What happens when the people meant to protect… become the ones you have to investigate?

In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Sean Buckley—former New Zealand detective and United Nations investigator—whose career has taken him from local policing to some of the most complex, high-risk investigations across the globe.

We get into what it’s really like to build trust in environments where no one wants you there… interviewing victims, suspects, and even terrorists across more than 90 countries… and navigating cases involving child abuse, war zones, and political assassinations.

But the biggest takeaway?

Whether you’re in a patrol car, a boardroom, or a conflict zone—your most powerful tool isn’t force… it’s communication.

Sean breaks down why rapport isn’t a “soft skill”—it’s the skill—and how the ability to connect, adapt, and listen under pressure is what separates good from great in any high-stakes conversation.

If your job—or your life—depends on getting the truth from people, this one’s worth your time.

Learn more about OSACO Group!

Sean mentioned EchoMind on the episode - here's a link to learn more.

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Truths:

Rapport is the foundation of everything. No matter the country, case, or subject—if you can’t build trust, you won’t get the truth.

Communication is the most undertrained—but most critical—skill. Officers train constantly for force, but rarely for conversation… even though it’s what they use every day.

Real-world situations don’t follow your training script. The best interviewers aren’t the most prepared—they’re the most adaptable when things go sideways.

High-stakes environments amplify everything. Whether it’s a war zone or a patrol call, pressure exposes gaps in training, mindset, and communication.

The goal is to get others talking—not to control the conversation. The more they speak, the more information you gather—and the better your outcomes.

Cultural awareness isn’t optional—it’s operational. Understanding people’s backgrounds, values, and fears is often the difference between resistance and cooperation.

Preparation and creativity separate average from elite investigators. The best outcomes don’t come from luck—they come from intentional planning and tailored approaches.

Respect and authenticity travel across every environment. From local communities to international conflict zones, how you treat people determines what they give back.

In this episode of the Truth Be Told Podcast, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with singer-songwriter Cami Clune (as see on NBC's The Voice) to explore communication, storytelling, and songwriting—and how artists say what others struggle to express.

Cami shares her journey through the music industry, from early performances to her breakout moment on The Voice, along with the mindset needed to handle rejection, performance anxiety, and creative pressure.

Follow Cami on Instagram!

This episode covers:

• The songwriting process and turning emotions into lyrics
• How music becomes a powerful form of communication and storytelling
• Overcoming stage fright, anxiety, and self-doubt
• Building confidence and finding your authentic voice
• The role of vulnerability and authenticity in connecting with an audience
• Lessons in personal branding, creativity, and resilience

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes insights on content creation, social media for artists, and growing a personal brand in today’s digital world.

If you’re interested in communication skills, storytelling, public speaking, music, or personal development, this episode will give you practical insights and a new perspective on how to share your message.

Your story matters—and the way you communicate it can change everything.

The loudest voice in the room isn’t always the most effective—but the silent one can cost you everything. In this episode, Khris Hamlin, Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Technology at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) breaks down what it really takes to lead when you don’t have direct authority, and why communication—not control—is the defining skill of modern leadership.

Check out the upcoming RILA Conference!

From his journey as a practitioner to becoming a voice for the entire retail industry, Khris shares how understanding perspectives is the key to aligning competing priorities. He dives into the evolution of asset protection, revealing why the role is now centered on people, safety, and enterprise risk—not just theft. You’ll hear powerful insights on decision-making, including why making the wrong call is often better than making no call at all. Khris also gets candid about imposter syndrome, finding your voice, and the moments he wishes he had spoken up sooner. If you lead teams, influence stakeholders, or navigate complex conversations—this episode will challenge how you show up.

Connect with our host, Dave Thompson, CFI!

Truths:

• Silence can cost you credibility. Leaders don’t lose trust by making the wrong decision—they lose it by making no decision at all.
• Communication is the real leadership differentiator. Technical skills can be taught, but the ability to deliver a clear, concise, and adaptable message is what sets leaders apart.
• Perspective drives alignment. The more you understand where others are coming from, the easier it is to bring competing priorities to a common ground.
• Influence without authority is the ultimate test. True leadership isn’t about title—it’s about getting people aligned who don’t report to you.
• Asset protection has evolved into enterprise risk leadership. Today’s leaders are responsible for people, safety, operations, and brand—not just theft.
• You don’t have to win every argument to move things forward. Effective leaders focus on progress, not perfection or ego.
• Find your voice sooner. Waiting too long to speak up can limit your impact—growth often comes from stepping into discomfort and being heard