Leaders Podcast Episode 26 | David Marchant | Exposing Global Fraud and Financial Crime
Welcome to Episode 26 of Leaders Podcast, hosted by Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International. In this episode, we are joined by David Marchant, Founder and CEO of OffshoreAlert.
David shares his career journey as an investigative journalist, exposing high-value international fraud and financial crime. From facing lawsuits and threats, to building OffshoreAlert into a globally trusted news and events platform, David reveals the reality of taking on fraudsters and holding them accountable.
He has appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, American Greed, We’re Not Broke, The Price We Pay, and has been widely quoted in major media outlets. His work has made a lasting impact on global fraud prevention and investigative journalism.
The full episode is available now.
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Learn more about David Marchant’s upcoming OffshoreAlert Conference London 2025:
Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s, 10 Godliman St., London, United Kingdom
December 1–2, 2025
December 1 at 9:00 AM to December 2 at 7:00 PM GMT
https://www.offshorealert.com/events/london/
#LeadersPodcast #PodcastSeries #InvestigationInsights #FraudPrevention #FinancialCrime #GlobalFinance #InvestigativePodcast #LeadershipTalks #PrivateInvestigation
Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Rory J. McMahon, a Florida Licensed Private Investigator with over 35 years of experience in corporate and criminal fraud investigations, civil litigation support, and high-profile federal and state cases. Rory shares insights from his career, including his work as a U.S. Probation Officer, his leadership in professional investigator associations, and lessons from decades of investigative work.
Tune in to hear Rory’s expert advice, career highlights, and practical insights for investigators and legal professionals.
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Episode 24 | Mike LaCorte and Tayo Dada | Leaders Podcast
Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Tayo Dada, CEO of Uncloak and Head of Cyber Security at Conflict International.
From the W.A.D. Centennial Conference in Chicago to the future of digital security, Tayo shares practical insights on how investigators and small businesses can tackle cybersecurity challenges head-on.
This episode covers why small businesses are especially vulnerable, how Uncloak bridges the gap between antivirus software and costly consultants, and what accessible, real-world protection looks like in practice.
Learn more about Conflict PRO and our partnership with Uncloak:
https://conflictinternational.com/services/conflict-pro
For enquiries:
info@conflictinternational.com
www.conflictinternational.com
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In this episode, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict, sits down with Bob Heales, Executive Director of the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.), the largest and most prestigious international network for investigators and security professionals.
With a career spanning over four decades, Bob has led the investigative community at the highest levels — from missing person cases and major criminal investigations to shaping global standards through W.A.D.
Together, Mike and Bob explore the value of professional networks, the opportunities W.A.D. creates for investigators worldwide, and a look ahead to the historic W.A.D. 100th Anniversary Conference, taking place September 2–6, 2025 at The Drake Hotel, Chicago.
Listen now and discover what it means to be part of a truly global investigative community.
Leaders | Episode 22 | John Rowan: From Chief of Detectives to Private Sector Leadership
In Episode 22 of Leaders, hosted by Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, we sit down with John Rowan, Senior Vice President at Conflict International and former Chief of Detectives for Suffolk County Police Department.
With over 30 years in law enforcement, John shares how his work leading major investigations—including the Gilgo Beach serial killer case and MS-13 task forces—prepared him for the challenges and opportunities in the private sector.
🎙️ Topics covered in this episode:
What defines great leadership in high-pressure environments
The transition from public service to private sector intelligence work
Leading the Gilgo Beach Task Force and overseeing high-profile investigations
Collaborating with federal agencies on MS-13 and organized crime
Why professionalism and standards are non-negotiable in security and investigations
Whether you’re in law enforcement, private investigations, security, or corporate intelligence—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Hosted by:
Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International
www.conflictinternational.com
🔗 Listen and Subscribe:
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#privatesecurity #investigationindustry #professionalstandards #leadershipinsecurity #truecrimepodcast #podcastclips #securitypodcast #transitiontoindustry #leaderspodcast
n Episode 21 of Leaders, Allen Cardoza, Vice President of International Business Development at Conflict International, shares powerful insights from his 45-year career in private investigation.
Starting at just 19 years old, Allen quickly became known for his work in missing child cases and child trafficking investigations. In this episode, he recounts the real stories that shaped his mission and the global operations that defined his legacy.
Allen also reflects on his time as President of the World Association of Detectives and discusses what led him to join Conflict International as Vice President of International Business Development.
Hosted by Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, this episode is essential viewing for anyone working in or interested in private investigations, international security, child protection, and intelligence operations.
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#childtrafficking
#missingchildren
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#fyp
Episode 20 – Mike LaCorte x Mark Hodgson
In this episode of the Leaders Podcast, Mike LaCorte, CEO of Conflict International, sits down with Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Tremark and a long-standing figure in the UK investigations industry.
They discuss the journey of building a business from the ground up, the evolving role of the Association of British Investigators, and why the UK GDPR Code of Conduct is essential in today’s landscape.
Insightful, honest, and packed with value—don’t miss it.
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#podcastclips
#professionaldevelopment
#ukgdpr
#associationofbritishinvestigators
#conflictinternational
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 infamous criminal cases for BBC documentaries.
They also explore what makes a strong leader, the importance of respect and perspective, and the role global associations have played in shaping the private investigation
industry.Podcast LinksSpotify: https://lnkd.in/e69QdVN2YouTube: https://lnkd.in/dVvCVRG3Instagram: https://lnkd.in/d7F2RhPWAmazon Music: https://lnkd.in/e2bDyJaUApple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/emqXjsKiTikTok: https://lnkd.in/dHT5-rgR
#leaderspodcast#privateinvestigation#intelligencecommunity#internationalinvestigations#covertoperations#truecrime#professionaldevelopment#conflictinternational#mikelacorte#ianwithers
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 associations, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone in the investigations, intelligence, or security sectors.
