Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Intelligence Career Conversations

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. 

On this week’s episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Jamie Jones Miller, Northeastern University’s inaugural CEO and Regional Dean of the Arlington, Virginia campus. Tune in to hear Ms. Miller discuss her two major career shifts, the importance of investing in people, future demand for well-rounded individuals in the IC workforce, and more.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Everfox!

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by America Cammarota, Assessment Strategist Lead, OUSD(I&S). Tune in to hear Ms. Cammarota discuss her transition from the military to a civilian career (including a European backpacking trip), her love for learning, and advice for young professionals looking to embark on an IC career!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Everfox!

On this week's episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Army Veteran and INSA Fellow, Lindsay Heisler. Tune in to hear Ms. Heisler discuss her time in the U.S. Army as an Aviation Officer and Apache helicopter pilot, mentors that helped shape her career, the value of servant leadership, and more.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Everfox!

On this week's episode of the ICC podcast host Jim Donelly is joined by COL Candice Frost, USA (Ret.), Director, DoD Integrated Account, Nightwing. Ms. Frost shares her journey from the military to private sector. She also speaks on the importance of being a life-long learner, creating  change within large organizations, and more!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Lindy Kyzer, Director of Content and PR, ClearanceJobs. Tune in to hear Lindy share her experience being a “professional intern” in college, the importance of a curious attitude, her love for the mission, and more.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

On this week's episode host Jim Donnelly is joined by Danielle James, Assistant Director, Training and Workforce Development Directorate, NCIS. Tune in to hear her discuss her career journey, educational background including the benefits of attending an HBCU, important mentorship relationships, and more!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Jennifer Finley, Communications & Networking Systems Assistant Group Supervisor, Johns Hopkins APL. Listen in as Ms. Finley shares her path into the IC including her educational background in engineering and internship opportunity. She also offers advice to young professionals and describes a variety of technical and soft skills that have been useful throughout her career.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Brian Cooney, Associate Director, Defense and Security Segment, Guidehouse.  Tune in as he discusses his passion for working in the IC, educational background and commitment to continuous learning, importance of relationship building, and more.

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Kaitlin Kiser, Deputy Director, ISR Education, LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education. Tune in as she describes key career pivot points, her passion for her work, important skills she’s developed to be successful, future workforce challenges, and more!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Nightwing!

This week we welcomed Dr. John Ballard, President, National Intelligence University, on the Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast. Dr. Ballard shares his journey through academia in the IC and highlights unique distinctions NIU offers its students. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, finding mentors, and building strong relationships. 

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, we are excited to welcome Nazaret Berhane, Program Manager, Human Capital Office, IC Centers for Academic Excellence, ODNI! Tune in to this special episode to hear Ms. Berhane share her career journey as a neurodiverse individual in the IC from FBI to ODNI, her passion for creating a diverse workforce and mentoring the next generation, and more!

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Cortney Weinbaum, Senior National Security Researcher, RAND Corporation. Tune in to hear Ms. Weinbaum discuss her career journey from DIA to RAND Corp., the significance of a STEM degree, passion for her work, challenges facing the IC workforce...and more!

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, Jim Donnelly is joined by Stacie Bohanan, Principal Research Scientist III, University of Alabama in Huntsville. Tune in to hear her share how she kick started her career at FBI. She also spoke on mentorship, importance of cultivating your network, advanced degrees vs. certifications, transitioning from the public to private sector…and more.

On this week's episode John Atwell, author and editor for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers e-magazine, discusses his 20+ year career at the CIA, from navigating new roles and responsibilities to developing technical and soft skills sets, to lessons learned and key takeaways!

Tune in to hear Stephanie Leung, Senior Director for Growth and Business Development, GDIT discuss how she got started in the IC, the role her education played in her career, transitioning from public to private sector, mentors she's had and mentee relationships, and more!

On this special episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast, we welcome Stephanie La Rue, Chief, IC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility officer, ODNI! Moderated by Bishop Garrison, VP for Policy INSA, Ms. La Rue shares her responsibilities and projects in her current position, the role her mentors have played in her career journey, how the IC is working to meet diversity and inclusion goals, current workforce trends and challenges, and more!​​

On this episode of the ICC podcast, we welcomed Dominique Cooper! Ms. Cooper shares her career trajectory, from NGA to Silicon Valley to a DIB contractor. She also delves into her mentorships and how she obtained and cultivated these relationships. 

On this week's episode of the ICC Podcast, Trent Teyema, Founder & President, CSG Strategies, Inc. joins host Jim Donnely to discuss his career in the intelligence community. Tune in to hear Mr. Teyema, share his inspiration for joining the IC and the steps he took to realize his dream of joining the FBI. He also shares advice for young professionals seeking to serve in government and senior professionals looking to transition to industry! 

On this episode of the ICC, Jim Donnelly is joined by Nicole Pilkus, Principal Deputy Director, Office of Policy and Strategy, NRO. Ms. Pilkus discusses her 25+ year career journey including her educational path, goal-setting tips, evolving expectations of the workforce...and more!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, we are pleased to welcome Sarah McPeak, Lead Technical Specialist, Maxar, to discuss her academic journey, decision to pursue a career in geospatial intelligence, time in the Army and transition to the private sector, commitment to continuous learning, and more! 

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Bishop Garrison, VP for Policy, INSA, explores his career path, navigating the shift from military service to the private and public sectors. He shares insights on effective mentorship, offers guidance for aspiring mentors and young professionals, valuable advice, and more!

On this week’s episode of the ICC podcast, we are pleased to welcome Austin Wang, Vice President of Intelligence at MITRE to discuss his Marine Corps and CIA service, varying paths into the IC workforce, best practices for growing your IC career...and more!

On this episode of the ICC podcast, Cadie Hopkins Federal, Altana AI & Co-Founder, Iron Butterfly Media, discusses her nontraditional career journey, how she sees the community evolving, value of mentors and giving back, and the importance of staying true to who you are.