INSA Podcast
Intelligence Career Conversations
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Don Blersch: Authenticity and ObjectivityOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly welcomes Donald Blersch, Chair of INSA's Security Policy Reform Council and 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.
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Meg O'Neill: Art of Collaboration and InnovationOn 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.
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Sarah Daly: Pursue Excellence, Be AdventurousOn 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.
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Linda Weissgold: Candor, Courage, and the Craft of AnalysisOn this week's episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host 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.
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Archana Bae: Mission and PurposeOn 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.