Dr. Elizabeth Goins is a leading communication expert specializing in executive coaching, consulting, and training worldwide. Her highlights include a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication & Technology from The University of Texas at Austin, researching narratives for complex tech, regulations, and policies in oil and gas. She advanced via a post-doc at a cybersecurity think tank, translating engineering research for political and public audiences. With 4,000+ coaching hours, 10 years teaching, and 400+ trainings, including Rhetoric of Oil and Leadership Coaching at undergrad/MBA levels, she advises on strategic messaging, energy policy, and stakeholder engagement.

Today, we explored her Pineapple Strategies work, empowering security professionals in storytelling, executive presence, and AI-era adaptation. See show notes for her website, LinkedIn, and Write Like a Boss Udemy course.

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Simon Osamoh is a seasoned security practitioner with over 20 years of experience in counterterrorism, risk management, and security consulting. His career highlights include leading counter terrorism at the Mall of America. He’s also spent 14 years as a detective in England, collaborating with intelligence services on the 2006 liquid bomb terrorism plot, which reshaped global aviation security. As a former Director of Risk and Compliance at top financial institutions, including Wells Fargo and US Bank, he has overseen critical risk programs in areas such as business continuity, crisis management, and regulatory compliance.

In our discussion today, we discussed Simon’s work as the founder of Kingswood Security Consulting, where he helps clients develop programs to prevent workplace violence, lends his expertise as an expert witness in legal cases involving targeted violence and retail crimes, and more. Please check out the show notes for links to Simon’s several best-selling books, his podcast, and his website to connect.

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#041 – In this next episode, I was joined by Terry Conlon, a global leader in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and the author of The CPTED Paradigm – A Holistic Approach to Crime Prevention.

Today’s conversation explored what CPTED is, how it’s applied differently across global communities, how to sell the idea to decision makers, the central role of people in the process, and why CPTED should be accessible to everyone. Terry also shared how he’s working to bring these concepts to a wider audience.

Terry brings nearly three decades of experience in physical security and crime prevention. He is the Founder and President of the European Institute of Crime Prevention, President of Safer Spaces International, and a Director at RFC Security Group.

It was an honor to sit down with Terry for this discussion, and I think you’ll find his perspective both insightful and practical.

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In this special (AI) recap episode of The Security Student Podcast, Travis reflects on the biggest lessons from his last ten conversations — spanning architecture and PropTech, intelligence, crime analysis, business continuity, red teaming, executive protection, and more. Instead of rehashing every detail, this episode dives into the themes, insights, and takeaways that matter most for security practitioners at every stage.

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#039 - Today’s guest is Paula Balmori Beltrán, Global Director of Security Design and Integration at Brivo, President of the Secure Building Council, and Director of the U.S. CPTED Association. Paula is a recognized leader at the intersection of architecture, security, and PropTech. Her background spans architectural design, risk consulting for military bases, and security leadership for global enterprises.

In this episode, we talk about her journey from design to security, how she’s leading the development of the SHIELD certification for secure buildings, and why CPTED and PropTech are essential to building safer, smarter environments. We also dig into lessons learned from enterprise projects, strategies for aligning stakeholders, and the growing role of AI in security design.

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#038 – In this next episode, I was joined by Randall Stickley, a Lead Intelligence-Targeting Analyst supporting federal law enforcement and national security clients. His prior work includes intelligence specialist and supervisory roles addressing drug crises, corporate threats, and national security issues, as well as supporting Fusion Centers. Randy is also an instructor and active member of multiple professional organizations, which you'll hear more about in our conversation. And he holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in National Security and Political Science from Fairmont State University, along with advanced certifications.

You'll find this episode fascinating to hear about Randy's career path, his perspective on what it takes to be a successful analyst, the lessons he's learned from being an instructor, and much more, including the book he recently published.

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#037 – In this next episode, I was joined by Erin Grippo, Senior Manager of Product Operations at Brivo, who brings nearly a decade of experience in the security industry across marketing, business strategy, partnerships, and product operations.

Today’s conversation explored Erin’s career journey and how she navigated major transitions across roles, companies, and countries. We discussed her philosophy about career growth, overcoming early career challenges, and her advice for aspiring professionals. Erin also shared her perspective on leadership development, the value of networking, and why mentorship is important in our careers. I think you’ll find this to be an honest and inspiring discussion!

After graduating from DePauw University with a degree in Communication, Erin launched her career at Allegion in the U.S. and later relocated to Toronto to lead multifamily and PropTech initiatives for Allegion Canada. She continued to expand her expertise at Latch, managing partnerships and launching new products and programs before joining Brivo in 2023.

Erin is active in the security industry’s professional community, serving on the Security Industry Association’s RISE Steering Committee and previously on the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (F.A.S.T) board from 2020 to 2024. She was recently named one of the 2024 Women in Security Forum Power 100. Erin is passionate about mentoring early-career professionals and building stronger pathways for the next generation of security leaders—and it was a pleasure having her on the podcast.

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#036 — In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Bruner, a crime analyst and adjunct professor with a rich background in crime analysis, intelligence, and law enforcement. We discuss how crime analysts support their organizations, key skills for success, advice for aspiring practitioners, and more.

Amanda currently works at CNA’s Center for Justice Research and Innovation, providing training and assistance to nearly two dozen U.S. law enforcement agencies. Previously, she served as the first crime analyst for the Matthews Police Department, implementing the Stratified Policing Model, and as a corporate intelligence specialist for Bank of America.

A Michigan State University graduate with criminal justice and law enforcement intelligence degrees, Amanda has contributed to publications, conferences, and podcasts on automation, dashboards, and data analytics. She also leads professional organizations as President of the International Association of Crime Analysts and the Carolinas Crime Analysis Association. Recognized with industry awards, Amanda’s impact on the field is significant, and it’s an honor to speak with her.

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Follow Amanda here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabrunermsu/

Carolinas Crime Analysis Association 2025 Annual Training Conference,
March 25-28, 2025, Wilmington, North Carolina: https://www.carolinascrimeanalysis.org/page-18075

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