Episode
EP 49 - HEED This: Reading Body Language, Running Investigations, and What Counterintelligence Teaches HR with Derik Clark
- Podcast
- The HR Life Podcast
- Published
- May 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4728
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b53920f
Actions
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Summary
Tony and Steve welcome Derik Clark — Army counterintelligence veteran, body language expert, and apparently a crowd favorite on par with Steve (high praise). Derik breaks down his HEED framework for reading nonverbal cues in HR investigations and job interviews, and why the thing you think you're seeing (lying) is almost never the thing you're actually seeing (discomfort). He also shares the true story of an Iraqi weapons smuggler who had perfect body language… until someone asked him where he was getting his money. Tony connects the dots to workplace investigations, written warnings, and why 80% of every workplace conflict story is actually the same from both sides. Steve didn't know Rocky Raccoon was a song, which tells you everything you need to know. Learn more about Derik Clark at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derikclark/ Learn more about Fantastic Tony Benjamin at: https://www.thegrangellc.com/ Learn more about Steven "Big Deal" Smith at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/ Learn more about the Books mentioned on the podcast at: https://thehiringtreebook.com/hr-life-podcast Learn more about MegastarHR at: https://www.megastarhr.com/ Learn more about Pucks for Autism at: https://www.pucksforautism.com/ Derik Clark is a veteran counterintelligence officer who served in the US Army and now works as an HR business partner and consultant. He's an expert interrogator that specializes in how to read people and the room. Derik's HEED Framework: Hide Escape Ease Defend (How people react when they feel uncomfortable.)