The Art of Due Diligence: Spotting Lies and Uncovering Hidden Truths with CIA Officer Phil ‘Dick’ Houston

When most investors think of due diligence, they often focus on analyzing financial statements and numbers to assess a company’s potential. However, an essential aspect of due diligence that is frequently overlooked is the art of questioning and interrogating senior executives and employees to uncover the truth about a company’s business model. In this episode of Odd Lots, we had the privilege of speaking with Phil ‘Dick’ Houston, a seasoned CIA officer renowned for his expertise in detecting lies.

Phil has authored a book on this subject and has worked closely with entrepreneur Brad Jacobs, assisting in due diligence processes for senior hires and potential investments. During our conversation with Phil, he shared valuable insights into his approach for identifying deceptive behavior and how this methodology can be applied in the corporate world.

Phil’s extensive experience and unique perspective shed light on the importance of asking the right questions and challenging assumptions during the due diligence process. By learning how to spot lies and uncover hidden truths, investors and business leaders can make more informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

To learn more about Phil Houston’s strategies for detecting deception and how they can be utilized in the world of business and finance, be sure to listen to this episode of Odd Lots on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Odd Lots newsletter for additional insights and updates on future episodes.