Intelligence Career Conversations

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Dr. Linda Bixby, Chief Research and Partnerships Officer at the University of Arizona. Dr. Bixby reflects on her nonlinear career spanning government, academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector, sharing insights on continuous learning, mentorship, leadership, and navigating career pivots across the national security ecosystem. She also discusses the importance of communication skills, embracing discomfort, adapting to emerging technologies like AI, and building the interdisciplinary mindset needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Booz Allen. 

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Robert Goodson, Senior Vice President at Booz Allen. Mr. Goodson reflects on his path from Army intelligence officer to private-sector leader, sharing insights on career growth, mentorship, networking, and leading teams in the national security space. He also offers practical advice on continuous learning, adapting to emerging technologies, and building the communication skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Booz Allen. 

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Meisha Lutsey, Executive VP, Mission and Engineering Support, CACI International. Meisha shares how she built her career in the intelligence and national security community, along with insights on developing skills through on-the-job experience, navigating career growth, and leading a large, globally deployed workforce. She also offers practical advice on continuous learning and adapting to rapidly evolving technology fields.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Booz Allen. 

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly sits down with David Marlowe, SVP, Operations, Intelligence & Cyber, Amentum. Marlowe reflects on his 30-year career in human intelligence, from early field assignments in the Middle East to leading global operations. He shares candid insights on critical thinking, leadership, and the transition from public to private, emphasizing the importance of clarity, trust, and mission focus. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Booz Allen. 

 On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Stephen Iwicki, Senior VP and GM, Intelligence Solutions Business Unit, SOSi, and a retired U.S. Army intelligence officer. Mr. Iwicki reflects on his career from Desert Storm to leading Army Intelligence Transformation. He discusses the evolution of intelligence tradecraft, the growing role of AI and open-source intelligence, and why critical thinking and mentorship remain essential for the next generation of analysts. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Booz Allen. 

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Dr. Deborah Wituski, Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced and International Studies. Dr. Wituski reflects on her path from academic research to the CIA, her leadership roles at Google, and her return to higher education. She discusses the value of mentorship, lifelong learning, and adapting analytic tradecraft in an era shaped by artificial intelligence. The conversation offers an inside look at the challenges, transitions, and rewards of building a career across government, industry, and the university classroom. 

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, host Jim Donnelly is joined by LTG Scott Berrier, USA (Ret.), former Director of DIA and Senior Vice President at Booz Allen. He shares hard-won lessons on leadership, the power of mentorship, and the shifts in intelligence across his 40-year career! General Berrier also offers advice for young professionals on building analytical, communication, and critical-thinking skills necessary to meet today's challenges. 

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Dr. Yevgeniy Sirotin, Scientist Director, SAIC, shares his journey from neuroscience to national security. He discusses the challenges and misconceptions in his field, offers advice for STEM students, and highlights the significance of mentorship and soft skills in bridging innovation and intelligence. Dr. Sirotin also addresses the impact of emerging technologies on national security and the need for trust in an era of rapid technological transformation.

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly speaks with Gordon Hannah, Principal, Cyber Risk Services, Deloitte, about his extensive career in defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Gordon shares insights from his upbringing, military service, and various career transitions, emphasizing the importance of education, mentorship, and networking. He offers advice for early-career professionals and touches on common misconceptions in cybersecurity.

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Tonya Wilkerson, former Deputy Director of NGA. Tonya reflects on her path into the intelligence community and her experiences serving at multiple agencies. She shares insights on career mobility, mentorship, and skills intelligence professionals should look to develop to keep ahead!

In this special holiday edition, INSA/INSF President Suzanne Wilson Heckenberg, joins podcast host Jim Donnelly to reflect on the key themes and insights from the past year. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the human aspect of the mission, emphasizing that while technology and innovation is crucial, it is the people who drive success. The conversation also touches on what's to come in 2026. 

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Andrew Hallman, VP and Strategic Account Executive for the IC at Leidos. Mr. Hallman traces his path into the IC, sharing how early academic influences, on-the-job learning, and pivotal mentors shaped his professional journey. He also offers insights into the need for digital fluency across the workforce, how AI is reshaping intelligence tradecraft, and his grounding philosophy of doing right and fearing no one.

In this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Dr. Megan Anderson, Executive VP of Capabilities at IQT. Dr. Anderson reflects on her path from academia and biotech to the national security arena and how curiosity has guided her through unexpected opportunities. She discusses the growing intersections of emerging technologies, the strategic role of STEM talent in the IC, and the importance of communicating technical insights across diverse audiences. 

In this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly welcomes Wendy Noble, former Deputy Director of the NSA. Ms. Noble discusses her journey from the U.S. Air Force to the NSA, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and the importance of mentorship and continuous learning. She emphasizes the need for effective communication, adaptability, and the value of technical competencies in an evolving landscape.

