What happens when poor training leads to high-stakes mistakes? Adam Haidary went from patrolling the streets to reshaping law enforcement—training officers to perform at their peak, saving lives with groundbreaking programs, and exposing the raw realities of life on the frontlines. In this episode, he dives into why poor training in high-stress environments can lead to catastrophic decisions. Whether it's law enforcement or business, the principles of preparation, clear communication, and solid decision-making are universal. KEY TOPICS The principle every business owner should steal from elite combat training. The one thing that separates confident officers from those who freeze in a crisis. How understanding human aggression makes you a better leader. Why most people’s self-defense plan is a dangerous fantasy. CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro: Defeating Bad Decision-Making in Life & Business 00:49 The First Weeks of Fatherhood & a Scary NICU Experience 03:17 Reframing Struggles & the Power of Perspective 05:26 Meet Adam Haidary: From Cop to Business Owner 07:53 The Dangerous Gaps in Law Enforcement Training 10:14 The Pay Problem: Underpaid Officers, Undertrained Departments 12:35 The Soft Skills Crisis in Policing 15:00 The High Turnover & Low Standards Problem 17:22 A Masterclass in De-escalation 19:41 Confidence Over Ego: How Physical Training Reduces Overreactions 22:09 A Road Rage Incident: How Staying Calm Prevented a Fight 24:37 Why Being Physically Prepared Helps You Avoid Violence 27:06 Picking Your Battles: When Officers Should Walk Away 29:30 The Taser Myth: Why It Fails 50% of the Time 31:54 The Problem with Pepper Spray & Batons 34:19 The Reality of Close Combat & Why Pain Compliance Fails 36:43 The Weapon Dilemma: When to Engage vs. Disengage 39:09 The Canine Advantage: Why Police Dogs Are So Effective 41:37 What Most People Get Wrong About Guard Dogs 43:49 The Difference Between Working Dogs & Pets 46:09 Why Retired Working Dogs Struggle Without a Purpose 48:29 Training That Saves Lives: The Impact of Adam’s Work 50:54 The Fastest Way to Build Combat Proficiency 53:20 The Importance of Pressure Testing in Law Enforcement Training 55:48 How One Police Department Cut Use-of-Force Incidents by 80% 58:11 The Data Behind Better Police Training & Fewer Shootings 01:00:37 The Power of Mission-Driven Leadership in Business 01:03:03 Key Combat Principles That Apply to Business & Life 01:07:52 Adam’s Top Decision-Making Tip for Business Owners 01:10:00 Where to Connect with Adam Haidary 01:12:20 Key Takeaways 01:14:44 Message from the Producer CONNECT WITH US www.decidedlypodcast.com Watch this episode on YouTube Subscribe on YouTube Join us on Instagram: @decidedlypodcast Join us on Facebook Shawn’s Instagram: @shawn_d_smith Sanger’s Instagram: @sangersmith Thank you to Shelby Peterson of Transcend Media for editing and post-production of the Decidedly podcast. SANGER’S BOOK: A Life Rich with Significance: Transforming Your Wealth to Meaningful Impact SHAWN’S BOOK: Plateau Jumping: What to Change When Change Is What You Want MAKING A FINANCIAL DECISION? At Decidedly Wealth Management, we focus on decision-making as the foundational element of success, in our effort to empower families to purposefully apply their wealth to fulfill their values and build a thriving legacy. LEARN MORE: www.decidedlywealth.com WEEKLY NEWSLETTER CONNECT WITH ADAM HAIDARY Websites: efcombatives.com & policeposts.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adam.haidary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EFCombatives Adam’s Creds… Founder, Police Posts Co-founder, Effective Fitness 7 years of Law Enforcement Experience (2013-2020) Former Training Supervisor- Rank: Sgt. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy: BID Certified Instructor Purple Belt K9 Training Tac Med Program
