Smart Women, Smart Power

By CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

News & Politics Government & Organizations Non-Profit

What's Smart Women, Smart Power about?

CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power is a speaker series on women in international business and global affairs. The weekly podcast features leading women from the corporate, government, and national security worlds discussing top international issues. This podcast series is made possible with support from Citigroup.

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Smart Women, Smart Power episodes:

05.15.2024
The Murky World of Deepfakes
In her aptly named scientific study, “As Good as A Coin Toss,” Horizon Fellow Di Cooke joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis to walk through the murky world of deepfakes and the countermeasures that should be prioritized to mitigate the dangers posed...
05.01.2024
Lessons from Myanmar
What does it actually mean when we say, “democracy is on the line?” Nisha Anand, the CEO of Dream.org, would know – she was arrested for passing out pro-democracy leaflets in Myanmar in 1998. To help us unpack the state of democracy today, and what...
04.24.2024
Navigating the Seas with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations of the U.S. Navy
Admiral Franchetti sits down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, for a discussion on the U.S. Navy’s priorities as they operate far forward, around the world and around the clock, from seabed to space, in cyberspace,...
04.10.2024
The Political Pressure Behind Scotland on the Ballot
In 2014, the United Kingdom almost came undone. Advocates for Scottish independence were finally granted a referendum, and the future of Scotland’s political arrangements was in the hands of the Scottish people. On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dame Louise Richardson,...
04.03.2024
Building Trust in Nuclear Diplomacy
Nuclear strategy remains a priority for the United States. In this episode, host Dr. Kathleen McInnis speaks with CSIS Senior Adviser (Non-resident) to the Project on Nuclear Issues and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense...
03.27.2024
In a World of Inequalities, Does Democracy Matter?
On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College and CSIS Trustee, joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis for a discussion on her approach to leadership after years in government, the nonprofit space, and the private sector, including CARE,...
03.22.2024
The Government Clock is Ti(c)kTok-ing
Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) about her whirlwind past couple of weeks. The pair discussed her recent trip to the Munich Security Conference, including the moment she found out about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei...
03.20.2024
The Weaponization of the Dollar
For decades the U.S. Treasury Department has used the American dollar as a weapon to shape U.S. policy. However, in an era of rising authoritarian actors set out to undermine democracies, can the United States, and its currency, survive the...
03.13.2024
Welcome to the U.S., EU Ambassador Neliupšienė!
On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the new Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. The pair discussed the war in Ukraine, including Ukraine's membership to the EU, plus her role in Lithuania facing economic coercion from China, and much more.
02.21.2024
We’re on a Winter Break!
The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a winter break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back in March!
02.14.2024
All About Defense Acquisition
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Melissa A. Johnson, an Acquisition Executive in the U.S. Special Operations Command, for a briefer on the process behind acquisition, technology, and logistics in the Special Operations Forces. Additionally, Melissa highlighted her role in...
02.07.2024
Montenegro’s Path to NATO
Host Dr. Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, for a conversation on the threat democracy is under. Additionally, the pair discussed the process...
01.31.2024
Making “Space”
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Maria Demaree, Vice President and General Manager of National Security Space at Lockheed Martin, for a discussion on the future of the space mission. Additionally, Maria discussed the balance between her rise to leadership...
01.24.2024
Behind the Scenes: Obama and Bourdain Share a Meal
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen. The pair discussed Under Secretary Allen’s mission to reimagine the power and purpose of American diplomacy, including her role in planning the 2016 meal...
01.17.2024
The Will of Ukrainian Soldiers
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Sarah Heer, the special advisor to the Commander of the Canadian Army, and a Peace With Women Fellow, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed her experience commanding Operation Unifier in...
01.10.2024
The Digital Storm
While at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum, Kathleen McInnis had the opportunity to sit down with Karen Courington, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Google, and Alexandra Veitch, the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at YouTube....
01.03.2024
Pentagon Perspectives: Managing from Within
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Beth McGrath, Deloitte’s Global Industry Leader for Government and Public Services (GPS), at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The conversation followed Beth’s 25+ years in the Federal Government, including her focus on improving...
12.14.2023
Breaking the “Brass” Ceiling
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Heidi Grant, Vice President of Global Growth and Engagement for Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed Heidi’s successful career as a civilian in the national...
11.29.2023
Understanding the Woman Voter
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley O’Connor, Managing Partner at Strategic Partners & Media, for a conversation on the evolution of political campaigning and advertising. The pair also discussed Ashley’s decision to invest time in understanding women voters, including...
11.15.2023
Climate Change: A Threat Multiplier
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Sherri Goodman, a former senior defense official, for a discussion on her early work in climate security, and how climate change is impacting the national security landscape.
11.08.2023
A Moldovan Minute
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Natalia Gavrilița, former Prime Minister of Moldova (2021-2023), for a conversation on her leadership of Moldova during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in addition to a look at the future of the region.
11.01.2023
Your Reputation Precedes You
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mackenzie Eaglen, Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), for a thoughtful conversation on the power of your reputation and credibility in Washington, DC. Eaglen discusses her decision to not sign a letter...