In the final episode of INSA's limited-run podcast series, The Unredacted Resume, Lindy Kyzer and Brian Drake discuss the evolving job market for national security workers, focusing on the strategies employers can adopt to attract high-quality talent. They emphasize the importance of employer branding, candidate experience, and the need for a human-centric approach in the hiring process. The conversation also touches on the significance of effective interviews, understanding market dynamics, and leveraging social events for recruitment. Throughout the discussion, they provide actionable insights for both employers and candidates navigating this competitive landscape.

In this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomed Horace Blackman, Senior VP/Business Unit Leader, Defense, Intelligence and Space, CGI Federal. He shares insights from a career spanning government and industry, reflecting on lessons learned from both sides of the mission. He discusses what it means to lead with purpose, why a passion for the mission outweighs any technical skill, and how curiosity fuels long-term growth.

On this episode of The Unredacted Resume, host Lindy Kyzer is joined by Dr. David Bray (The Stimson Center), Niloo Norton, and Charles Carithers (Cornerstone Government Affairs) to discuss the importance of networking. They explore how to build a strong professional network, the significance of authentic connections, and practical strategies for effective networking. The conversation also delves into the distinction between networking and community building, emphasizing the value of fellowship and genuine relationships in career transitions.

On this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly speaks with Suzanne White, former Deputy Director for the Defense Intelligence Agency. Suzanne reflects on her path from financial management to senior intelligence leadership, sharing lessons on humility, communication, and leading through uncertainty. She offers candid advice on mentorship, career growth, and finding balance in demanding national security roles.

In this episode of The Unredacted Resume, co-host Brian Drake (Accrrete), along with guests Kim King (DIA) and Wyetta Morrow (Collins Aerospace, An RTX Business), discuss effective interview strategies for individuals transitioning from federal service to new roles in the national security sector. They cover various types of interviews, preparation techniques, importance of self-awareness, and tips for both early and mid-career job seekers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding interview processes, practicing responses, and articulating one's experiences and skills effectively. 

In this ICC podcast episode, host Jim Donnelly sits down with The Hon. Ellen McCarthy, CEO and Founder of the Trust in Media Cooperative and a longtime leader in the U.S. intelligence community, as she recounts her unconventional journey, from freelance reporter to Soviet submarine analyst to Assistant Secretary of State for INR. In this engaging conversation, she shares lessons learned on her rise to senior leadership, reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, highlights the power of mentorship, and discusses what drove her to launch the Trust in Media Cooperative to strengthen the nation’s information ecosystem.

On this episode of The Unredacted Resume, host Lindy Kyzer is joined by Murshed Chowdhury (Founder & CEO, Tech Duels, and Partner, Rapid Talent Group) and Jamie Jones Miller (Regional Dean, Northeastern University Arlington) to discuss what it takes to stand out in the intelligence and national security job market. The conversation covers recruiter relationships, mindset shifts, and practical steps for finding the right fit.

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 cybersecurity professionals. 

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 competitive job market. 

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 relationships, mentorship, and putting people first are at the core of lasting impact. 

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 guidance to ensure a smooth and well-prepared transition.

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 integrity.

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 for mid-career professionals navigating career transitions in today's evolving national security job market. 

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 rapidly evolving field. 

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 for young professionals navigating their careers.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

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 driving mission impact. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Two Six Technologies.

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.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Two Six Technologies.

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 facing the IC workforce. 

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 national security, and the value of cultivating meaningful professional relationships.Thank you to our episode sponsor, Two Six Technologies.

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 reflects on how his education shaped his career journey. Thank you to our episode sponsor, Two Six Technologies.

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, Two Six Technologies.

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 you to our episode sponsor, Two Six Technologies.

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 about her deep commitment to shaping and supporting the next generation of intelligence and national security professionals. 

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 environments.

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.

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Lena Andrews, Associate Research Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland. Tune in to hear Ms. Andrews discuss how earning her PhD impacted her decision to join the CIA  and the motivation for publishing her book "Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II.” 

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Host Jim Donnelly is joined by Doug Keating, VP of Business Development, Virbrint. Tune in to hear Mr. Keating discuss his journey from an Army Officer to a private sector leader, offers insights into resources for career development opportunities, and the impact of emerging technologies on the intelligence community and future workforce.

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnely welcomes Tish Rourke, VP for Cyber and Intelligence, Rotary Mission Systems, Lockheed Martin. Tune in to hear Ms. Rourke discuss the importance of taking calculated risks in career development, building diverse teams, the growing demand for cyber-related roles in national security, and more!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Karissa Calvo, Communications and Strategy Lead, Enterprise Security Section, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Tune in as Karissa discusses the importance of keeping connections, emotional intelligence, and a few challenges facing the IC workforce today.