Kristin Crysler

What led you to your career, or what inspired you to build a career in national security?

On September 11, 2001, I was a geography graduate student at Boston University, recently returned from studying orangutans in Borneo and planning a career in academia. While teaching a Geography 101 lab, I learned of the attacks and worried for my aunt, who was staying across from the World Trade Center. With cell phones down, my family anxiously waited for hours until we finally heard she was safe after fleeing across the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. Nearly 3,000 people died that day, and in the aftermath, my perspective shifted. Instead of pursuing academia, I moved to Washington, DC, joining Earth Satellite Corporation (a legacy part of Vantor) to support counterterrorism efforts. Twenty-three years later, I still remember the unity and shared purpose of that time, and consider it a reminder to carry that same dedication as we face new threats to our nation.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I am passionate about connecting real technology and capabilities with actual mission needs. I love digging in to really understand our customers’ toughest challenges and finding ways we can help them do their work better. It helps to have the world’s most advanced constellation of satellites and analytic tools in my toolbelt.

What is the best career advice you have received?

At a turning point in my career, a mentor once told me, “You can be good at everything, but you can’t be excellent at everything. Decide what you want to be excellent at and go for it.” That advice stuck with me. It reminded me to focus my energy, lean into my strengths, and not be afraid to specialize instead of trying to do it all.

What’s one piece of advice you are still trying to master?

At Vantor, we really value a culture of feedback because feedback is a gift. But I’ve learned that receiving constructive feedback gracefully takes practice. I’m working on being able to listen with an open mind, set aside defensiveness, and focus on what I can learn or improve. It’s not always easy, but it’s one of the most valuable skills to keep growing personally and professionally.

Who are your mentors? Who has inspired you?

Elizabeth Hanson has been one of my greatest inspirations. She was a dear friend and a dedicated officer who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Khost bombing in 2009. Her courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the mission continue to inspire me every day to serve with purpose and integrity.

What is your favorite movie, book, TV Show, or podcast? Why?

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah inspired me because it’s a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience women bring to even the most dangerous and demanding situations. As a woman working in the Intelligence Community, I connected deeply with the idea that bravery isn’t always loud or visible, but often found in persistence, sacrifice, and conviction. The story reinforces my belief that women have always played vital roles in protecting others and shaping history, even when their contributions go unseen.

What’s one thing you want to change within the Intelligence Community?

I’d like to see real change in the clearance process. If we want to stay ahead, we need to make it easier and faster to bring in early-career technologists, analysts, and data scientists. Streamlining how we attract and clear new talent is essential to building the next generation of the Intelligence Community.

Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable?

I’ve always been a connector, and I consider that my superpower. Building real relationships with people, whether it’s colleagues, employees, or customers, has been the most valuable skill I carry. It helps me have honest, impactful conversations that move the mission forward or support someone’s growth. I think it comes from listening with genuine curiosity and an open heart, and wanting to understand what really matters to people.

What are your future career goals in the IC?

My future career goals in the Intelligence Community center on expanding my growth mindset and continuing to build strategy at a larger scale. I want to be part of shaping what comes next, having the kinds of forward-leaning, exciting conversations that help position our nation for the future. I’m passionate about bringing people together around a shared vision and translating complex challenges into actionable plans. As the landscape continues to evolve, I want to help ensure we stay agile, innovative, and ready for whatever comes next.

Disclaimer: All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the US Government.  Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying US Government authentication of information or endorsement of the author’s views.