10.25.2023
Let’s Talk About Gender
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Susan Markham, Director of the Peace With Women Fellowship program at the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) for a conversation about the role of gender in foreign policy, including her experience implementing gender policy...
10.18.2023
Purpose and Care within the U.S. Army Reserve
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. The pair discussed the priorities of the U.S. Army Reserve, gender dynamics, and the future of the force.
10.11.2023
The Fight Continues for Iranian Women
Last September, the tragic death of Mahsa Amini spread across global headlines, and the fight for women’s rights in Iran was brought to light. The injustices in Iran continue to make headlines with the reported assault of 16-year-old Armita Garavand....
10.04.2023
A Court Date for Humanity
On this podcast on the road episode, host Kathleen McInnis visited Washington University in St. Louis, where she sat down with Leila Sadat, former special adviser on crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor from 2012-2023. This...
09.28.2023
Semiconductors: Here, There, and Everywhere
SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Jordan Tachibana interviews...
09.20.2023
Domestic Terrorist Groups and Natural Disasters
SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Paden Tranter interviews...
09.13.2023
Congress is Back: Where does Ukraine Support Stand?
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a discussion on their recent travels throughout Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. They also discussed where Ukrainian assistance stands, as Congress is back...
09.06.2023
Chasing Liberties: Balancing Individual Rights and Digital Privacy
SWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. On this episode, Girl Security scholar Kennedy Solaru sits...
08.30.2023
On the Road in Ukraine
While traveling on a delegation throughout Ukraine, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a compelling conversation on the current state of the region, as well as key questions...
08.09.2023
A Conversation with GEN Laura Richardson on Security Challenges in Latin America
On August 4th, General Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army, 32nd Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sat down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, and Kari Bingen, Director of the CSIS Aerospace Security...
07.05.2023
We’re on a Summer Break!
The Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a summer break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back soon!
06.28.2023
The Pentagon Puzzle
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. The pair discussed the Pentagon’s organizational design in an era of rapidly developing and complex...
06.21.2023
Academia vs. the Policy World
Dr. Kathleen McInnis spoke with Dr. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. Together they discussed their decision to leave the academic world for the policy world....
06.14.2023
“Employee No.1” in Homeland Security
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley Davis, founding Partner of West Front Strategies LLC and former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security. The pair discussed Ashley’s experience in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, including her...
06.07.2023
How to Strike a Deal
Host Kathleen McInnis spoke with Judith Batty, former Senior Counsel at ExxonMobil and interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. She discussed her dynamic career as a deal lawyer, from navigating the corporate world to serving as the first Black woman...
05.31.2023
The Hollywood Episode
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with writer and producer Chris Levinson for a candid conversation on the relationship between Hollywood and Washington D.C.
05.24.2023
Why Male Allies Matter
We are doing something a little different on the podcast today – we are joined by our first-ever male guest! Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Donald Steinberg, the former U.S. Ambassador to Angola, among countless other roles. Ambassador...
05.17.2023
Crunching the Numbers: Mathematician to CEO
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mollie Breen, CEO and Co-Founder of Perygee, for a discussion on how her STEM background has influenced her leadership style. Additionally, the pair discussed her former roles in creating and leading teams to strengthen...
05.10.2023
Mental Resilience: Deploying Tech for Navy SEALS
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shannon Clark, Senior Vice President, Federal, R+D at Palantir Technologies, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Shannon discussed her role in deploying technology to help navigate mental resilience for U.S. Navy SEALS.
05.03.2023
The Establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Ambassador Dobrianksy discussed the establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council during the...
04.26.2023
On the Ground in Iraq
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Principal to Principal, for a conversation on her time working on the ground in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, they discuss her experience in problem-solving and...
04.19.2023
A Practical Approach to Migration
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Amy E. Pope, U.S. Candidate for Director General at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for a powerful conversation on her approach to migration, and her decision to run for IOM Director General.
04.12.2023
The Only Woman on the Abraham Accords Team
On this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Morgan Ortagus, the former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Morgan walked us through her role in the historic Abraham Accords, and more!
04.05.2023
A Conversation with Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
On April 4, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the U.S. Coast Guard’s growing presence beyond America’s immediate...
03.29.2023
A Conversation with Gayle E. Smith on Global Health Security
On March 22, Gayle E. Smith, the CEO of the ONE Campaign, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed Gayle’s role in leading the U.S. effort to end the global Covid-19 pandemic....
03.22.2023
Nerding Out on NATO
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, for an insightful conversation on her role in adopting NATO’s first Climate Change and Security Agenda. In addition,...
03.15.2023
Inflection Points: Denmark's Response to the War in Ukraine
Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, Christina Markus Lassen, on her extensive career in the Danish Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the conversation includes a deep dive into Danish’s response to...
03.08.2023
Rethinking Humanitarian Aid with Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA
On March 6, Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed how CARE USA has worked to rally the global community to respond to recent...

