Fed Time Stories

From NCIS to a Fortune 500: Tammy Morton's Leadership Journey

Join us as we explore the remarkable career of Tammy Morton, a trailblazing leader in law enforcement and corporate security. From her early days at NCIS to managing security for the Gates family and leading security programs at major corporations, Tammy shares invaluable insights on leadership, navigating challenges, and the evolving landscape of security. The conversation explores how Morton’s 35+ year career across NCIS, corporate security, global enterprises, mergers, transformations, and crisis environments shaped her belief that security leadership is ultimately built on people, judgment, and trust.  The episode goes beyond technical security expertise to focus on the skills that help leaders earn credibility: executive influence, relationship-building, business alignment, steady decision-making under pressure, and the ability to communicate risk in a way that moves an organization forward. Morton also offers perspective for women in security, encouraging emerging leaders to advocate for their value, build strong support networks, and lead before they have the title. Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

From Secrets to Open-Source: Jane van Tienen on Intelligence, Leadership, and Global Security

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, Dave Brandt and John Gill sit down with Jane van Tienen, Chief Intelligence Officer at OSINT Combine, to explore her journey from the Australian national security community to the forefront of open-source intelligence in the private sector. Drawing on 24 years of experience, Jane reflects on her career journey, the growing importance of OSINT, and how intelligence derived from publicly and commercially available information is reshaping modern security. The discussion explores how AI can strengthen OSINT workflows while still requiring strong human tradecraft, ethics, and governance to be effective. Jane also shares her perspective on the Bondi Beach attack, the challenges security agencies face when threats emerge without clear warning signs, and why the absence of intelligence does not mean the absence of risk. Beyond security and intelligence, the episode also touches on mentorship, community engagement, and the importance of investing in young people to build confidence, agency, and critical thinking. Along the way, Jane offers thoughtful reflections on the cultural differences between Australia and the United States and what those differences reveal about leadership, security, and public safety. Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

From Law Enforcement to the Boardroom with Brian K. Tuskan

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill sit down with Brian K. Tuskan, a law enforcement veteran turned Fortune 500 chief security officer, to explore a career defined by adaptability, risk-taking, and an early embrace of technology. Brian reflects on his formative years as a police officer and detective, where leveraging emerging technology helped him stand out, earn sought-after assignments, and rethink how investigations could be done more efficiently. The conversation follows Brian’s pivotal decision to leave law enforcement and transition into corporate security at a time when few were willing to take that leap. He shares candid insights on what it means to go “all in,” the cultural and mindset shifts required to succeed outside government, and why understanding business is just as critical as understanding security. Brian also discusses his leadership journey within global organizations, the evolution of the chief security officer role, and how technology—including today’s rapid advances in AI—continues to reshape security, risk, and opportunity. Throughout the episode, he offers thoughtful advice for professionals at every stage of their careers who are considering what comes next. Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

Solving Cases Across Decades: Pete Hughes on Cold Case Investigations

Cold cases test the patience, persistence, and creativity of any investigator. Few know this better than Pete Hughes. In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill talk with Pete about his four decades in law enforcement, from his early years as a patrol officer to his leadership role at NCIS. Pete shares how he helped shape the agency’s cold case program and the unique methods investigators use when re-examining unsolved crimes years later. He also reflects on one of his most challenging investigations, a decades-old disappearance that had long been considered unsolvable, and how determined investigative work ultimately brought long-awaited resolution for a grieving family. Beyond cold cases, Pete discusses his later work uncovering fraud and corruption in Afghanistan and at MITRE, showing how the same skills and values carried across each stage of his career. Tune in for an inside look at investigative persistence, lessons from decades of service, and what it takes to bring closure after so many years. Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast

What Comes After Service: Richard Thompson’s Journey from British Officer to Security Leader

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, hosts Dave Brant and John Gill welcome Richard Thompson, former British Army officer, UK diplomat, chief of police, and co-founder of ARX Partners. As the podcast’s first guest from outside the U.S., Richard shares lessons learned from decades of public service in the UK and abroad. From leading troops in Hong Kong and Northern Ireland to working through the legal and ethical challenges of Iraq, Richard reflects on how a commitment to public service shaped a career across military, diplomatic, and law enforcement roles. The conversation explores his transition into leadership roles beyond his original field, including being appointed to head a national UK police force — the first time in decades the role went to someone from outside traditional policing. The episode also looks at Richard’s move into the private sector and the founding of ARX Partners. He explains how risk management has been a consistent focus throughout his career and shares his perspective on leadership, emphasizing the importance of humility, emotional intelligence, and having a clear sense of purpose. Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast