Connected Data, Trusted Decisions: Building an AI-Ready Security Program with Lukas Quanstrom

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 advantageSign up for our monthly newsletter here.Enjoying this episode? Take a minute to rate and review the show.

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. Enjoying this episode? Take a minute to rate and review the show.

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 If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

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 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

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. If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

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  Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. 

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 Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.  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 If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.    

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 Sign up for our monthly newsletter here.

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 If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.

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 If you're enjoying this episode, please take a minute to rate and review the show.