Mary Daugherty

Senior Special Agent (ret.)

Behind the Badge: The Unmatched Expertise of Mary Daugherty

From Undercover Agent to Leadership Communication Expert and The Authority on Deception Detection

When we talk about elite-level communication — the kind that uncovers truth, diffuses conflict, and builds trust under pressure — few people embody it better than Mary Daugherty.

As the founder of Universal Interviewing Tactics LLC and a retired Senior Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Mary has spent over two decades operating in some of the most intense, dangerous, and emotionally charged environments imaginable. Her skills aren’t theoretical — they’re forged in fire.

And today, she brings those skills to leaders, teams, and organizations who are ready to communicate with more purpose, clarity, and impact.

The “Truth Wizard” Behind the Science

Mary isn’t just good at reading people — she’s in the top 0.2% in the world.

In a national deception detection study of over 13,000 law enforcement officers, judges, and psychologists, only 29 individuals demonstrated the ability to detect deception with over 80% accuracy across all three known areas of deceit. Mary was one of them — a classification known as a “Truth Wizard.”

She has mastered:

Analytic Interviewing
The Cognitive Interview
Micro-expression recognition

Her uncanny ability to read between the lines, detect incongruence, and navigate conversations with insight and empathy has made her a sought-after trainer for government agencies, intelligence officers, and now — organizational leaders.

A Career That Reads Like a Movie Script

Mary’s résumé isn’t just impressive — it’s nearly unbelievable.

She worked undercover for over a decade, infiltrating some of the most dangerous and violent criminal networks in Texas, including:

The Jamaican Posse
Chinese organized crime
The Mexican Mafia
Bandidos motorcycle gang
Violent home invasion crews
And most notably, the Texas Syndicate, where her 18-month undercover operation led to 41 felony convictions

Her bravery was recognized when she was named "Officer of the Year" by the 100 Club of Houston for the Gulf Coast Region.

Mary was also on the front lines during the infamous Waco siege in 1993, surviving intense gunfire as the last agent to exit a cattle trailer destroyed by .223 and .50 caliber weapons. On the third day of the standoff, she helped negotiate the release of the first children from the compound and provided critical intelligence about conditions inside.

Much of her remaining service? Still classified by the U.S. government.

From Federal Agent to Global Educator

After an extraordinary field career, Mary transitioned into a leadership and instruction role, teaching elite interviewing and communication techniques to federal agents, special forces, and top-tier professionals worldwide.

She became a senior instructor with the Institute of Analytic Interviewing, working alongside legends like:

Dr. Paul Ekman (pioneer of micro-expression research)
Dr. Mark Frank
Dr. Maureen O’Sullivan
Dr. Ed Geiselman (co-developer of the Cognitive Interview)

Her deep understanding of human behavior, communication, and credibility assessment makes her not just an instructor — but a force of transformation in any room she enters.

What Mary Brings to Leadership Development

Mary's transition from undercover work to leadership development isn’t a leap — it’s a natural evolution.

In a world where leaders are constantly navigating:

Uncertainty
Conflict
Misinformation
Emotional tension

...Mary’s methods offer something rare: clarity, control, and connection.

Through the programs she co-developed at Proactive Leadership, Mary teaches leaders how to:

Build trust instantly
Ask the right questions in the right way
Detect subtle emotional cues and communication breakdowns
Create environments where people speak the truth and take ownership

This is real-world leadership training, rooted in science and refined by life-or-death experience.

Why Her Work Matters Now More Than Ever

In a time when communication is noisy, teams are disconnected, and trust is fragile — Mary Daugherty’s methods are more relevant than ever.

Her message is simple: You don’t have to guess. You can learn to see, hear, and understand what’s really going on.

And once you do, your ability to lead, influence, and inspire transforms.

Learn from the Best

Mary Daugherty is a cornerstone of Proactive Leadership’s mission and an integral part of our joint venture with Confidence Unchained.

Whether you're a corporate executive, a public-sector leader, or part of a high-stakes team, learning from Mary means equipping yourself with the tools to:

Communicate clearly
Lead confidently
Uncover truth and unlock potential

👉 Reach out to schedule a training or learn more about our programs — and discover how Mary’s expertise can change the way your team communicates and performs.

