Rupal Patel on Women, Leadership, and Life Beyond the CIA

Created by professionals with over 50 years of expertise, Tru-Vetting revolutionizes security management. Their solutions enhance efficiency, turning complex security processes into simple operations. Tru-Vetting is your FSO companion, empowering your organization to focus on growth while keeping your business aligned with the latest policies and procedures. They join the podcast to talk about all the important issues related to FSOs supporting the Defense Industrial Base. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an era where cybersecurity challenges demand diversity, creativity, and resilience, The Cyber Guild is more than an organization—it’s a movement. For professionals pursuing or holding security clearances, the Guild’s community-driven, inclusive approach is a powerful complement to technical expertise. Whether you're transitioning from government service or seeking broader professional networks, exploring The Cyber Guild’s resources could be a game-changing step. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal hiring is shifting fast—from law enforcement incentives and IT demand to new rules like the two-page USAJobs resume. Join ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer in conversation with federal jobs coach Armand Curet as they unpack the latest hiring freeze updates, agency-specific trends, and the myths that keep applicants from landing government roles. Whether you’re a veteran, a career-changer, or simply federal-curious, this live discussion will give you the clarity you need to navigate today’s federal job market. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of our conversation with former CIA officer and Global Leadership Lab CEO Rupal Patel, we explore women’s roles in intelligence, the value of community in cleared careers, and how a global perspective shapes authentic leadership. Patel also shares advice for the next generation of national security professionals and reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of ClearedCast, host Phoebe Wells sits down with Rupal Patel—former CIA officer, CEO of the Global Leadership Lab, and author of From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder. Patel shares her unconventional path from war zones and classified briefings to the corporate boardroom, offering candid insights on resilience, confidence, and leadership.Hear how she navigated the clearance process, built credibility in male-dominated spaces, and developed the tools to quiet imposter syndrome. Patel also reveals how intelligence tradecraft can be applied to everyday leadership—helping executives and professionals lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.Whether you’re navigating your own cleared career or striving to build bold leadership skills, this episode offers lessons for thriving in high-pressure environments. Come back next week for part two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transitioning from military service into the civilian workforce is rarely straightforward—but for Albert Bellamy, a retired Marine Corps officer, it was a journey defined by logistics, analytics, and adaptability. Now a marketing and business intelligence consultant, Bellamy shared with the Security Clearance Careers Podcast how his time in uniform prepared him to thrive in the data-driven world of consulting.While logistics was his operational focus in the Marines, Bellamy gradually transitioned into the world of analytics. That shift became the foundation for his post-military career. The core skills were the same, problem-solving under pressure, working with diverse teams, and telling a story with data. Analytics was the natural next step.For service members eyeing their own transitions, Bellamy left listeners with three takeaways:Leverage military lessons. Problem-solving and efficiency are universal skills.Don’t waste your SkillBridge. Treat it like a career pipeline, not a checkbox.Think like a consultant. Data and problem-solving translate across industries, not just the cleared space.Your clearance opens the door, but it’s your ability to adapt as a former military member and apply your skills that drives long-term success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to take your place at the forefront of government technology? From September 11–13, 2025, GovTechCon takes over The Square (1850 K St NW, Washington, D.C.) with a hybrid, immersive experience designed to ignite your GovTech journey. Creator, Symone Berry, joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to discuss why aspiring professionals should attend the in person or hybrid options and why recruiters should utilize the venue to secure top talent.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reaching out to recruiters can be one of the smartest moves a job seeker makes in the hiring process, but how you do it matters. A quick, vague message like “When can we talk?” may feel like you’re showing initiative, but in reality, it can do more harm than good. Recruiters are busy, and without context, they’re less likely to respond.Recently, there was a viral post on social media from a recruiter. They were complaining that after posting a position calling for applications, candidates instead reached out with their "when can we talk?" messages...not helpful, and not respecting the process outline by the recruiter in the first place.Tune in to this episode of ClearedCast about respecting the process and the do's / dont's of reaching out to recruiters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FBI warns that talent recruitment programs pose a serious risk to U.S. businesses, universities, and laboratories. What might appear as legitimate opportunities often serve as conduits for undisclosed transfers of intellectual property, proprietary technology, and sensitive research. All benefiting China, not U.S. innovation ecosystems. Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer highlight the issue, sometimes advertised as OCONUS job opportunities, on this episode of the Security Clearance Careers Podcast.While there may be instances of genuine collaboration, the norm is far more troubling: these programs tend to facilitate one-way, undocumented sharing that carries significant risks. Not only do U.S. institutions lose competitive or scientific advantages, but the individuals (i.e. students, researchers, or employees) who participate might unwittingly compromise their careers, funding eligibility, and professional credibility. Moreover, if proprietary information is stolen or research funding is misused, institutions may suffer irreversible reputational and financial harm, even if prosecution eventually follows.Veterans can be a target for these sometimes-tempting OCONUS job listings – utilizing their clearance for a decent wage overseas. But clearance holders should note that failure to disclose foreign affiliations, contracts or contracts can breach institutional policies, federal conflict-of-interest rules, national security laws, and your commitment to self-reporting. Transparency is thus essential, both to protect institutions and to safeguard the careers of the individuals involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myth vs. Reality: What You Need to Know About PolygraphsMyth 1: Polygraphs Are 100% Accurate and Always Determine TruthReality: Polygraphs are not “lie detectors.” They measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweat gland activity—signals that may indicate stress or anxiety. Trained examiners interpret these results, but several factors can influence the outcome:False positives and false negatives happen.Anxiety, medical conditions, or medications can affect readings.Polygraphs are investigative tools, not final proof of truthfulness.In the clearance process, a failed or inconclusive test often just means further review or a retest.Myth 2: Failing a Polygraph Automatically Disqualifies You from ClearanceReality: A polygraph is only one piece of the broader adjudication puzzle. Even if you “fail” a test, you may still move forward in the process. The full review includes:Background checksInterviewsSF-86 form reviewCorroborating evidence from multiple sourcesMany applicants are given another chance to take the polygraph or explain their answers before any decision is made.Myth 3: You Can Beat the Polygraph with Tricks or TechniquesReality: The internet is full of “tips” for beating the polygraph. Examiners are well aware of these tactics, and attempting them can:Raise red flags and trigger suspicionLead to invalidated resultsDamage your credibility more than a poor showing on the test itselfTrying to game the polygraph can backfire badly—often worse than just answering honestly.Polygraphs can be stressful, but they’re not the final word in your clearance journey. The most important thing you can bring into the exam is honesty—both with the examiner and yourself. Understanding how polygraphs work, and knowing that a single test doesn’t determine your fate, can go a long way toward reducing the anxiety that comes with this infamous step in the process.If you’re heading into a polygraph soon, take a deep breath, skip the internet “hacks,” and focus on telling the truth. The rest is just part of the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.