In a compelling edition of the Rocky Road Resilience Podcast, host Colin Howe, joined by Aaron Edwards, welcomes Christopher Cully, Managing Director of Dilitas, to reflect upon a distinguished career spanning the shifting terrains of British law enforcement, corporate security, and global risk management. Mr Cully unveils decades of service in some of the most exacting roles across public and private spheres. His narrative commences with a compelling divergence: having once harboured ambitions of agricultural life and an army commission, Chris instead found himself conscripted into policing during the restless late 1970s. He endured the rigours of Hendon Police College, famed for its austere standards and demanding attrition rate. Only the most resolute prevailed, and Chris emerged shaped by tradition and relentless examination. On the beat, he swiftly became what seasoned officers termed a “thief-taker”, renowned for practical, tenacious policing. Chris’s path advanced into Special Branch, navigating a formidable selection process to oversee security at Heathrow Airport, where the spectre of IRA terrorism was ever-present. Transitioning to the private sector, Chris became a loss prevention specialist for Kentucky Fried Chicken’s EMEA operations, compelled to translate police acumen into business security and fortify corporate resilience across continents. The 1990s heralded the advent of global security. Chris joined, a pioneering consultancy company staffed by former military visionaries, where he orchestrated large-scale crisis management, including company lockdowns and simulated extortion, even recounting the infamous “Marsbar fraud”. Upon returning to Britain, he encountered a fragmented security industry, a “jungle of organisations”. A tenure as security manager for a leading London accountancy firm imparted sobering lessons about bureaucratic inefficiency, as elaborate plans too frequently faltered when a true crisis struck beyond working hours. Noting stark contrasts between British and American security cultures, Chris laments that too many UK firms relegate security to a mere extension of facilities management, whereas in the US it is unequivocally integral to strategy and resilience. As security director for a national office supply company, Chris comprehensively overhauled operations, upgraded contracts, retrained staff, and navigated acquisitions, before transitioning into a consultancy role, including with Pilgrims Security. His enduring passion for fieldwork led him to areas rarely seen, engaging with activist groups and equipping journalists for hazardous assignments. These formative experiences culminated in the founding of Dilitas, a boutique, intelligence-led agency where Chris champions hands-on mentorship and adaptability. Whether assembling surveillance teams, nurturing unconventional talent, or collaborating with UCL on anti-terrorism and financial crime, Chris persistently pushes the boundaries of modern security training. Chris speaks candidly of ongoing challenges, emphasising the necessity for ground-level intelligence, constant vigilance, and realistic exercises. To aspiring professionals, he advocates genuine experience, prudent networking, and discretion above superficial accomplishments. Never shirking from controversy, Chris voices concern over the diminishing discipline and regulatory drift afflicting both police and private security sectors, decrying the erosion of meaningful training and the widening gap between veterans and novices. As the episode concludes, Chris contemplates his early arrests and courtroom battles, underlining the need for restored structure and discipline in shaping future officers. He urges renewed collaboration between police and private security to retrieve efficacy lost amid continual change. Altogether, this episode presents not merely a career memoir, but a considered analysis of evolving societal risks offering a manifesto for resilience, adaptability, and practical intelligence. It is a testament to a life spent on the front lines, balancing strategy with hard-won experience and a commitment to preparing those who will secure the uncertain days ahead. If you have any specific stylistic preferences or wish to further refine the tone, do let me know!
Join host Colin Howe, Aaron Edwards, and special guest Christopher Cully—Managing Director of Dilitas—as they delve into a unique career bridging British policing, corporate security, and global risk management.
Chris shares his journey from policing during the turbulent 1970s, through Special Branch and airport anti-terror operations, to shaping corporate security for global brands. He reveals lessons learned from handling major crises, training teams, and witnessing firsthand the differences between UK and US security cultures.
In this insightful episode, Chris emphasizes the importance of practical experience, realistic training, and strong partnerships between police and private sectors. He candidly discusses ongoing challenges, the changing face of security, and how his agency, Dilitas, is preparing professionals for threats ahead.
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Tune in for actionable advice, honest reflections, and a manifesto for resilience in uncertain times.