Available now on all major podcast platforms.
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#leadership
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#professionalsecurity
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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 includes:
Over 15 deployments to Africa and the Middle East
Roles as an FBI SWAT operator, certified sniper, and senior advisor embedded with USSOCOM
Opening the FBI Attaché office in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and leading the Blood Diamonds investigation
Authoring The Dark Trajectory of Jihad and publishing numerous counterterrorism articles
Expertise in Arabic, Farsi, and German languages
This episode dives deep into the evolving challenges in private sector investigations, the impact of AI and deepfakes, and what it takes to succeed in the field.
Listen to the full conversation on:
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#leaderspodcast #counterterrorism #investigations #aiinnovation #securityexpert
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 — and what that shift means for today’s investigators. From the value of mentorship and trusted networks, to the evolving role of data and open-source intelligence, Steven offers insight into how to remain effective in a changing landscape.
This episode covers:
– What makes a strong and trusted leader
– The role of professional associations in building global networks
– How privacy regulations have changed the way investigators work
– The difference between collecting data and producing meaningful information
– Why technological skill is no longer optional
A valuable conversation for both experienced investigators and those entering the field.
Leaders Podcast
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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 his involvement in licensing reform in France. He discusses how long-term commitment to professional bodies like W.A.D. has shaped his career, built trust across borders, and helped define standards in an evolving industry.
This episode explores:
– The value of credibility and trust in international investigation
– The role of professional associations in building networks
– Jean’s experience helping regulators understand the industry
– Why mentorship and long-term involvement matter
Watch now for insights into the people, processes, and standards shaping global private investigation today.
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World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.)
Website: https://wad.net
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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 allowed her to handle sensitive cases with discretion and professionalism.
The conversation also explores the state of the investigations sector in Malaysia, including the corporate risk environment and the importance of understanding local business culture.
Siti reflects on her long-standing relationship with the World Association of Detectives (W.A.D.), dating back to 1986 when she helped host one of its conferences in Singapore — years before officially becoming a member. She explains how W.A.D.’s international diversity and network influenced her early on and why she remains involved today.
This episode is a must-listen for professionals entering the private sector, those working in corporate due diligence, and anyone looking to understand the value of global association networks.
Listen on all major platforms:
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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 investigative work.A past President of W.A.D. (2015–2016), Matthias has received multiple global awards and remains deeply engaged with professional associations. In this episode, Mike and Matthias explore the challenges and standards within the investigative industry, the value of global collaboration, and why regulation, recognition, and trust are essential to the profession’s future.Stream the full episode now.Leaders Podcast LinksSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Instagram: https://instagram.com/leaders_podAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcastApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastConflict InternationalWebsite: www.conflictinternational.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/conflict_intlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=allW.A.D.Website: https://wad.net#leaderspodcast #mikelacorte #matthiaswillenbrink #conflictinternational #WAD #privateinvestigators #internationalinvestigations #PIcommunity #professionalinvestigator #insurancefraud #globalnetwork #leadership #PIstandards
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 for 2024–2025.
Watch or listen now:
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Host
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Mike LaCorte is the CEO of Conflict International
www.conflictinternational.com
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Conflict International
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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 well as the benefits of staying engaged with industry organisations and building connections with peers across the world.
Listen now on all major platforms:
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Mike LaCorte is the CEO of Conflict International.
www.conflictinternational.com
Follow Conflict International:
Instagram @conflict_intl
LinkedIn Conflict International
#leaderspodcast #podcastclips #mikelacorte #edwardajaeb #nciss #privateinvestigators #conflictinternational #investigations
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, and the role of technology in modern investigations. With a strong academic background and a passion for research and education, Bernarda discusses the future of private investigations and the importance of innovation in the field.Bernada's contact details: bernarda@detektiv-dva.siSpotifyopen.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Amazon Musichttps://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcastApple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842Instagraminstagram.com/leaders_podTik Toktiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinked Inlinkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastMike LaCortehttps://mikelacorte.com#podcastclips #investigations #OSINT #leaderspod #privateinvestigator #dataanalytics
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 association isn’t enough—and how showing up, participating in conferences, and building global connections can elevate your practice. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced investigator, this conversation offers unique insights into working across borders, navigating regulation, and growing within a professional network.Spotifyopen.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGoYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1Instagraminstagram.com/leaders_podAmazon Music https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/37b48571-755f-4f31-bb97-74fe6b9c12f5/leaders-podcast Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-podcast/id1797966842 Tik Toktiktok.com/@leaderspodcastLinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leaderspodcastMike LaCortehttps://mikelacorte.comhttps://mikelacorte.com/leaders-podcastConflict internationalwebsite https://conflictinternational.com/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/conflict_intl/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/conflict-international-ltd/posts/?feedView=all
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 20th Century,” Kelly discusses the evolution of private investigation, the value of professional ethics, and the impact of education and collaboration in shaping the industry’s future.
This is a must-listen for investigators, security professionals, and anyone interested in leadership and legacy in this specialised field.
Kelly's contact details: Kelly@KelmarGlobal.com
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music
#podcastclips #leaderspodcast #kellyriddle #mikelacorte #investigations #privateinvestigator
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Conflict international
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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 lawyer-led team at Bearden Investigative Agency supports law firms, corporations, and individuals through high-stakes situations that demand expert handling.
This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the evolving world of private investigation, ethical challenges in the field, and what it takes to lead on a global scale.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Amazon Music.
Spotify
open.spotify.com/show/6h2MwiWsqKZRgKnKlsUsGo
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@LeadersPodcast1
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Conflict international
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