Speaker, Author, and Expert on Overcoming Impossible Odds
Phil is the co-author of “From Sheepdog to the C-Suite”
Phil’s writings have been published in numerous professional journals, including:
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The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Journal
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The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Journal
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The U.S. Department of Justice VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Journal
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Featured guest on the Police One Network.
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"Phil Carlson possesses the personality, subject matter expertise and delivery style that make him a desirable keynote and motivational speaker. Any organization would immediately benefit from selecting Phil for that coveted role. Phil’s background is unique and extensive, and audiences find him humble, interesting, and charismatic. Phil Carlson’s presentations are always engaging, humorous and informative. I have witnessed Phil’s presentations to groups large and small on dozens of occasions and I always come away amazed how quickly audience members bond with him. He is instantly likeable, approachable, and dynamic. After every one of Phil’s speeches, I witness a long line of attendees waiting to interact with and share experiences with him. It is the norm to see Phil’s guests coming away from one of his talks energized and with a fresh perspective on their lives. Phil has the uncanny ability to create an instant relationship with his audiences. He has a gift, and any group would be fortunate to have Phil share that gift with their employees or members. Phil’s experiences in public safety and in the business world coupled with his personal story of survival and resilience make him a captivating speaker. Book him today and you will be glad that you did."
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- Kevin Rice
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Former Special Agent in Charge- United States Secret Service
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Behavioral Assessment Consultant-University of Iowa
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Author of:
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An Arresting Life
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Leadership Forewarned
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"Phil Carlson not only brings quantity with his years of experience working in law enforcement and security, he brings tremendous quality of information. Phil taught me so much from defensive tactics, to awareness, and much more. What made him great at teaching was authenticity and the ability to connect."
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- Scott Medlin
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United States Marine Corp Veteran
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Law Enforcement Veteran
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Speaker
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Author of:
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101 Useful Tips For Rookie Police Officers
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Mental Health Fight of the Heroes in Blue
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Phil masterfully intertwines the miracle of his experience into a practical learning opportunity while presenting in a highly engaging style and with plenty of good humor. In his presentation, “The Threat You Never Prepared For: What Do You Do When The Battle Chooses You?,” Phil does not want anyone to cry for him because of the life-altering event he overcame, although at times it was difficult not to.
Phil uplifts the human spirit to turn to God and overcome, not succumb, to life’s challenges, even those we are not ever expecting. He shares his experience, so we know to always be on the lookout for unanticipated events, maybe even threats in the security and Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management profession. Thanks for allowing us to share your journey, Phil.
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Anthony (Tony) Campbell
Owner / Instructor - Workplace Violence Prevention Consultant, LLC
I am writing this Testimonial Document for Phil Carlson, a former employee that worked with me and for me at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) a few years back.
First, Phil is an exceptional person that was liked by everyone. He is friendly, works well with others and made my job so much easier. Any job, project, assignment, or task he was given was accepted with enthusiasm and performed at the highest level. Phil is a type of person that does well at anything he does.
I highly recommend Phil for any speaking engagement you may have.
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- Andrew Smotzer
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Branch Chief, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
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United States Secret Service – Foreign Missions Division
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Firearms Instructor
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Author of:
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Bosses and the Golden Rule
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Guns for Personal and Home Protection
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Money 101 for the Ordinary Person
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Tough Guy
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I am writing this testimonial after having watched Phil Carlson present during the 2023 Association of Threat Assessment Professionals Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida. Phil’s presentation was entitled, “The Threat You Never Prepared For: What Do You Do When the Battle Chooses You?”
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Phil’s presentation is a personal look into his recovery from a significant injury and life altering event. His life will never be the same and he acknowledges this fact to his audience. Phil is personable, transparent, and humorous. His attitude about his experience is realistic and courageous. I would imagine that being able to describe this experience to people has aided in his recovery and may serve as self-therapeutic to him.
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I am a retired law enforcement professional and currently work for a large, global corporation. Phil’s presentation reminds the audience of something we can all relate to but do not necessarily prepare for; a threat that is uncommon enough that most of us do not consider it can happen to us. As professionals in the law enforcement and security space, we pride ourselves in being prepared and in control. Phil makes it clear that regardless of how well we train or prepare, circumstances can occur that negates that preparation. Phil describes that what is left is how you respond to those circumstances.
Mark Mori
Security Manager
FedEx - Northern Region
“I had the opportunity to attend Mr. Carlson’s presentation at the 2023 Spring ATAP Conference in Orlando, Florida.
I was very inspired by his approach and ability to overcome significant and unexpected challenges in his life.
I was specifically motivated as a leader to utilize his message as a reminder that everyone has a challenge they are facing in their life. This is why mindfulness in leadership is such an important quality.
I believe Mr. Carlson’s story can serve as an inspiration to anyone who is facing a challenge in their life. It also serves as a great lesson in humility and perseverance for all of us.”
Chief Jared Garcia
Moab Police Department, Moab, Utah​