Tab Cooper

Tab Cooper: The Leadership Strategist Behind Proactive Communication

Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Real-World Leadership

When it comes to modern leadership, few voices are as grounded, innovative, and respected as Tab Cooper, founder of Proactive Leadership.

With a rare blend of law enforcement experience, academic expertise, and behavioral science application, Tab has dedicated his career to solving one of the biggest problems in leadership today:

“How do we turn good theory into real, lasting behavior change in leaders?”

For Tab, the answer lies in skills-based training, practical communication tools, and a relentless commitment to clarity.

From the Street to the Classroom — and Beyond

Tab Cooper’s leadership philosophy wasn’t built in a vacuum. It was built on the front lines.

During his 20-year law enforcement career, Tab served in multiple roles, including:

Patrol Officer
Investigator
Firearms Instructor
Police Commander

He earned a Master Peace Officer certification through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, reflecting his deep expertise and leadership in public safety. While working full-time in law enforcement, Tab pursued his academic path — earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Business Administration from Sam Houston State University, later completing additional graduate work in communication studies and business communication.

But Tab didn’t stop at personal development — he scaled his vision into something much bigger.

Pioneering Police Leadership Education in the U.S.

In 1997, Tab joined the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT), where he helped develop the first mandatory police chief management and leadership training program in the nation. His impact included:

Creating the New Chief Development Program
Designing and coordinating the Command Staff Leadership Series
Leading the Leadership and Command College (LCC) — a nationally recognized 9-week program for top law enforcement leaders

His research at LCC led to the development of a statistical model for predicting campus crime, which was published and used to enhance safety and prevention strategies at universities across Texas.

Tab’s work during this time became a blueprint for leadership development in high-stakes professions — emphasizing measurable outcomes, not just theory.

Beyond Law Enforcement: Building Social Intelligence and Communication Leaders

After LEMIT, Tab began collaborating with renowned psychologist Dr. Stephen Sampson, a protégé of Carl Rogers and a pioneer in emotional intelligence training. Together, they traveled the U.S. teaching strategies to enhance social awareness, interpersonal connection, and communication fluency.

Tab then spent seven years as a Business Communication lecturer at Sam Houston State University, where he blended research and practice to teach the next generation of professionals how to lead, speak, and connect more effectively.

His research on constructive supervisory confrontation was published in the International Journal of Management & Information Systems, marking the first quantitative study of its kind. His findings offered practical guidance on how leaders can deliver critical feedback in a way that strengthens — not damages — workplace relationships.

What Makes Tab’s Approach Unique

Tab’s training philosophy is simple:

“If it doesn’t show up in how people act, it’s not leadership. It’s just noise.”

At Proactive Leadership, Tab focuses on behavioral-based leadership training, teaching professionals how to:

Ask better questions
Manage conversations with clarity and confidence
Influence behavior through tone, body language, and timing
Build trust through structured communication — even in conflict

His work incorporates principles from Analytic Interviewing, the Cognitive Interview, and emotional intelligence — all grounded in practical leadership challenges.

Tab is also a certified instructor with the Institute of Analytic Interviewing, trained in deception detection and advanced communication techniques trusted by military intelligence, federal agencies, and elite leadership teams.

The Impact of Tab Cooper Today

As co-founder of Proactive Leadership and a key force behind the joint venture with Confidence Unchained, Tab continues to develop programs that equip leaders with the tools to:

Communicate under pressure
Build trust in minutes, not months
Turn conflict into collaboration
Transform culture from the top down

His work has helped thousands of leaders close the gap between what they know — and what they actually do.

Lead with Clarity.

Influence with Confidence.

Whether you're leading a department, scaling a business, or navigating change within your organization, Tab Cooper’s insight-driven approach will help you communicate with more power, lead with more purpose, and get real results.

👉 Contact us to bring Tab’s expertise to your team or explore our leadership training programs built around clarity, credibility, and communication.

