Douglas Wood on Law, Writing, and the Compliance Risks of AI: From Media Negotiations to Deadly Bytes

Douglas Wood on Law, Writing, and the Compliance Risks of AI: From Media Negotiations to Deadly Bytes

Welcome to the SBR-Author’s Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Douglas J. Wood about his latest book, Deadly Bytes. Tom interviews former media and entertainment lawyer Douglas J. Wood about his 50-year legal career, his transition from representing entertainers to corporate studios and advertisers, and his later pivot to writing, which now totals 12 books, including eight novels. Douglas describes how legal research and interviewing skills support fiction but argues that fiction is harder because it requires creation, character development, and plausible plotting. He explains his focus on thriller writing as influenced by his studio work and authors like Ludlum and Clancy and outlines his process of extensive research and iterative drafting. Douglas discusses his novel Deadly Bytes, featuring an FBI profiler pursuing an AI serial killer. He connects it to real-world concerns: criminals already using AI for phishing and deepfakes, potential manipulation of evidence, AI hallucinations, and the risk that heavy AI use in law erodes lawyer apprenticeship and human judgment in negotiation and investigation. Key highlights: * From Lawyer to Writer * Fiction vs Nonfiction * Doug’s Writing Process * Inside Deadly Bytes * Crime and Compliance Risks * Advice for Aspiring Authors Resources: Douglas  J. Wood on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/djwood1976/] Douglas J. Wood Website [https://douglasjwood.com/] Deadly Bytes click here [https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Bytes-Special-Agent-DiMeglio/dp/B0GZD2WVZJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KHT1YG085BR3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gqxrwSDI6y_tYs6zgY_R-g.Y52yh6wRCJNSGaioGZ9IolREB7KulES7eNOI4YKiZas&dib_tag=se&keywords=reality+bytes+book+douglas+wood&qid=1781552008&sprefix=reality+bytes+book+douglas+woo%2Caps%2C258&sr=8-1] Tom Fox Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofcompliance] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-IWb69P1srF_uZOmGtBfQ] Twitter [https://www.twitter.com/tfoxlaw] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfox13/]

Invitational Selling: Building Trust, Engagement, and Human Connection in a Digital World with Dr. Dennis Cummins

Welcome to the SBR-Author’s Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Dr. Dennis Cummins to talk about his new book “Invitational Selling: The Human Connection Advantage.” Dr. Cummins to discuss his new book, which grew from his experience “selling from the stage” and from learning that pressing less and connecting more led to better results. Dr. Cummins argues that traditional high-pressure sales tactics are failing because buyers have more information, face constant messaging, and are increasingly skeptical, while AI-driven speed and automation can erode authenticity and trust. He defines invitational selling as a three-phase framework: connect, convey, and convert by inviting next steps. This is usable not only for products but for leaders seeking organizational buy-in, speak-up/listen-up cultures, and engagement that reduces resistance and turnover. He shares a story about his late daughter, Lauren, selling bracelets as a lesson in rapport, value, and meaning. The book launches April 28, with launch proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Key highlights: * Why Write This Book * Connect Convey Convert * Beyond Sales Organizational – Buy In * Speak Up Listen Up Culture * Inviting Beats Telling * Using AI Without Losing Trust Resources: Dr. Dennis Cummins on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denniscummins/] Dr. Dennis Cummins Website [http://www.denniscummins.com/] Invitational Selling click here [https://www.denniscummins.com/invitational-selling-book/] Tom Fox Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofcompliance] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-IWb69P1srF_uZOmGtBfQ] Twitter [https://www.twitter.com/tfoxlaw] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfox13/]

Bribery Beyond Borders: The Hidden History and Future of the FCPA with Severin Wirz

Welcome to the SBR-Author’s Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Severin Wirz, Senior Director for Ethics and Compliance at Applied Materials and author of “Bribery Beyond Borders: The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.” The book is about the origins, narrative approach, and future of FCPA enforcement. Severin explains he used storytelling to challenge conventional views that the FCPA was merely post-Watergate morality or the product of Stanley Sporkin alone, tracing a longer lineage of U.S. anti-corruption laws (Federal Corrupt Practices Act, Travel Act, Hobbs Act, RICO, Bank Secrecy Act) instead. He recounts the United Brands/Eli Black scandal, Wall Street Journal reporting that broke key bribery revelations, Stanley Sporkin’s role at the SEC, and the legislative influence of Frank Church and William Proxmire amid debates over disclosure, criminalization, and books-and-records provisions. Severin discusses shifting geopolitical drivers of enforcement and recommends related reading and contact options. Key highlights: * Severin’s Compliance Journey * Writing FCPA as a Thriller * Eli Black Scandal Breaks * Sporkin and SEC Momentum * Journalists Connect the Dots * Frank Church and Cold War Stakes * Proxmire Gets It Passed * Three Visions of the FCPA * Future Enforcement and Geopolitics Resources: Severin Wirz on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/severin-wirz-3574b574/] Bribery Beyond Borders: The Story of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act on CCI [https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/bribery-beyond-borders-fcpa-severin-wirz/] and Amazon [https://amzn.asia/d/0ewXQGdl]. Tom Fox Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofcompliance] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-IWb69P1srF_uZOmGtBfQ] Twitter [https://www.twitter.com/tfoxlaw] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfox13/]

