In the tenth instalment of the ISJ Leaders in Security Podcast, James Thorpe – Editor of International Security Journal – is joined by Andy Palmer, Enterprise Data & Cloud Solutions Group – UK Channel Lead, Seagate Technology and Rob Lay, Product Manager, Secure Logiq.

In this discussion, James, Andy and Rob explore the role data storage plays in the development and operation of AI systems. As the foundation for data accessibility and quality, storage infrastructure directly shapes AI performance and trustworthiness.

With a career spanning over 25 years in technology sales, marketing and channel development, Andy has cultivated extensive experience across various European markets, having lived and worked in Paris, Munich and the UK. Since joining Seagate in 2013, Andy has been instrumental in developing partnerships with leading system developers and integrators.

Rob specialises in high-performance hardware solutions for surveillance and AI applications, bridging the gap between server and workstation hardware and video analytics. He’s passionate about harnessing AI tools to drive innovation and enhance operational efficiency.

In the ninth instalment of the ISJ Leaders in Security Podcast, James Thorpe – Editor of International Security Journal – is joined by Andy Edwards, VP of Strategic Development for GardaWorld Security’s Critical Infrastructure & Government Services division.

Andy is a veteran of the Royal Marines and Special Boat Service. He transitioned into the private sector as a security consultant for various blue-chip companies, news networks and International Development Agencies.

As Vice President of Strategic Development at GardaWorld Security, Andy continues to leverage his experience in high-stakes environments, bringing insights and leadership to the forefront of the company's global initiatives.

In this discussion, James and Andy explore the real-world challenges of providing protection and stability in some of the world’s most volatile environments. In environments where governance is weak, regulatory enforcement is inconsistent and the traditional "rulebook" no longer applies, maintaining security – and doing so responsibly – is both a challenge and an obligation.

From adhering to international standards and prioritising human rights, to deploying defensive, community-sensitive protective services, GardaWorld Security has built a reputation for delivering security solutions that are not just effective – but ethical and sustainable.

In the eighth instalment of the ISJ Leaders in Security Podcast, James Thorpe, Editor of International Security Journal speaks with Luqi Shen, Senior Content Marketing Specialist, Hikvision.

Luqi has a 15-year professional background in marketing, including five years spent at technology companies in the UK. She joined Hikvision in 2021 and has since led extensive research and the creation of content on technology and market trends.

In her current role, she is responsible for content research, planning and creation, developing engaging and informative materials that resonate with target audience’s needs.

In this discussion, James and Luqi discuss Hikvision’s ‘Top 5 trends for the AIoT industry in 2025’, exploring why the company is emphasising this over traditional security narratives in 2025. They also chat through real world use cases and explore the role AIoT plays in promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.