From Secrets to Open-Source: Jane van Tienen on Intelligence, Leadership, and Global Security

In this episode of Fed Time Stories, Dave Brandt and John Gill sit down with Jane van Tienen, Chief Intelligence Officer at OSINT Combine, to explore her journey from the Australian national security community to the forefront of open-source intelligence in the private sector. Drawing on 24 years of experience, Jane reflects on her career journey, the growing importance of OSINT, and how intelligence derived from publicly and commercially available information is reshaping modern security.The discussion explores how AI can strengthen OSINT workflows while still requiring strong human tradecraft, ethics, and governance to be effective. Jane also shares her perspective on the Bondi Beach attack, the challenges security agencies face when threats emerge without clear warning signs, and why the absence of intelligence does not mean the absence of risk.Beyond security and intelligence, the episode also touches on mentorship, community engagement, and the importance of investing in young people to build confidence, agency, and critical thinking. Along the way, Jane offers thoughtful reflections on the cultural differences between Australia and the United States and what those differences reveal about leadership, security, and public safety.Fed Time Stories is brought to you by Kaseware, an investigative case management solution. Learn more at www.kaseware.com/fedtimestoriespodcast