Risk is the Soundtrack of Life with Jim Massey

Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes back Jim Massey to discuss Jim's latest book, 'Risk in Action: A Leader's Guide to Clarity'. They take a deep dive into how the book builds on the themes outlined in 'Trust in Action', focusing on the comprehensive approach to managing risk, trust, and fear. Jim shares insights on redefining risk not as a binary choice but as a polarity to be managed, offering actionable steps for business and compliance leaders. He also introduces his new AI-driven risk assessment tool, designed to provide real-time, actionable insights. Jim emphasizes the importance of embracing risk as an opportunity for innovation and shares his key leadership lessons for navigating the ever-changing business landscape. Key highlights: * The Genesis of ‘Risk in Action’ * Understanding Risk and Its Importance * The Role of Fear in Risk Management * Innovative Risk Management Strategies * Leadership and Risk * The Future of Risk Assessments Resources: Risk in Action on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Risk-Action-Leaders-Guide-Clarity/dp/B0FWD8LMY3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WJW83TF5HKCV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Q9oNqAe3nhbDHqPUUCKdV39mtPh4oXmtt1467Vk7-QHgI8ScOTcgt85_6Xa2pnsFLQVVJagHQAPT2haVJvqMtk_j6NuM7zIKJ85w9yoB0zsDevmiwXduSoXEoB3zpyGT5uKPJ0enVuE_zY5FsGhnYrAyeBzV4b7mus7f4ItF0-j-Rr1KMP97qe7rhhFRAHUFF-T6-op6gls-kE4n-hug3qBfY62TzWHrQUmXv3QMn18.0zvu9GQtJIGsOTy-BFvBk9B62Y-J6pSTKDhdZRE9bzk&dib_tag=se&keywords=risk+in+action&qid=1763400919&sprefix=risk+in+action%2Caps%2C165&sr=8-1] Jim Massey Website [https://jimmassey.co/] Jim Massey on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmassey/] Eastward.ai Website [https://eastward.ai/] Tom Fox Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofcompliance] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-IWb69P1srF_uZOmGtBfQ] Twitter [https://www.twitter.com/tfoxlaw] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfox13/]

Finding True Happiness Through Acts of Kindness: A Conversation with Karen Olson

Welcome to the SBR-Authors Podcast! In this podcast series, Host Tom Fox visits with authors in the compliance arena and beyond. In this episode, Tom Fox interviews Karen Olson, the founder and CEO Emeritus of Family Promise and the author of 'Meant for More.' Olson shares her journey from aspiring nurse to being an influential advocate for homeless families. She elaborates on the importance of acts of kindness in achieving genuine happiness. She describes how the Family Promise organization supports families experiencing homelessness through various programs, including prevention, sheltering, and volunteer services. Olson discusses changes in the homelessness landscape since the 1980s and shares personal stories of volunteers making a difference. She also talks about the inspiration behind her book and the critical role of community involvement in addressing homelessness. Key highlights: * The Story Behind 'Meant for More' * Karen's Journey * The Birth of Family Promise * The Current State of Homelessness * Inspiring Volunteer Stories * Family Promise Initiatives * Acts of Kindness and Inspiration Resources: Meant for More: Following Your Heart and Finding Your Purpose on Amazon [https://a.co/d/2o1CpP7] Visit Family Promise Website [http://www.familypromise.org] Karen Olson Website [https://www.karenolsonauthor.com/] PR by the Book Website [https://prbythebook.com/] Follow Karen Olson at PR by the Book [https://prbythebook.com/experts/karen-olson/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/karen.olson.author] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/karen.olson.author/] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-olson-1a6257304/] Tom Fox Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/voiceofcompliance] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/compliancepodcastnetwork] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0-IWb69P1srF_uZOmGtBfQ] Twitter [https://www.twitter.com/tfoxlaw] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfox13/]