40 Year Career at the CIA Built Character for this Leader

For this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, we we explore leadership, ethics, and excellence in high-stakes environments. Today’s episode will reshape how you think about leadership, especially leadership where character and trust are at the foundation of leading groups in national security missions.Today we are thrilled to be joined by Harry Wetherbee, a former senior executive officer of the CIA, and author of The Character of a Leader: Lessons on Honor and Integrity in Command. In this short but powerful book, Harry draws on decades of work at the intersection of national security, intelligence, and moral responsibility to show what truly separates fleeting authority from enduring leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindy Kyzer and Jill Hamilton talk about holiday party rules of engagement when working federal contracts. Would you normally dance to Cotton Eyed Joe if you didn't have that wine at the holiday party? Learn in this episode about other alcohol issues and your security clearance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Women have been integral to the intelligence community since its earliest days, yet for decades their contributions remained obscured—hidden not only by secrecy but also by policy and silence. In her recent book, The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA, author Liza Mundy brings these untold stories to light. She traces the journeys of pioneering women who entered the CIA at pivotal moments and helped shape the agency from within. From Eloise Page, the first female chief of station, to Lisa Harper, among the first women to rise into the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, Mundy weaves together a powerful narrative of trailblazers whose impact has long gone unrecognized. In this conversation, she shares how she uncovered and connected these remarkable histories of women in the Agency. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles Luftig, Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Policy and Capabilities, joined the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to discuss the National Security Data and Policy Institute (NSDPI). He shared insights on the origins of the institute, why UVA was a natural match for this partnership, and the interdisciplinary nature of the NSDPI’s work.The National Security Data and Policy Institute (NSDPI) is a university-level institute launched by the University of Virginia (UVA) in August 2024—UVA's sixth such institution—backed by a $20 million contract. It unites expertise from academia, government, and industry to tackle national security challenges using data science, artificial intelligence, research computing, and public policy frameworks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s mobile-first world, organizations juggle a tough balancing act: enabling employees to use personal devices while safeguarding sensitive data. BYOD, which stands for Bring Your Own Device, is a policy that allows employees to use their personal devices (like smartphones, laptops, and tablets) for work-related tasks. This practice has become increasingly common, offering convenience and flexibility for employees while potentially reducing costs for the employer. However, BYOD also presents security challenges that organizations need to address. Hypori, a company that offers a solution that reimagines BYOD, delivering uncompromising privacy, security, and compliance...all through a seamless virtual workspace... joins the podcast to discuss privacy, data, CMMC, compliance and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are many law practices in the DMV that proudly champion the workplace rights of federal employees, supervisors, and senior executives across agencies nationwide—helping preserve what is often their most valuable asset: their government career.Shehan Legal joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to talk about the current state of affiars for federal workers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The "Fork in the Road" email was sent to federal employees on January 28, 2025. This email, from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), introduced a deferred resignation program, offering employees a choice between continuing their current employment or resigning with full pay and benefits until September 30, 2025. Almost a year after the federal shake up, Jill Hamilton and Lindy Kyzer report on how federal workers should focus on the mission.As a part of ClearanceJobs' Expand the Mission, we created FedWork.net, a federal news, career advice, and community platform for both cleared and uncleared federal workers. It offers discussions on federal workforce issues, news analysis on government changes, and opportunities for federal employees to connect and share insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast, ClearedCast, host Phoebe Wells talks with Tom Tice, President & CEO of Warrior Strong—a nonprofit delivering free health and wellness programs to veterans, military spouses, family members, and first responders. From yoga, meditation, and breathwork to fitness, aquatic therapy, and nutrition seminars, Warrior Strong rebuilds camaraderie and supports mental resilience—in person and online.Tom shares the organization’s origins (idea in 2016, founded in 2017), why virtual classes still create real community, how members encourage each other to seek care (including via the VA), and who’s eligible to join. You’ll also hear how removing cost and access barriers helps veterans break isolation and improve overall well-being.📲 Want to get involved? Listeners can download the Warrior Strong app on Apple or Google, visit the website, and follow on social.https://www.warriorstronginc.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where do spies, diplomats, soldiers, and FBI agents turn when their official service comes to an end? For most, full retirement isn’t an immediate option. The choice to step away from government service is difficult enough—deciding what comes next can feel even harder.Author and Career Coach Alison P. Bouwmeester knows this journey firsthand. She spent 28 years as a senior leader in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations, followed by nearly a decade as a senior executive in the defense contracting industry, ultimately serving as Vice President for Business Development. In 2018, she became a Certified Professional Career Coach and founded Futurity to guide others through successful career transitions—drawing on her own experience as someone who has “walked the walk.”In this book, dozens of former intelligence, diplomatic, military, and national security professionals share candid insights, practical strategies, and timeless advice.Considering a job change? Exploring a second career? Wondering what retirement could look like? This guide is here to help you take the next step with confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Using illegal drugs is obviously a problem... just check out the DOHA cases we review every month on ClearanceJobsBlog(dot)com and News(dot)ClearanceJobs(dot)com. What we see more confusion surrounding is prescription use (+ abuse). Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer report on the topic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.