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The Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast

The Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast

Ontic 242 Episodes Sep 9, 2026

The Ontic Connected Intelligence Podcast is a show aimed at corporate security professionals who want to elevate the practice and perception of security within their organizations. Hosted by Fred Burton and Manish Mehta, it offers practical advice and real-world examples on topics such as intelligence gathering, building effective security teams, and navigating modern threats. Episodes are designed for both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to the field. The podcast ultimately aims to help listeners make informed decisions and lead with confidence in protecting their people and organizations.

Episodes

Adapting Executive Protection in Dynamic Threat Environments with Jonathan Wackrow
Adapting Executive Protection in Dynamic Threat Environments with Jonathan Wackrow Sep 9, 2026 00:23:38 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 le
Connected Data, Trusted Decisions: Building an AI-Ready Security Program with Lukas Quanstrom
Connected Data, Trusted Decisions: Building an AI-Ready Security Program with Lukas Quanstrom Aug 26, 2026 00:22:47 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 system
From Monitoring Hub to Enterprise Nerve Center: Building a Business-First GSOC with Nick Saroka
From Monitoring Hub to Enterprise Nerve Center: Building a Business-First GSOC with Nick Saroka Jul 15, 2026 00:29:17 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 rela
Turning Fragments Into Context: Frank Rodman on Event Security and Protective Intelligence
Turning Fragments Into Context: Frank Rodman on Event Security and Protective Intelligence Jul 1, 2026 00:24:14 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 T
The Physics of Protection: Human Behavior, Risk, and Readiness with Bryan Niederhelm
The Physics of Protection: Human Behavior, Risk, and Readiness with Bryan Niederhelm Jun 17, 2026 00:40:54 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 discipl
The New Executive Protection Playbook: Why Security Must Converge with Ken Senser
The New Executive Protection Playbook: Why Security Must Converge with Ken Senser Jun 3, 2026 00:22:38 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
Incivility to Targeting: Bob Hayes on the New Era of Executive Risk
Incivility to Targeting: Bob Hayes on the New Era of Executive Risk May 13, 2026 00:26:07 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 c
Influence Without Authority: Mike Howard’s Playbook for Modern Security Leaders
Influence Without Authority: Mike Howard’s Playbook for Modern Security Leaders Apr 29, 2026 00:24:37 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.
From SEAL Teams to Storytelling: Jack Carr on His Latest Thriller, The Fourth Option
From SEAL Teams to Storytelling: Jack Carr on His Latest Thriller, The Fourth Option Apr 15, 2026 00:28:01 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
Bridging Government and Private Sector Intelligence with Josh Skule
Bridging Government and Private Sector Intelligence with Josh Skule Apr 1, 2026 00:24:25 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 Intelligence Shapes Modern Corporate Risk Management with Jim Bacigalupo
How Intelligence Shapes Modern Corporate Risk Management with Jim Bacigalupo Mar 18, 2026 00:22:06 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 less
Leading with Intelligence: A CSO’s Playbook for Proactive Security
Leading with Intelligence: A CSO’s Playbook for Proactive Security Mar 4, 2026 00:33:19 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

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