R. Edward Geiselman, PhD

Co-founder of the Cognitive Interview

Dr. G: The Mind Behind the Method

How Dr. R. Edward Geiselman Changed the Way We Ask Questions — and Why It Matters for Leaders Today

In the world of law enforcement, intelligence, and behavioral science, one name consistently rises to the top when it comes to the psychology of interviewing: Dr. R. Edward Geiselman — or as he’s known by those in the field, Dr. G.

As the co-developer of the Cognitive Interview and a longtime professor at UCLA, Dr. G has made it his life’s work to answer a critical question:

“How do we ask questions in a way that actually uncovers the truth?”

That question has led to a revolutionary interviewing method, decades of groundbreaking research, and global impact that reaches far beyond the walls of academia.

Today, his work isn’t just helping investigators — it’s shaping how leaders across sectors communicate, build trust, and make better decisions.

From Engineering to Psychology — and Into the Interview Room

Dr. Geiselman’s path wasn’t typical. He started by studying engineering and psychology at Purdue University, then went on to earn both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at Ohio University. In 1979, he joined the faculty at UCLA, where he served as a Professor of Psychology for over 30 years.

During that time, he published over 100 research papers and authored multiple influential books — including Memory Enhancing Techniques for Investigative Interviewing: The Cognitive Interview, The Psychology of Murder, and Eyewitness Expert Testimony.

But his most notable contribution? Co-developing the Cognitive Interview (CI) with colleague Dr. Ronald Fisher — a technique that would reshape the landscape of modern investigative interviewing.

What Is the Cognitive Interview?

The Cognitive Interview is a structured, science-based method for eliciting accurate, detailed, and truthful information from witnesses or subjects — without coercion, suggestion, or pressure.

It works by tapping into how memory is stored and retrieved, using psychological techniques that increase recall while reducing false information.

Key elements include:

Context Reinstatement: Helping the subject mentally return to the scene of the event
Free Narrative Recall: Encouraging the full story in their own words before asking specifics
Change of Perspective: Asking them to describe the event from another person’s view
Reverse Order Recall: Having them recount the event backwards to trigger overlooked details

These techniques lead to significantly more reliable and complete information — which has major implications not just for investigations, but for leadership, coaching, performance evaluations, and conflict resolution.

Trusted by the World’s Top Agencies

Dr. Geiselman’s methods have been adopted by elite institutions across the globe, and he’s provided training to agencies such as:

FBI
U.S. Secret Service
Department of Homeland Security
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)
Singapore Police Force
Health and Human Services
U.S. Marine Corps
Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption

He has also conducted cold case interviews for local law enforcement and served as a consultant for high-profile investigations.

Why Leaders Should Care

At Proactive Leadership, we know that the power of the Cognitive Interview goes far beyond criminal justice. It’s a leadership tool — one that helps teams communicate honestly, resolve conflict quickly, and make mission-critical decisions with clarity.

When leaders learn to ask better questions, create space for authentic responses, and listen without bias, they unlock:

Faster trust
Deeper insight
Better outcomes

Whether you're running a team, managing a crisis, or leading change — Dr. G’s work gives you a tactical edge in the conversations that matter most.

Recognized Excellence

In 2013, Dr. Geiselman was awarded the Mary-Ellen McCormick Award by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for his lifetime contributions to the investigation of child abuse cases — a testament to the impact and integrity of his work.

Even now, his methods continue to evolve, empowering leaders, investigators, and communicators to see more clearly and lead more effectively.

Understand the Cognitive Interview

To better understand the science and strategy behind the Cognitive Interview, check out this informative video featuring explaining the Cognitive Interview:

🎥 The Cognitive Interview – Geiselman & Fisher

Final Thought

Dr. G didn’t just change how we ask questions. He changed what’s possible when we ask them the right way.

Ready to bring the power of these techniques to your team?

👉 Let’s talk about leadership training that’s built on trust, clarity, and science.

Justin Atherton

From SWAT to Strategy: The Leadership Journey of Justin W. Atherton

How One Officer Turned Tactical Command Into a Blueprint for Unshakable Leadership

When you’ve led tactical teams through high-risk operations, overseen multi-agency crisis training, and conducted complex interviews in criminal investigations — leadership isn’t just theory. It’s lived experience.

