes to move from reactive response to proactive prevention, how to break down silos in large organizations, and why duty of care must be embedded into business strategy — not treated as a standalone function.

You’ll learn:

• How to transition from reactive security to an intelligence-led, proactive model that mitigates incidents before they escalate
• What it takes to influence up, across, and down — and speak the language of the business as a modern CSO
• How to build a culture of safety and duty of care that protects people, brand, and enterprise value in today’s dynamic threat environment

Similar episodes:

• Strengthening Financial Services Against Evolving Threats: Insights from Bert Oliveira
• Positioning Security as a Business Enabler: Strategies for Success with Jeremy Baumann
• Inside the Adversary Mindset: Building Smarter Protection in a Connected World

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Fred Burton sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Cold Zero. Centered on a CIA extraction gone wrong in the Arctic Circle, the novel explores the realities of modern intelligence operations, global competition, and high-stakes decision-making under extreme pressure. Thor shares the real-world inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with former fighter pilot Ward Larson to ensure operational accuracy, and how today’s fragmented threat environment shaped the story’s geopolitical tensions. The conversation also examines the human element of intelligence work — from trust between allies to making critical calls without complete information.

You'll learn:

• How real-world intelligence tradecraft and CIA extraction operations inspired Cold Zero
• What happens when intelligence operations go wrong — and how leaders make decisions with incomplete information
• Why trust between partners is the foundation of effective connected intelligence in today’s threat landscape

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Manish Mehta sits down with Wayman Cummings, Chief Information Security Officer at Ochsner Health, to explore what cyber-physical security convergence really looks like in practice. Wayman shares how his unconventional path into cybersecurity shaped his leadership style and his perspective on risk in high-stakes environments like healthcare. The conversation dives into insider risk, the role of AI as augmented intelligence, and why most physical threats today begin with digital reconnaissance. Wayman also challenges the idea that convergence is a myth, offering real-world examples of how teams, technology, and trust must come together to make it work.

You'll learn:

• Why convergence fails without people and process alignment
• Why AI should augment human judgment, not replace it, in security operations
• How leaders can build credibility, break down silos, and scale security impact in high-risk environments

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Host Fred Burton sits down with Jeremy Baumann, CEO and founder of Corporate Security Advisors, to explore what it truly means to build high-performing, business-aligned security programs. Drawing on three decades of experience across law enforcement, corporate security, and consulting, Jeremy shares how security leaders can move beyond being seen as a cost center and instead become trusted enablers of business success. Their conversation dives into intelligence-led security, crisis readiness, resilience, and the business acumen today’s CSOs need to thrive in an increasingly complex risk environment.

What you'll learn:

• How to position corporate security as a business enabler that reduces risk while minimizing friction
• What separates “paper plans” from truly crisis-ready and resilient organizations
• Why intelligence, business fluency, and learning to say yes are critical skills for the next generation of security leaders

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In this episode, Fred Burton sits down with Rich Davis, former Chief Security Officer of United Airlines, to explore the evolution of aviation security and what it takes to manage risk at a truly global scale. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Rich shares how collaboration, intelligence sharing, and a strong duty of care mindset have reshaped airline security—and why relationships across the private sector and government remain critical to preventing the next crisis.

You'll Learn:

• How aviation security has evolved in response to global threats and regulatory change
• Why collaboration and trusted relationships are foundational to effective risk management
• What “duty of care” looks like in practice for organizations with globally mobile workforces

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Host Fred Burton reunites with longtime colleague Scott Stewart, Vice President of Protective Intelligence at Torchstone Global, to unpack the evolving landscape of executive protection. Drawing on recent high-profile attacks and their own book, The Protective Intelligence Advantage, they explore how threat actors operate, what today’s organizations often overlook, and why simple, time-tested security fundamentals still matter in a technology-driven world. Scott highlights the critical gaps in understanding pre-operational surveillance, digital exhaust, and target selection. Together, they unravel the growing need for protective intelligence programs that blend human expertise with modern tools.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why recent attacks signal a shift in executive protection and the rising importance of protective intelligence
• How pre-operational surveillance, behavioral cues, and digital exhaust reveal attackers’ methods
• Why simple, foundational security practices remain essential even as new technologies transform the field

Learn more in Ontic Resources here.

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