Intelligence Career Conversations

This week we welcomed Dr. John Ballard, President, National Intelligence University, on the Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast. Dr. Ballard shares his journey through academia in the IC and highlights unique distinctions NIU offers its students. He also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, finding mentors, and building strong relationships. 

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, we are excited to welcome Nazaret Berhane, Program Manager, Human Capital Office, IC Centers for Academic Excellence, ODNI! Tune in to this special episode to hear Ms. Berhane share her career journey as a neurodiverse individual in the IC from FBI to ODNI, her passion for creating a diverse workforce and mentoring the next generation, and more!

On this episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations podcast, Jim Donnelly is joined by Cortney Weinbaum, Senior National Security Researcher, RAND Corporation. Tune in to hear Ms. Weinbaum discuss her career journey from DIA to RAND Corp., the significance of a STEM degree, passion for her work, challenges facing the IC workforce...and more!

On this episode of Intelligence Career Conversations, Jim Donnelly is joined by Stacie Bohanan, Principal Research Scientist III, University of Alabama in Huntsville. Tune in to hear her share how she kick started her career at FBI. She also spoke on mentorship, importance of cultivating your network, advanced degrees vs. certifications, transitioning from the public to private sector…and more.

On this week's episode John Atwell, author and editor for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers e-magazine, discusses his 20+ year career at the CIA, from navigating new roles and responsibilities to developing technical and soft skills sets, to lessons learned and key takeaways!

Tune in to hear Stephanie Leung, Senior Director for Growth and Business Development, GDIT discuss how she got started in the IC, the role her education played in her career, transitioning from public to private sector, mentors she's had and mentee relationships, and more!

On this special episode of the Intelligence Career Conversations Podcast, we welcome Stephanie La Rue, Chief, IC Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility officer, ODNI! Moderated by Bishop Garrison, VP for Policy INSA, Ms. La Rue shares her responsibilities and projects in her current position, the role her mentors have played in her career journey, how the IC is working to meet diversity and inclusion goals, current workforce trends and challenges, and more!​​

On this episode of the ICC podcast, we welcomed Dominique Cooper! Ms. Cooper shares her career trajectory, from NGA to Silicon Valley to a DIB contractor. She also delves into her mentorships and how she obtained and cultivated these relationships. 

On this week's episode of the ICC Podcast, Trent Teyema, Founder & President, CSG Strategies, Inc. joins host Jim Donnely to discuss his career in the intelligence community. Tune in to hear Mr. Teyema, share his inspiration for joining the IC and the steps he took to realize his dream of joining the FBI. He also shares advice for young professionals seeking to serve in government and senior professionals looking to transition to industry! 

On this episode of the ICC, Jim Donnelly is joined by Nicole Pilkus, Principal Deputy Director, Office of Policy and Strategy, NRO. Ms. Pilkus discusses her 25+ year career journey including her educational path, goal-setting tips, evolving expectations of the workforce...and more!