Analyst Talk - Matt Lambert - Managing Things, Leading People

Episode: 00332 Released on August 17, 2026 Description:  Matt Lambert has spent his career exploring where law enforcement analysis can take him from local crime analysis and federal contract support to geospatial data science and eventually supervising an analytical unit. In this episode, Matt joins host Jason Elder to discuss his unconventional path into the profession, his analyst badge story involving a years-long indecent exposure series, and what he learned when he moved from doing analytical work to leading the people who do it. Matt shares lessons from supervising analysts, including adapting to different personalities and learning styles, delegating work you know you could do yourself, advocating for analysts, building trust, creating a strong unit culture, and recognizing the qualities that help analysts thrive. Matt also offers advice for aspiring analysts trying to break into an increasingly competitive profession and explains why one principle has followed him throughout his career: always be a student of what you do. 🎧 Listen, share, and keep talking! [Note:  Description produced by ChatGPT.]
This episode also contains the ever so funny segment Sh*t You Hear in the Office; as always, have one (or more) to share? Hit us up!~
Amanda Sienkiewicz (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-amanda-sienkiewicz-from-coca-cola-dreams-to-crime-scenes/)
Steve Walter (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-steve-walter-rooted-in-oceanside-with-longevity-and-leadership/)
Victoria Curtis (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-victoria-curtis-from-air-force-nerd-to-crime-analyst-intern/
Jennifer Scavotto (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-jennifer-scavotto-from-calls-to-cases-to-command/)
Name Drops:  Amanda Bunger (00:05:23), Kevin Armstrong (00:53:35)
Public Service Announcements:
Zoe Chenier (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-zoe-chenier-%e2%80%93-the-australian-retail-crime-analyst/) 
Svetlana Gubin (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/atwje-svetlana-gubin-the-power-of-math/)
Erica Logan (https://www.leapodcasts.com/e/analyst-talk-erica-logan-veterans-in-analysis/)
Related Links:
https://fsafederal.com/
https://www.tempe.gov/government/police
https://chandlerazpd.gov/
Association(s) Mentioned:
Vendor(s) Mentioned:
Contact:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambert-matt/
Transcript:  https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/64m65vqe5pwie5w2/MattLambert_transcript.pdf
Podcast Writer:
Podcast Researcher:
Theme Song: Written and Recorded by The Rough & Tumble. Find more of their music at www.theroughandtumble.com.
Logo: Designed by Kyle McMullen. Please visit www.moderntype.com for any printable business forms and planners.
Podcast Email: leapodcasts@gmail.com 
Podcast Webpage: www.leapodcasts.com 
Podcast X: @leapodcasts

00:00:25 - Introducing Matt
00:02:11 - Discovering the crime analysis profession
00:08:33 - Analyst Badge Story: The Roosevelt Exposer
00:17:08 - Leaving local law enforcement and finding the way back
00:20:53 - Becoming an analyst supervisor
00:24:23 - Delegating and transitioning from doer to leader
00:30:40 - Coaching different personalities and learning styles
00:34:25 - Advocating for analysts and giving them a seat at the table
00:43:41 - Advice for breaking into the profession
00:46:56 - Sh*t You Hear in the Office
00:54:41 - Words to the World