INSA Podcast

Charles Carithers: Shaping a Career Through Service

February 06, 2025

This week on the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Charles Carithers, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs. Tune in as he discusses his educational path, how to organically reach out to potential mentors, and the importance of using employer-sponsored learning opportunities.

Chitra Sivanandam: Connecting People, Solving Problems

January 23, 2025

This week on the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly sits down with Chitra Sivanandam, President of Living Dino, LLC. Tune in as Ms. Sivanandam shares how her creative outlets have enriched her career, highlights valuable low-cost educational opportunities, and discusses innovative approaches to modernizing work-life balance in SCIF environments.

Dr. Sherri Wood: Continuously Pushing Forward

January 09, 2025

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Dr. Sherri Wood, an Intelligence Community Professional. Tune in to hear Dr. Wood discuss her non-traditional path to working in the national security space, the importance of being unapologetically yourself, and the cornerstones of being a respected, effective, and caring leader.

Vernon Saunders: Enhancing What You Inherit

December 11, 2024

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Vernon Saunders, CEO, Freedom Technology Solutions Group, LLC. Tune in to hear Mr. Saunders discuss his transition from the Air Force to the private sector, importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the ROI of investing in people.

Janaki Kates: Ending Stigmas, Empowering People

November 20, 2024

On this episode of the ICC podcast, host Jim Donnelly is joined by Janaki Kates, National Security Consultant and Commentator! Tune in to hear Ms. Kates discuss her career in the IC, including 18 years at the CIA, her advocacy efforts to remove the stigma surrounding mental health treatment, and her thoughts on the critical skills needed for career success.