Intelligence Career Conversations

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Chris Jones, Chief Technology Officer at Nightwing. Chris shares his extensive background in the IC, his transition from public to private sector, and the importance of continuous learning. He delves into challenges facing the IC today, particularly technology adoption and the need for skilled AI and c...

On this episode of The Unredacted Resume, hosts Brian Drake and Lindy Kyzer sit down to share practical tips to help your resume make an impact where it counts. From tackling common pitfalls to understanding what hiring managers look for to translating specialized government roles into language that resonates with industry employers, they offer clear, actionable advice to help you stand out in a c...

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Amber Nicholas, INSA Advisory Committee Member and Principal Account Executive for National Security at AWS. Tune in as Amber reflects on her experience at the intersection of technology and national security. She shares her perspective on continuous learning, staying adaptable in the face of emerging technologies, and why relation...

In this episode of The Unredacted Resume, host Brian Drake is joined by Elisabeth Baker Pham (Partner, Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch) and Mika Cross , (CEO, Strategy@Work), who break down the essentials every federal employee should know before separating from service. From resume reviews and ethics filings to separation letters and clearance status, this conversation offers practical guida...

On this episode of the ICC Podcast, host Jim Donnelly speaks with Erringer Helbling, CEO of Demati, about building a career at the intersection of intelligence, cybersecurity, and corporate leadership. From military service to safeguarding global enterprises, Erringer reflects on how a commitment to service has shaped her path, whether protecting missions, mentoring colleagues, or leading with int...

The Unredacted Resume is a new miniseries podcast hosted by Brian Drake and Lindy Kyzer. In this inaugural episode, Lindy is joined by COL Candice Frost, USA (Ret.), Senior Account Executive at Nightwing, and The Hon. John Sherman, Dean of The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Tune in as they discuss key hiring trends, high-demand skillsets, and strategies f...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Dr. Lisa Costa, National Security Executive at Seekr. From her early days in special operations to standing up Space Force's tech and innovation enterprise, Dr. Costa shares advice for young professionals on finding their voice, embracing complexity, and staying mission-focused in a rapidl...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Donald Blersch, Senior Vice President for Government Innovation at Clearspeed. Tune in as Don reflects on his 35+ year career serving across the intelligence and national security community. The discussion includes his path into the IC, transitioning from technical roles to leadership, and advice fo...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Meg O'Neill, Founder and President, O'Neill Strategy Group, LLC. Tune in as Meg discusses her 30+ years of leadership across the IC. From shaping acquisition strategy at the CIA to launching DOE's counterintelligence office, Meg shares insights on collaboration, innovation, and dr...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Sarah Daly, Research Staff Member, Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). Tune in as Sarah discusses the value of non-linear career growth, how technological competence can be a key differentiator for young professionals, and the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and adaptability. T...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Linda Weissgold, Former Deputy Director for Analysis, CIA. Tune in as Ms. Weissgold reflects on her 37-year intelligence career—beginning with how she launched her journey at the Agency. She shares the key skills and qualities that define great analysts and discusses the opportunities and challenges...

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Archana Bae, INSA Advisory Committee Member and CEO & Founder of Porta Strategies, LLC. Tune in as Archana shares insights from her dynamic career spanning both the public and private sectors. She discusses the intelligence community’s role in combating financial crimes, the impact of AI on...

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Brian Drake, Vice Chair of INSA's Tech & Innovation Council and Federal CTO, Accrete. Tune in as Brian shares insights from his path through the intelligence community. He discusses launching the Director of AI role at DIA, clears up common misconceptions about AI in national security, and ref...

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Michael Brasseur, Vice President of Innovative Intelligence Mission Center, SAIC. Tune in as Mr. Brasseur reflects on his 27-year career supporting the intelligence community, underscores the value of integrity, and shares practical advice on building and strengthening your professional network. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tw...

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Theresa Campobasso, Vice Chair of INSA's Insider Threat Subcommittee and Senior VP, Strategic Accounts, Exiger Government Solutions. Theresa shares her journey from the Marine Corps to the private sector, her passion for supply chain security, and advice for students considering advanced degrees. Thank...

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Jonathan Boateng, Director Security Specialist, Microsoft. Tune in as Mr. Boateng talks about the benefits of cybersecurity certifications, shares free resources for skill-building, and offers practical advice for those starting out in the field.

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly sits down with INSA/INSF President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg for an insightful and candid discussion. Suzanne shares her unconventional journey into the national security community, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her advice on building strong networks and finding great mentors. Plus, she opens up...

This week on the Intelligence Career Conversations (ICC) podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by COL Derrick Lee, USA (Ret.), Director of Intelligence Programs, SOSi. Tune in as COL Lee shares experiences from 30 years in military intelligence, discusses challenges facing the workforce, and highlights the importance of mentorship and strategic thinking for career growth.

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Wyetta Morrow, INSA's Vice Chair of the Intelligence Champions Council and VP, Human Resources, Collins Aerospace, An RTX Business. Tune in to hear Ms. Morrow discuss the value of challenging yourself and the importance of storytelling in business.

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Charles Carithers, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs. Tune in as he discusses his educational path, how to organically reach out to potential mentors, and the importance of using employer-sponsored learning opportunities. 

This week on the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Chitra Sivanandam, Chair of INSA's AI Subcommittee and President of Living Dino, LLC. Tune in as Ms. Sivanandam shares how her creative outlets have enriched her career, highlights valuable low-cost educational opportunities, and discusses innovative approaches to modernizing work-life balance in SCIF...

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Dr. Sherri Wood, an Intelligence Community Professional. Tune in to hear Dr. Wood discuss her non-traditional path to working in the national security space, the importance of being unapologetically yourself, and the cornerstones of being a respected, effective, and caring leader.

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Vernon Saunders, CEO, Freedom Technology Solutions Group, LLC. Tune in to hear Mr. Saunders discuss his transition from the Air Force to the private sector, importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the ROI of investing in people. 

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Janaki Kates, National Security Consultant and Commentator! Tune in to hear Ms. Kates discuss her career in the IC, including 18 years at the CIA, her advocacy efforts to remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and her thoughts on the critical skills needed for career success.

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Nateé Johnson, Data Scientist and Managing Consultant, Defense & Security Segment, Guidehouse. Tune in to hear Ms. Johnson discuss the importance of academically challenging yourself, pursuing work you are passionate about, and staying true to yourself.