What's Smart Women, Smart Power about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Smart Women, Smart Power episodes:

The Murky World of Deepfakes

Lessons from Myanmar

Navigating the Seas with Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations of the U.S. Navy

The Political Pressure Behind Scotland on the Ballot

Building Trust in Nuclear Diplomacy

In a World of Inequalities, Does Democracy Matter?

The Government Clock is Ti(c)kTok-ing

The Weaponization of the Dollar

Welcome to the U.S., EU Ambassador Neliupšienė!

We’re on a Winter Break!

All About Defense Acquisition

Montenegro’s Path to NATO

Making “Space”

Behind the Scenes: Obama and Bourdain Share a Meal

The Will of Ukrainian Soldiers

The Digital Storm

Pentagon Perspectives: Managing from Within

Breaking the “Brass” Ceiling

Understanding the Woman Voter

Climate Change: A Threat Multiplier

A Moldovan Minute

Your Reputation Precedes You

Let’s Talk About Gender

Purpose and Care within the U.S. Army Reserve

The Fight Continues for Iranian Women

A Court Date for Humanity

Semiconductors: Here, There, and Everywhere

Domestic Terrorist Groups and Natural Disasters

Congress is Back: Where does Ukraine Support Stand?

Chasing Liberties: Balancing Individual Rights and Digital Privacy

On the Road in Ukraine

A Conversation with GEN Laura Richardson on Security Challenges in Latin America

We’re on a Summer Break!

The Pentagon Puzzle

Academia vs. the Policy World

“Employee No.1” in Homeland Security

How to Strike a Deal

The Hollywood Episode

Why Male Allies Matter

Crunching the Numbers: Mathematician to CEO

Mental Resilience: Deploying Tech for Navy SEALS

The Establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council

On the Ground in Iraq

A Practical Approach to Migration

The Only Woman on the Abraham Accords Team

A Conversation with Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard

A Conversation with Gayle E. Smith on Global Health Security

Nerding Out on NATO

Inflection Points: Denmark's Response to the War in Ukraine

Rethinking Humanitarian Aid with Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA