CINA Distinguished Speaker Series with Colton Seale

Interviewer Mindset 

Join us on Tuesday, March 11 for the upcoming virtual CINA Distinguished Speaker Series event featuring Colton Seale, Founder and Principal Consultant at Pyxis Academy, as he delves into the art and science of Intelligence Interviewing and what he’s learned from his 20 years as an FBI Special Agent with the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group and Counterterrorism Fly Team.

This event will take place virtually via MS Teams. The information to attend virtually will be sent to participants upon registration. Faculty, students, industry, and government attendees are welcome.

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Abstract

Drawing from extensive experience in FBI investigations, counterterrorism operations, and research with the High-Value Detainee Interrogation Group (HIG), this presentation explores the critical role of interviewer mindset in conducting effective interviews. While traditional interrogation methods often rely on rigid procedures and control, modern evidence-based approaches emphasize the importance of three key components: self-awareness, confidence, and genuine curiosity. Through real-world examples ranging from domestic criminal cases to international terrorism investigations, the talk demonstrates how developing the right mindset—one that combines thorough preparation with adaptability and emphasizes understanding over confrontation—leads to more successful outcomes in even the most challenging interviews. The presentation argues that effective interviewing is not just about mastering techniques, but about developing an ethos that allows interviewers to creatively apply research-based methodologies while maintaining focus on gathering accurate information rather than simply seeking confessions. This approach not only yields better intelligence and evidence but also proves more effective in building cooperation and eliciting truthful information across all types of interviews.

Speaker Biography:

CEO of Pyxis Academy, Colton equips corporate leaders with the skills to master difficult conversations and navigate challenging workplace situations. With over 20 years of experience as an FBI Special Agent, he has developed a program that surpasses the usual way of intelligence training and collection, based on science and research.

Colton’s passion is to share his knowledge and expertise with clients who want to improve their communication, rapport, and influence, regardless of their domain. He has trained more than 8,000 students across the U.S. Intelligence Community, Military, and Law Enforcement, as well as in over 15 countries globally. Colton has also received multiple commendations and awards for his outstanding performance and achievements in the intelligence field, including the FBI Director’s Award and the National Intelligence Community Citation.