In this special episode of Truth Be Told, Dave Thompson, CFI is joined by Nate Frazier—Founder and CEO of Red Knot Capital—and the thinking behind Red Knot’s acquisition of Wicklander-Zulawski. Through stories that span forensic interviewing, global leadership, mergers, and crisis management, Nate shares why Wicklander’s legacy, science-based methodology, and commitment to humanity made it a natural fit. This conversation isn’t just about a transaction—it’s about trust, stewardship, and what it looks like to honor a 40-year foundation while positioning a respected institution for its next chapter. If you care about communication, leadership, and doing difficult work the right way, this episode sets the tone for what’s ahead.

Check out the press release here: Red Knot Capital Acquires Wicklander-Zulawski: Global Leader in Investigative Interviewing; Dave Thompson, CFI Named CEO - Wicklander-Zulawski

Learn more about WZ Training for your professional development!

1. This acquisition is about stewardship, not disruption Nate is clear that Red Knot’s role is to protect what already works at Wicklander-Zulawski while giving the company the support and resources to evolve responsibly—not to change its DNA or dilute its values .
2. Nate’s career path mirrors the Wicklander mindset From forensic interviewing roots to leading massive organizations through mergers, crises, and turnarounds, Nate’s journey reinforces a core WZ belief: strong communication, preparation, and empathy scale at every level—from interviews to boardrooms .
3. Investigative interviewing skills are leadership skills The episode draws a direct line between rapport-building, behavioral baselines, and influence in investigations—and the same skills used to lead teams, negotiate acquisitions, and guide organizations through uncertainty .
4. Legacy matters—to Red Knot and to Nate personally Nate speaks candidly about why Wicklander stood out: a 40+ year track record, a system grounded in science and humanity, and a reputation built on integrity rather than shortcuts or coercive practices .
5. People—not playbooks—drive sustainable success Across every role Nate has held, one theme is consistent: businesses win when leaders invest in people, respect human behavior under stress, and treat communication as a core operational capability .
6. Change is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destabilizing Having lived through acquisitions from every angle, Nate acknowledges the fear that comes with ownership changes while emphasizing that transparency, preparation, and respect for culture make growth possible without chaos .
7. The future of Wicklander is expansion with intention This partnership creates opportunities to bring Wicklander principles into new industries and verticals—without compromising the standards, ethics, or humanity that built trust in the first place .

In this episode of Truth Be Told, host Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Scott Tillema — former SWAT hostage negotiator, FBI-trained crisis negotiator and practitioner with over two decades of experience — as he reveals how high-stakes communication tactics from crisis negotiation can transform leadership, decision-making, and everyday conversations. Scott breaks down his proven “Four Pillars of Negotiation” — Understanding, Timing, Delivery, and Respect — and shows how mastering these can help you build trust fast, influence others calmly, and steer tense conversations toward positive outcomes. Whether you’re dealing with business negotiations, conflict at work, or difficult personal conversations, Scott offers powerful, real-world tools to help you communicate clearly and confidently when it matters most.

Learn more about Scott here: Scott Tillema | High-Stakes Communication Keynote Speaker

Truths:

• Public speaking can be a rewarding but challenging journey.
• Connecting with the audience is key to impactful speaking.
• Anxiety before speaking is normal and can be beneficial.
• Negotiation is a team effort, not a solo act.
• Understanding the other person's perspective is crucial.
• Respect is essential for effective communication.
• Timing can make or break a conversation.
• Delivery involves more than just words; it's about how you say them.
• Feedback is vital for improvement in communication skills.
• Work-life balance is important for mental well-being.

In this episode, Dave Thompson, CFI sits down with Michael Reddington, CFI to break down five of the biggest misconceptions about communication — in the interrogation room, the boardroom, and everywhere in between. From the myths of “control,” “rapport,” and “active listening” to the flawed belief that people owe us the truth, Dave and Mike unpack how these assumptions quietly sabotage influence. Together, they reveal the real skills that build trust, uncover information, and create better outcomes in high-stakes conversations.

Check out Part 2 of this Series on Mike's Podcast on YouTube - "I See What You're Saying"

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We covered myths and misconceptions on this episode – listen to learn more as we debunk the following:

• Buyers are liars
• You need to keep control of the conversation
• Excuses are bad
• People owe you the truth
• Active listening = Performative listening