That’s the foundation behind Justin W. Atherton, founder of Confidence Unchained and Vice President of Global Operations at Proactive Leadership. With nearly two decades of decorated service in law enforcement — including positions as detective, SWAT breacher, field training supervisor, and lieutenant — Justin has evolved into a highly respected leadership and interview trainer, emotional intelligence expert, and speaker dedicated to helping leaders thrive under pressure.

Today, he’s on a mission to help teams master communication, build unshakable confidence, and perform at their best when it matters most.

Leading Where It Counts

Justin’s leadership journey began in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, eventually progressing to elite roles in municipal policing and tactical operations. Known for stepping into complex roles early in his career, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation for clarity under pressure and developing talent around him.

His roles have included:

SWAT Breacher and Assistant Commander
Detective & Unit Creator for sex offender compliance
Gang Intelligence Sergeant coordinating statewide intelligence with federal agencies
Patrol Sergeant & Lieutenant, managing tactical operations, field training programs, and officer wellness initiatives
Instructor & Curriculum Designer in use of force, emotional intelligence, crisis leadership, and cognitive interviewing
Multi-agency training event coordinator, improving interagency cooperation and crisis readiness

Whether developing defensive tactics programs, coordinating multi-agency crisis response simulations, or mentoring new officers and supervisors, Justin has consistently focused on building systems that elevate others.

Global Leadership at Proactive Leadership

As Vice President of Global Operations at Proactive Leadership, Justin oversees strategic program expansion and instructor development across North America, Asia, and Australia.

He instructs immersive, workshops using science-backed techniques such as:

The Cognitive Interview
Analytic Interviewing
Emotional Intelligence Under Pressure
Crisis Decision-Making

His work integrates decades of field experience with proven psychological tools to help leaders:

Build trust fast
Ask better questions
Diffuse conflict
Inspire followership in any situation

Justin also leads train-the-trainer programs and works closely with global partners to implement scalable leadership initiatives that leave lasting impact.

Recognized Expertise

Justin holds dozens of advanced certifications, including:

FBI LEEDA Trilogy (Supervisor, Command, Executive Leadership)
Force Science Institute
Internal Affairs
Advanced Instructor and Reality-Based Training Instructor
Response to Officers/Veterans in Crisis
Instructor Development for Analytical Interviews

He is also a certified instructor in Defensive Tactics, Field Training, ALERRT, Emotional Intelligence, Peer Support, and more.

His specialty? Turning complex human dynamics into clear, teachable leadership practices that apply in policing, corporate leadership, and crisis environments alike.

Who He Serves

Justin provides training and consulting for professionals and organizations where gathering truthful, detailed, and reliable information is mission-critical — far beyond just law enforcement.

His Cognitive Interview and leadership training supports individuals and teams in:

Public Sector & Law Enforcement

Justin works with agencies involved in criminal investigations, internal affairs, military operations, and campus safety, helping professionals navigate high-stakes conversations with precision, empathy, and effectiveness.

Private Sector & Civilian Roles

Corporate HR professionals conducting internal investigations
Insurance adjusters and fraud investigators
Compliance officers managing sensitive interviews
Healthcare risk managers handling incident reporting
University administrators working in student conduct or crisis response
Nonprofit organizations involved in advocacy or trauma-informed interviewing

These roles all benefit from Justin’s ability to teach how to ask questions that unlock memory, reveal truth, and build trust — especially in emotionally sensitive or high-stakes environments.

Beyond the Badge

Outside of work, Justin is a dedicated father, fitness enthusiast, and student of psychology and communication. He’s passionate about growth — both personal and professional — and is constantly developing new ways to help others level up their leadership.

He is also the speaker behind the TEDx talk “The Suspect Within”, where he shares the powerful concept of self-interrogation — helping leaders uncover the subconscious narratives that shape how they show up in the world.

Ready to Lead at the Next Level?

Justin W. Atherton helps leaders and teams become the kind of people others trust to lead them through uncertainty.

If your organization is ready to elevate performance, communication, and culture — not with fluff, but with proven, tactical tools — now is the time.

👉 Connect today to learn how Justin and Proactive Leadership can help transform your team from the inside out.