Leaders Podcast

Mike LaCorte x Ian Withers

Episode 19 of the Leaders Podcast

From high-profile intelligence contracts to uncovering political scandals, Ian Withers reflects on nearly 60 years as a leading international investigator.In this episode, Ian joins Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, to discuss covert work for the South African government, tracking down a man at the centre of a potential UK political scandal, and revisiting infamo...

Mike LaCorte x Brett Mikkelson | Episode 18

In this episode, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Brett Mikkelson, Founder of B.M. Investigations in Panama and a leading figure in international investigations.

They explore Brett’s military background, his hands-on work across Latin America, and the mindset needed to lead complex investigative operations. From leadership philosophy to the importance of global as...

Mike LaCorte x Brig Barker — Leaders Podcast Episode 17

Join host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, as he sits down with Brig Barker, President and Special Programs Officer for Blue Atlas Group. Brig shares insights from his extensive career as a retired FBI agent and Army officer, offering a unique perspective on counterterrorism, AI innovation, and leadership in complex investigations.

Brig’s impressive background inclu...

In Episode 16 of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Steven Kirby, an experienced investigator and long-time member of the global investigations community, to discuss how leadership, technology, and association involvement have shaped the profession over time.

Together, they explore how the industry has transitioned from relationship-driven methods to more regulated, tech-reliant practices ...

Leaders Podcast – Episode 15
Mike LaCorte x Jean Schmitt

In Episode 15 of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, speaks with Jean Schmitt — a licensed private investigator with over three decades of experience and the current Chairman of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.).

Based in Paris, Jean reflects on his professional journey, his leadership roles in international and European associations, and...

In Episode 14 of the Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Siti Subaidah, a respected investigator with decades of experience in the Malaysian and international investigative landscape.

Siti shares how her entry into the industry happened by chance — starting with administrative duties and evolving into hands-on investigative work. Through in-house training, she developed a skillset that all...

Episode 13 of the Leaders Podcast is out now: Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with veteran investigator Matthias Willenbrink.With over 45 years of experience, Matthias began his career in the German Police in 1980 and went on to lead a SWAT team focused on organised crime. After transitioning to the private sector in 1994, he built a reputation for excellence in insurance counter-fraud and international inves...

Host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Chuck McLaughlin to reflect on leadership, the 100th anniversary of the World Association of Detectives (WAD), and how the private investigation industry continues to evolve globally.

With over 36 years of experience, Chuck shares insights from his extensive investigative career, including international cases, product liability defence, and his role as Chairman of WAD ...

Leaders Podcast Episode 11 — Out Now

Host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Edward J. Ajaeb, President of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), to discuss his journey in the investigations industry and the value of professional associations like NCISS and WAD.

Edward shares insights from his extensive career in legal investigations, background checks, and online research, as we...

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte sits down with Bernarda Škrabar Damnjanović, a certified international investigator with nearly 20 years of experience. As a global leader in the detective profession, Bernarda has played a pivotal role in shaping investigative standards, organising international conferences, and developing the first global detective exchange program. She shares insights on OSINT, data analytics...

In this Episode of the Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, is joined by Dan Rusu, former president of the World Association of Detectives. Together, they discuss the evolving landscape of the investigations industry, the real challenges of obtaining a private investigator’s licence in Romania, and the importance of international collaboration.They reflect on why simply joining a professional associati...

In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte speaks with Kelly Riddle, a highly respected figure in the investigative industry. With over four decades of experience, Kelly shares insights into his career journey, his leadership roles across multiple national and international organisations, and the principles that have guided his work.

Recognised as the “#1 PI in the United States” and named one of the “Top 25 PIs of the...

In Episode 8, Mike LaCorte is joined by Wes Bearden, one of the most respected names in the private investigation industry and the current President of the World Association of Detectives (WAD). Wes shares insights from decades of experience leading complex investigations across the globe.

As both a licensed attorney and investigator, Wes brings a rare level of legal understanding to private investigations. He discusses how his ...

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte welcomes Alexey Solomanidin, head of Vlasta-Consulting Ltd., one of the leading consulting and investigative firms in Russia. With offices across Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, Alexey has built a reputation as a global leader in brand protection and investigations. A former President and Chairman of the World Association of Detectives, he shares insights on tacklin...

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte speaks with Matt Spaier, a seasoned private investigator and industry leader with a global reach. As the founder of PI Perspective and Investigators Toolbox, Matt has built a reputation for fostering collaboration and innovation within the investigative community. He shares his journey into private investigations, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of networking a...

Episode 4: Brand Protection & International Investigations with Ron Harrison

In this episode of Leaders Podcast, host Mike LaCorte sits down with Ron Harrison, a career detective with the Metropolitan Police for 30 years, specialising in international fraud and organised crime. After retiring in 1999, Ron transitioned into private investigations, eventually leading Surelock International Ltd. Now a recognised expert in brand...

Host Mike LaCorte sits down with Chelsea Binns, Associate Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, licensed PI, and fraud expert. A former investigator for NYC and the financial sector, Chelsea is a past president of the NY Chapter of the ACFE and author of The Art of Investigation series. Named a “Top PI” by PI Magazine, she’s been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg, Forbes, and more.

Tune in for insights on fraud,...

Host Mike LaCorte welcomes legal expert Gary Miller, who brings 47 years of experience in international dispute resolution. Having worked in both the UK and Hong Kong, Gary shares insights on negotiation, due diligence, and cross-cultural strategy, helping businesses resolve disputes sometimes without relying on legal proceedings.

As the founder of the International Fraud Group, a trustee for Stop The Traffik, and a lecturer at ...

In this episode, host Mike LaCorte sits down with Tony Imossi, a highly respected figure in the investigative field since 1981. With expertise in fraud, theft, due diligence, and litigation support, Tony has advised government bodies, including the UK government, the Hungarian Interior Ministry, and the Israeli Justice Department.

As a key figure in setting industry standards, he played a vital role in compliance policies and th...