EP 163 The Risk of Being Human: Why Trust, Psychology, and People Still Matter in Security with Deb Anderson, Gigi Agassini and Kehkashan Dadwani
Wed Feb 04 2026
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Episode Summary
In this special episode of The Security Circle Podcast, Yolanda “Yoyo” Hamblen is joined by three outstanding women in security — Gigi Agassini, Kehkashan Dadwani and Deb Anderson — to explore a subject that sits at the heart of modern risk management: The Risk of Being Human.
Originally presented at GSX, this conversation examines how rapid technological change, constant incident pressure, and performance-driven cultures are quietly pushing humanity to the margins of security decision-making. While organisations invest heavily in resilience, automation, and controls, the discussion challenges whether enough attention is being paid to the human factors that ultimately determine success or failure.
The episode explores the role of trust and psychological safety in security environments, highlighting why people are far more likely to report concerns, mistakes, or early warning signs when they feel supported rather than blamed. The panel discusses how fear-based cultures, hero mentalities, and burnout increase risk — even in highly mature security programs.
A strong focus is placed on human-centric leadership. The guests share practical insights on how leaders can design policies, training, and communications that reflect real human behaviour, motivations, and limitations — rather than idealised compliance models. From simple messaging changes to creating space for dissent and dialogue, the conversation shows how small shifts can create meaningful reductions in risk.
The discussion also addresses the growing influence of technology and AI, warning against over-trusting systems while under-valuing human judgement. The panel stresses that technology should enhance human capability, not replace it — and that bias, ethics, and accountability remain human responsibilities.
At its core, this episode delivers a powerful message:
security doesn’t fail because people are human — it fails when organisations forget that they are.
The Risk of Being Human is a compelling conversation about trust, culture, psychology, and resilience — and why the future of security depends as much on people as it does on systems.
Gigi Agassini
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigi-agassini/
Deb Anderson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/debandersenpspcissp/
Kehkashan Dadwani
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdadwani/
Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers
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Send us a text Episode Summary In this special episode of The Security Circle Podcast, Yolanda “Yoyo” Hamblen is joined by three outstanding women in security — Gigi Agassini, Kehkashan Dadwani and Deb Anderson — to explore a subject that sits at the heart of modern risk management: The Risk of Being Human. Originally presented at GSX, this conversation examines how rapid technological change, constant incident pressure, and performance-driven cultures are quietly pushing humanity to the margins of security decision-making. While organisations invest heavily in resilience, automation, and controls, the discussion challenges whether enough attention is being paid to the human factors that ultimately determine success or failure. The episode explores the role of trust and psychological safety in security environments, highlighting why people are far more likely to report concerns, mistakes, or early warning signs when they feel supported rather than blamed. The panel discusses how fear-based cultures, hero mentalities, and burnout increase risk — even in highly mature security programs. A strong focus is placed on human-centric leadership. The guests share practical insights on how leaders can design policies, training, and communications that reflect real human behaviour, motivations, and limitations — rather than idealised compliance models. From simple messaging changes to creating space for dissent and dialogue, the conversation shows how small shifts can create meaningful reductions in risk. The discussion also addresses the growing influence of technology and AI, warning against over-trusting systems while under-valuing human judgement. The panel stresses that technology should enhance human capability, not replace it — and that bias, ethics, and accountability remain human responsibilities. At its core, this episode delivers a powerful message: security doesn’t fail because people are human — it fails when organisations forget that they are. The Risk of Being Human is a compelling conversation about trust, culture, psychology, and resilience — and why the future of security depends as much on people as it does on systems. Gigi Agassini https://www.linkedin.com/in/gigi-agassini/ Deb Anderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/debandersenpspcissp/ Kehkashan Dadwani https://www.linkedin.com/in/kdadwani/ Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers