The Business Of Intelligence

The Builder Series w/ Clock&Cloud Chief Intelligence Officer Colin Reed

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

What makes a senior intelligence leader leave big tech to help build an international startup? In this episode, Colin Reed, Chief Intelligence Officer of Clock&Cloud, shares why he made the move, and what he saw inside large organizations that convinced him a new model for geopolitical intelligence is needed. We unpack the problem Clock&Cloud is trying to solve, why the current approach falls short, and why he’s betting on a fundamentally different way to turn intelligence into real business impact.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 34 w/ Chris Meager + James Butler

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000

In Episode 34, we sit down with leading recruiters in the field to unpack how hiring actually works in the world of corporate security and intelligence. Our guests share candid insights on what separates top candidates, the mistakes that quietly derail opportunities, and how to stand out in a highly competitive, relationship-driven market. If you’re navigating your next move, this is a tactical guide to getting hired.

The Builder Series w/ Suzanna Morrow + Jennifer Anthony of Morrow Anthony Partners

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Transitioning from the Intelligence Community to the private sector is not just a career change. It’s a complete shift in how power, influence, and value actually work. In this episode of The Builder Series, Ryan sits down with two former Intelligence Community professionals who spent years inside Big Tech before building a course designed to help public sector professionals successfully navigate the move into corporate life. Drawing on more than two decades of combined private sector experience, they share the hard lessons many professionals only learn after they make the leap. From the psychological shift of leaving mission-driven work to understanding how influence, incentives, and impact actually work inside companies, they unpack the realities behind the move from national security to profit-driven organizations.

The Builder Series w/ Trust Street Advisors Partner + SWORN Co-Founder Adam Safir

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to The Builder Series, a show where we sit down with the founders, CEOs, and investors building the future of risk and resilience. Part of The Business of Intelligence podcast and brought to you by INTELAB Ventures, our guest today is Adam Safir, partner at Trust Street Advisors and the Co-Founder of SWORN. Tune in as we discuss the first AI-powered health and wellness platform for public safety professionals, along with the importance and idea of human-centered resilience.

The Builder Series w/ Victoria Intelligence CEO + Founder Rachael Spanton

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Builder Series, a show where we sit down with the founders, CEOs, and investors building the future of risk and resilience. Part of The Business of Intelligence podcast and brought to you by INTELAB Ventures, our first guest is Rachael Spanton, founder + CEO of Victoria Intelligence. Tune in as we discuss her efforts to build an anticipatory intelligence platform, as well as a deep dive into her jump from in-house intelligence practitioner to entrepreneur.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 33 (Future-Proofing Your Career In The AI Era)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

AI is changing how intelligence work gets done, but many analysts are being asked to adapt without a clear framework. In this episode, we move beyond tools and prompts to explain how analysts can future-proof their careers by repositioning their value around judgment, trust, workflow design, and decision impact. We break down why many frustrations with AI stem from misaligned expectations, and how analysts can separate signal from noise while redesigning how their work gets done responsibly. This conversation is for intelligence, security, and risk professionals who want to remain relevant, trusted, and influential as the profession evolves.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 32 (The Weaponization Of AI Against Executives)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Episode 32 serves as a practical public service announcement for executive protection, protective intelligence, and corporate security practitioners on how AI and emerging technologies are being weaponized to target executives. Grounded in real examples, it explains why digital activity now shapes the physical threat environment, and what protection teams must do to stay ahead.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 31 with Fred Burton + Scott Stewart

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:15:00 +0000

In this episode of The Business of Intelligence, we’re joined by protective intelligence pioneers Fred Burton and Scott Stewart to discuss their new book, The Protective Intelligence Advantage. Drawing on decades of real-world experience, the conversation explores why protective intelligence has reached a critical inflection point and what recent tragedies revealed about how protection is practiced. We examine the modern threat landscape, emerging risks, and the future of protective intelligence, from digital exposure and lone-actor threats, to technology’s evolving role. This is a must-listen for anyone responsible for protecting people in today’s complex and unforgiving environment.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 30 (Business Partnering In Intelligence)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

In this episode we challenge the traditional, government-inspired structure of corporate intelligence and argue for a shift toward a modern business partnering model. Instead of focusing solely on regional or domain expertise, intelligence teams can create greater impact by embedding closer to the business and operating as trusted advisors. We explore what an “Intelligence Business Partner” could look like, why this evolution matters, and how teams can begin taking practical steps toward it.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 29 (The Importance Of Executive Empowerment)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked truths inside corporate intelligence: even the most talented intelligence teams will fail without empowered leadership. We explore why the Chief Security Officer, or whoever owns the function, ultimately determines whether intelligence becomes a strategic asset or remains a marginalized reporting shop. If you’ve ever wondered why some intelligence programs thrive while others struggle to get a seat at the table, this episode breaks down the difference. It’s not just about tradecraft, it’s about leadership, access, and the courage to empower.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 28 (The Importance Of Power + Politics)

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Ryan breaks down why the most effective intelligence leaders aren’t just great analysts; they’re skilled political operators who know how to navigate power, build influence, and earn a seat at the decision-making table. Drawing on lessons from real-world events like COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, this episode reveals how credibility, timing, and relationships often matter more than analytic accuracy alone. If you’ve ever wondered why some intelligence teams shape decisions while others stay on the sidelines, this episode is for you.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 27 (Inaugural SCIF Summit Overview)

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the inaugural SCIF Summit, an exclusive, high-impact gathering where founders of security, cyber, and intelligence companies meet the investors and enterprise leaders shaping the future. Hear from the organizers about why this "deal summit" matters, what to expect, and why getting in the room might just change your trajectory.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 26 w/ Clock&Cloud CEO Riku Hellgren

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Ryan sits down with Clock & Cloud CEO and Co-Founder Riku Hellgren for a wide-ranging conversation that includes the current state of geopolitical risk intelligence/management, questions around leadership and entrepreneurship, and what problem Clock & Cloud is trying to solve.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 25 (The Value Proposition Of Executive Protection Programs)

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this solo episode, Ryan recounts his presentation to a group of executives last December on the value proposition of Executive Protection programs, common misconceptions about the function, and how organizations can take practical, scalable steps to get a program started today.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 24 (I3 Summit Recap w/ ERI CEO Meredith Wilson)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Meredith Wilson, Founder + CEO of Emergent Risk International, joins Ryan for a look-back and review of the inaugural I3 (Intelligence, Innovation, Imagination) Summit from last November.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 23 w/ The "Intelligence Doctors"

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:38:00 +0000

In this episode we have a wide-ranging conversation with scholar practitioners Dr. Angie Lewis, Dr. Lewis Sage-Passant, and Dr. Maria Robson-Morrow. We explore multiple topics ranging from what happens when academic rigor meets the dynamic world of private sector intelligence to the current state of the field.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 22 w/ Colin Reed of Salesforce

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we cut through the politics to uncover how recent shifts in the political landscape are reshaping corporate security risks. Colin Reed, a foresight + intelligence strategy advisor working in the US technology sector, reveals why ignoring political risk could leave companies vulnerable—and what security teams can do to prepare. If you work in corporate intelligence or risk management, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 21 w/ Ontic CSO Chuck Randolph

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 13:45:00 +0000

Ryan sits down with Ontic Chief Security Officer and industry leader Chuck Randolph to explore the theme of leadership and service. Tune in as these long-time friends and collaborators cover everything from practical advice on how to get involved in the industry, to the impact of professional identity, to suffering from Impostor Syndrome.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 20 Part 2 w/ Ross Hill + Dr. Treston Wheat of Insight Forward

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Insight Forward Founder + CEO Ross Hill is back for round 2. In this episode, Ross reprises his talk on making bolding inferences and strategically communicating intelligence- a talk that was chosen for the inaugural I3 (Intelligence, Innovation, Imagination) Summit in November where Ross electrified the audience and provided thought-provoking insights around the question, "Are we really delivering intelligence?" However, this time Ryan has the chance to probe a little deeper and ask follow-up questions in an effort to produce actionable advice for intelligence practitioners.

The Business of Intelligence Episode 20 Part 1 w/ Ross Hill + Dr. Treston Wheat of Insight Forward

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

For episode 20 (Part 1), we had the privilege of speaking with the leadership team at Insight Forward, a Geopolitical Risk Intelligence advisory service specializing in Corporate intelligence. Tune in as we discuss the firm's Top 10 Geopolitical Risks in 2025 Report to uncover the risks that could disrupt industries, challenge leadership, and redefine global markets.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 19 (Lessons Learned From Sabbatical + What's Next?)

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

The Business of Intelligence is back! Tune in to Episode 19 as Ryan shares his lessons learned from a 2024 sabbatical and talks about what's next for the podcast.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 18 w/ Insight Forward CEO Ross Hill

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:02:00 +0000

Tune in to Episode 18 where Ryan talks Geopolitical Risk Intelligence with Insight Forward Founder and CEO Ross Hill. They dive into Insight Forward's “Geopolitical Risk Intelligence: An Executive Handbook," discuss innovation in the field of corporate intelligence and much, much more.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (Monday, April 8)

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, Ryan talks about the importance of finding a champion within your organization.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 17 w/ Maria Robson-Morrow, Katie Tucker + Judit Gaspar

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ryan hosts a wide-ranging conversation with Maria Robson-Morrow, Katie Tucker and Judit Gaspar from the Intelligence Project at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. Tune is as they discuss the recently published Harvard Business Review article "How To Vet A Corporate Intelligence Vendor," as well as numerous other insights from their research on the field of private sector intelligence.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (Monday, April 1)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:10:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, Ryan shares a few short lessons learned as a hiring manager for consideration to those who are looking to break into the private sector or perhaps just land their next private sector role.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (Monday, March 4)

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, Ryan highlights a few critical building blocks for creating a business case to request more resources.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (Monday, February 19)

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, listen in as Ryan talks about how his experience of getting involved and participating in the industry creates both career success and personal fulfillment.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (February 5, 2024)

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, listen in as Ryan shares some of his building blocks for thriving, and not just surviving as a member (or solo practitioner) of a small in-house corporate intelligence team.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (January 22, 2024)

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan from The Business Of Intelligence podcast during this new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." For this week's edition, listen in Ryan discusses past learnings risk intelligence practitioners may be able to apply as they prepare for a year of Global elections.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (January 15, 2024)

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:41:00 +0000

Join Ryan as The Business Of Intelligence podcast kicks off a new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." In this new segment, Ryan shares his lessons learned on how to deal with difficult customers.

