Advertise on podcast: Intelligence Career Conversations

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.