Interviewing, Introspection and Sled Dogs - A Conversation with Colton Seale

Colton is a retired FBI agent who also worked as the Director of Training for the High Value Detainee Group (HIG) and currently owns/operates an investigative interviewing training and consulting firm, www.pyxisacademy.com.

Colton walks us through the journey of his early career with the FBI where he started working in remote areas of Alaska. He talks through the personal challenges of moving his girlfriend (later wife) to such a remote destination and shares their experiences for how they not only "made it work" but how their time in Alaska strengthened their relationship.

After Alaska, Colton discusses his time with the FBI Fly Team, his persistent curiosity for learning the strategies of effective communication, and shares his personal prescription for managing his own mental health throughout every stage of his life.

Key Takeaways:

• Invest in developing your own emotional intelligence
• Take time to slow down. Remember your career is one part of your story. Prioritize your relationships (with yourself and those closest to you).
• The most effective communicators are those who develop and project a genuine curiosity of the other person.
• General human psychology principles are universal in promoting effective communication. Whether dealing with a high-value terrorist subject or in a disagreement with a co-worker, there are universal principles that work in nearly all settings.
• Resistance comes from projecting judgement. The event in question should be in the background. Learning about who the person is, their values and the context that got them there is the answer.