452 | Tegan Broadwater | How to Think Like a Bad Guy Before the Bad Guy Finds You
The Greatness MachineShow Notes
In this episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Tegan Broadwater, founder of Tactical Systems Network and former Fort Worth Police Department officer. Tegan shares one of the most unconventional origin stories in law enforcement, trading a career as a professional touring musician for a badge, then risking his life for nearly two years undercover infiltrating a Crips gang network in Fort Worth's most dangerous neighborhood.
Known as Operation Fishbowl, Tegan's deep cover operation resulted in the arrest of 51 gang members, fundamentally transforming a violence-ravaged community. The conversation explores the surprising humanity Tegan discovered inside gang culture, the emotional toll of watching defendants he had grown to care about face decades in prison, and the sobering realization that 104 children were left parentless in the operation's wake. Tegan also opens up about his transition into entrepreneurship, launching a high-end armed security and protection firm just months before the 2008 financial crisis, and shares candid insights on building a culture of excellence in an era of declining workforce standards.
In this episode, Darius and Tegan will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and Technical Challenges
(02:06) Tegan's Dynamic Background and Transition to Law Enforcement
(09:57) Operation Fishbowl: Infiltrating the Crips
(19:49) Understanding Gang Culture and the Human Side of Criminals
(29:59) The Aftermath: Consequences of Arrests and the Need for Change
(32:03) The Impact of Undercover Work on Communities
(33:59) Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Entrepreneurship
(37:02) Building a Security Business from the Ground Up
(40:07) Challenges in Hiring and Maintaining Standards
(47:00) Understanding Client Motivations for Security Services
(52:07) Navigating Risks and Client Relationships
(58:02) Reflections on Success and the Nature of Greatness
Tegan Broadwater is a former Fort Worth police officer, deep undercover investigator, author, and entrepreneur. During his 13-year law enforcement career, he worked in Narcotics, Gang, Homicide, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, serving more than 500 high-risk search warrants. He led Operation Fishbowl, a nearly two-year undercover investigation that resulted in 51 violent gang members being sent to prison and earned him multiple honors. Today, Tegan is the founder of Tactical Systems Network, a security, protection, and investigation firm, as well as an author, musician, and podcast host.
Connect with Tegan:
Website: https://teganbroadwater.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tegan-broadwater-8b9796b
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsFQxAbrioMB2afARtl7MSg
Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
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