Iron Butterfly

By Iron Butterfly MediaSociety & Culture

Iron Butterfly episodes

November 03, 2020 Janice Glover-Jones: Warrior Luminous
This week, Janice Glover-Jones, Chief Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency joins us on the Iron Butterfly Podcast. Janice shares insight from her successful journey through every single government rank, from GS-1 to Senior Executive. Janice has held multiple leadership roles across the intelligence and defense communities and explains how she hopes to inspire others to achieve their goals. Janice discusses the value of cultivating her relationships, staying true to herself, and the importance of defining her why -- rooted in her 'shero' Harriet Tubman and the oath of office.
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29 min
October 27, 2020 Suzanne Kelly: Cipher One
Suzanne Kelly, CEO and publisher of the Cipher Brief, joins Iron Butterfly this week. Suzanne shares her journey to the Cipher Brief and becoming the go-to resource for in-depth coverage of national security issues. Prior to starting the Cipher Brief, Suzanne worked for CNN where she was the Intelligence Correspondent. She built the Cipher Brief from her 20+ years as a journalist. Suzanne is known for being an entrepreneur, bringing creative ideas to the table, and her approach to getting people to collaborate.

This discussion delves into how Suzanne, a self-proclaimed introvert, built a career from creating relationships, taking chances, and thinking outside the box. She talks about how to balance creativity and sensationalism and why she would have dinner with Putin.

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37 min
October 20, 2020 Mary Quinn: Q
This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Mary Quinn. Mary has almost three decades of government work under her belt, serving in roles such as Intelligence Officer for the Army, Senior SOUTHCOM Representative, Chief of Operations at Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and Deputy Director of the National Media Exploitation Center at DIA. Mary also worked in the private sector and has been a high school teacher and coach. Join us as she discusses building confidence, becoming a leader, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
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38 min
October 13, 2020 Jenifer Smith: Sapphire Helix
Jenifer Smith joins Iron Butterfly this week to share how a female biochemist ended up working in national security. Jenifer served as an FBI Special Agent for 23 years, where she oversaw analysis for DNA and weapons of mass destruction, and she also led the CIA’s Biological Technology Center. Throughout her career, she investigated some of the most high-profile cases in the community, including the Unabomber and White House scandal involving former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.

This discussion delves into Jenifer’s experience breaking cultural barriers as the first female PhD hired by the FBI, balancing work life and home life, making "locker room" decisions, and following the path to ultimately become a real-world Nancy Drew.

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38 min
October 06, 2020 Tish Long: The Velvet Hammer
This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Tish Long, former Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the first woman who became Director for a "big five" 3-letter agency. She shares her experience serving in key leadership roles across the community, including as the Deputy Director of Defense Intelligence Agency, Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence, and Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence.

In this episode, Tish walks us through her journey to becoming one of our community's "firsts." She shares the challenges of self-promotion, the link between leadership and confidence, and her journey growing the courage to ask "why not me?"

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28 min
September 29, 2020 Ellen McCarthy: Big Mac
The Honorable Ellen McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research (INR), joins Iron Butterfly this week to share her experiences rising through the ranks in the intelligence community. Ellen has served in a variety of government, private sector, and non-profit roles, including as the COO of NGA, President of Noblis NSP, and President of INSA.

This conversation explores INR's roots in the OSS, Ellen's own unconventional career path, and AWIC's power connecting women across the community.

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29 min
September 22, 2020 Karen Gibson: Kumquat
This week, Iron Butterfly is joined by Karen Gibson, a former U.S. Army Lieutenant General who served as the Director of Intelligence for four different organizations, including CENTCOM and deployed Task Forces in Iraq and Africa. She shares her adventures at the exciting nexus of intelligence and operations, and brings listeners "inside the tent" where military decision-making happens.

In this episode, Karen tells stories about the real impact of her work as a forward-deployed intelligence officer, shares her thoughts on James Bond, and reminds us all that there are human beings at the other end of everything we do.

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34 min
September 15, 2020 Sue Gordon: Simple Patriot
The Honorable Sue Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, joins Iron Butterfly this week to share her experiences braving uncertainty and making tough decisions in senior roles across the community. Sue is a 29-year CIA veteran with over 3 decades in the IC, and is known for her incredible leadership across the community, especially in advancing intelligence integration, expanding outreach and partnerships, and driving innovation.

This discussion delves into the challenges of authentic leadership, the inevitable trade-offs balancing work and life, and the art of decision-making. Tune in to walk in the shoes of one of the IC's most senior women.

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29 min
September 08, 2020 Carmen Medina: Rebel at Work
Carmen Medina, former Deputy Director for Intelligence Central Intelligence Agency and NSI Advisory Board member, joins Iron Butterfly to discuss her 32 years’ experience in the Intelligence Community. Carmen is the co-author of Rebels At Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within and of the landmark piece, Diversity’s New Frontier: Diversity of Thought and the Future of the Workplace. Her story as a change agent at CIA is featured in Wharton School professor Adam Grant’s bestseller Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World.

This far ranging conversation hits on a variety of topics including racism, diversity, and inclusion in the Intelligence Community; how to be a leader that breaks the mold; and working in apartheid South Africa. Tune in to to hear her story and tips for excelling in the Intelligence Community and beyond.

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26 min
September 02, 2020 Iron Butterfly Trailer
Welcome to the Iron Butterfly Podcast, co-produced by the National Security Institute and the Amazing Women of the IC, better known as AWIC. Iron Butterfly is the first podcast by and for women in the US Intelligence Community which brings you real stories from women in intelligence.

Eighty years ago, Eloise Page joined the Office of Strategic Services, or the OSS, a predecessor for what we recognize today as the United States Intelligence Community. Page started as a secretary, but worked her way to becoming a case officer and later, she became the first female Chief of Station at CIA. Along the way, she earned the nickname “Iron Butterfly,” known for being a fierce fighter with a core of steel. Each Tuesday Megan Jaffer will interview America’s unsung heroines to reveal their journey in the world of spies and trailblazing new paths for women in national security.

Join us every week for exciting stories, helpful tips, and meaningful conversation with women in intelligence.

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2 min