Alex Bomberg: Founder of International Intelligence Limited

February 22, 2025·27 min·2 clips

Alex Bomberg was expelled at 15, but a ski centre job taught him teamwork and business values school never could.

This episode of Jazz Shapers features host Elliot Moss interviewing Alex Bomberg, founder of the security and intelligence firm International Intelligence Limited. Bomberg's background includes service in the British Army, a role as an aide at Kensington Palace, and over two decades in the private security industry. The conversation explores how his unconventional upbringing and career path shaped his professional philosophy. Bomberg grew up in a household where his parents fostered over 100 children over 30 years, an experience he credits for his protective instincts. He was expelled from school at age 15 and found structure through work at a ski centre, which taught him values like teamwork not found in a classroom. He joined the British Army in 1991, following his older brother, and served in Bosnia as part of the UN protection force. Bomberg describes his military service as frustrating due to extensive downtime, leading him to take varied roles like a commanding officer's driver, which eventually led to his position at Kensington Palace. He founded his company in 2002, specializing in counter-espionage, protection, and the psychology of security. Bomberg explains that terms like "risk" and "resilience" are now preferred business euphemisms over "security" or "espionage." He details tradecraft like conducting a "pattern of life study," which analyzes inconsistencies in a person's lifestyle versus their income. A key mentor was an MI6 officer he refers to as Jeremy, who helped teach him surveillance techniques and intelligence gathering. A surprising insight is Bomberg's self-assessment as a poor soldier who felt disillusioned by the army's inactivity, despite his family's tradition of service. He reveals his late-blooming passion for education, noting he only became an avid reader during an army tour in the Falkland Islands. Bomberg identifies the convergence of artificial intelligence and social engineering—using psychology to manipulate people—as the next major security threat, citing a major fraud case in Asia. He argues that people remain the weakest security link, making building a security culture within organizations essential. The founder emphasizes the importance of "horizon scanning" to anticipate global threats and adapt his business. He states that effective security must be culturally sensitive, as approaches differ significantly between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Despite running a global firm, Bomberg notes it remains a personal business where clients often demand to meet him directly, especially during crises. He connects his calm, chivalrous demeanor directly to being conditioned by his parents' fostering work. The tone is a relaxed, conversational interview that blends personal biography with professional insights. The style is educational, offering listeners a glimpse into the realities of the security world beyond fictional portrayals like James Bond. This episode would appeal to listeners interested in entrepreneurship, military-to-civilian career transitions, and the human elements of risk and security management. Those seeking a highly technical discussion of cybersecurity tools or a sensationalized take on espionage might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A security founder story shaped by service, family, and the habit of staying useful.

Alex Bomberg's story is rooted in service more than posture: fostered by parents who opened their home, shaped by an older brother, the army, and work that moved from regiment life to palace duty to security.

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Why you'd press play

You want a founder story with army discipline, parents fostering many children, and hands-on protection work.

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