The Monday Morning Practitioner (January 8, 2024)

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Join Ryan as The Business Of Intelligence podcast kicks off a new weekly segment called "The Monday Morning Practitioner." In this inaugural segment, Ryan shares his lessons learned on how to think about and deal with customer turnover.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 16 (Global Security Exchange Recap)

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Join Ryan as he provides his perspective on the value of attending the Global Security Exchange (GSX). He explores whether or not the largest security conference in the world is a must-attend event, if the investment is worthwhile and if the conference helps the intelligence practitioner develop personally and professionally.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 15 (Lessons Learned On A Career In Intelligence Recap)

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Join Ryan as he applies a private sector lens to provide commentary on an article and first-hand account titled “What I Learned in 40 Years of Doing Intelligence Analysis for US Foreign Policymakers" by former senior CIA Directorate of Intelligence (DI) officer Martin Petersen.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 14 w/ Intelligence + Security Expert Stephen Cotman

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Ryan and Michael as they speak with intelligence and security expert Stephen Cotman on the intersection of leadership, security and intelligence and how to lead during this era of uncertainty.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 13 (3 Big Ideas To Help Elevate Intelligence Programs)

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Join co-host Ryan on this solo episode as he discusses 3 big ideals to help elevate intelligence programs.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 12 (Preview of AIRIP's 5th Annual Global Intelligence Forum)

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode The Business of Intelligence team provides a sneak preview of AIRIP's 5th Annual Global Intelligence Forum.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 11 (The Art Of Persuasion)

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 14:00:00 +0000

Join co-hosts Ryan and Michael as they discuss the 'Art of Persuasion' and why the skill of persuasion is critical to intelligence practitioners. This 'How To" episode highlights a variety of tactics on how to be more persuasive, some pitfalls to avoid, and a few resources that could be helpful to listeners.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 10 w/ I-OnAsia COO + Risk Management Expert James Tunkey

Fri, 06 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they chat with I-OnAsia COO and risk management expert James Tunkey on risk management philosophies, the importance of framing the future for your organization, the importance of professional development, and a range of useful tactics and advice for practitioners in the risk management space.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 9 w/ Factal Co-Founder + VP of Product Cory Bergman

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they chat with Factal Co-Founder and VP of Product Cory Bergman. They dissect a soon-to-be published thought leadership piece which you can find here from Factal on the the dual disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change and how this has challenged risk management, crisis, and resiliency teams in unprecedented ways.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 8 w/ Alethea Group Founder + CEO Lisa Kaplan

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they chat with Alethea Group Founder and CEO Lisa Kaplan on protecting against disinformation.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 7 w/ Private Sector Intelligence Leader Angela Lewis

Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they chat with private sector intelligence leader Angela Lewis on leadership in intelligence, to include why intelligence practitioners make good leaders, how to develop a positive team culture, and the challenges of building a private sector intelligence function.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 6 w/ Security + Intelligence Leader James Gooding

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they chat with security and intelligence leader James Gooding on how to develop client rapport, better position the intelligence value proposition, and additional tactics James has used to build successful intelligence programs.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 5 (Taking Intel Programs From Good To Great)

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they discuss how to take a private sector intelligence program from good to great, as originally heard on an industry webinar hosted by Topo.ai on October 13th.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 4 (How To Break Into Private Sector Intelligence)

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they kick off The Business Of Intelligence Podcast's "How To" series. In this special episode, the hosts start a conversation on how to break into the field of private sector intelligence by sharing their own personal perspectives, tactics, and lessons learned.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 3 (Key Insights + Lessons Learned Thus Far)

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan in this Executive Summary episode where they break down the key insights and lessons learned from prior guests Craig Singleton and Paul Kolbe.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 2 w/ Director of The Intelligence Project (Harvard Belfer Center) Paul Kolbe

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they speak with Paul Kolbe, Director of The Intelligence Project at Harvard University’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, on why intelligence isn't just for 3-letter agencies.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode 1 w/ National Security Expert + Former Senior U.S. diplomat Craig Singleton

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 17:30:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they speak with national security expert and former senior U.S. diplomat Craig Singleton on why companies need to think about their own intelligence needs.

The Business Of Intelligence Episode Zero (Launch Episode!)

Fri, 14 May 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Join hosts Michael and Ryan as they explore how intelligence serves decision-makers beyond the traditional national security audience by connecting with leading practitioners working at the intersection of business and risk in order to analyze and discuss the field of private sector intelligence. Episode Zero provides listeners a sense of what to expect in coming episodes, why this podcast should matter to intelligence practitioners (and others), and the core beliefs that have set the tone for The Business Of Intelligence.