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MNL – Derek Interviews Lieutenant General Karen Gibson – Security
🎖️ From Battlefield Intelligence to Capitol Hill Security
Lieutenant General Karen Gibson on Service, Courage & Calm in Crisis
Monday Night Live with Derek Arden & Guest Lieutenant General Karen Gibson 📚✨
Welcome to Monday Night Live with Derek Arden — where global experience meets real-world wisdom 🌍✨ And this week’s guest delivered a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and perspective.
Derek was honoured to welcome Lieutenant General Karen Gibson, one of the most senior leaders in U.S. national security in recent history.
Karen’s career spans military intelligence operations across Alaska, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the Middle East — before stepping into one of the most sensitive roles in American government: Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate.
🏔️ From Rural Montana to the Front Lines of Intelligence
Karen’s journey began far from Washington power corridors. Growing up in rural Montana — where winter snow lingered into June and dinner sometimes came via her father’s hunting — she developed the toughness and self-reliance that would define her career.
Originally planning to become an engineer, she joined the Army through ROTC to fund her education. What began as a practical decision turned into a lifelong calling. Her first posting? Alaska — a physically punishing environment she embraced with trademark grit.
She quickly discovered she loved the Army’s relentless challenges: physical, mental, moral, and intellectual. Each success brought tougher assignments — and she thrived on it 💪
🌍 Intelligence Leadership in Global Conflict
Karen rose through military intelligence to become a three-star general, leading complex intelligence operations during some of the most volatile periods of modern conflict.
After 9/11, her work focused heavily on the Middle East, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa. She later directed intelligence for military operations across the broader region — a role demanding sharp judgement, calm under pressure, and the ability to lead highly skilled teams in fast-moving, high-risk environments.
She spoke warmly about working alongside UK and Commonwealth forces, calling them trusted and vital partners 🤝🇬🇧
🎗️ A Personal Battle: Facing Cancer with a Soldier’s Resolve
In one of the evening’s most moving moments, Karen shared how she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer just weeks before a long-awaited deployment.
Her world stopped overnight.
But in true soldier fashion, her first question to doctors was: “When can I get to Baghdad?”
Though treatment delayed her plans, she ultimately returned to active deployments — including a pivotal intelligence role during the campaign against ISIS. It became one of the most fulfilling periods of her career.
Her story was a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding fear — it’s about moving forward despite it ❤️
🏛️ Restoring Security After January 6
After retiring in 2020, Karen expected a quieter life teaching and consulting. Then came January 6, 2021.
Watching events unfold at the U.S. Capitol, she felt compelled to help. Within weeks, she was asked to serve as Sergeant at Arms of the Senate — responsible for security, protocol, operations, and over 1,000 staff during one of the most sensitive periods in U.S. political history.
She described the role as challenging, complex… and surprisingly enjoyable. From cybersecurity and logistics to firewood procurement (a tradition dating back to 1789!) — the job blended history, leadership, and modern security in fascinating ways.
👟 Fast Walkers, World Leaders & Practical Wisdom
Karen also shared lighter moments — like escorting global leaders through the Capitol. Fun fact: she claims Rishi Sunak and the King of Jordan were the fastest walkers she ever had to keep up with 🚶♂️💨
Her leadership philosophy? Focus less on hierarchy and more on mission complexity and team capability. And remember — not every crisis involves life or death, even if it feels that way.
⚡ Final Advice (and Perfect Timing!)
Asked for practical wisdom, Karen gave unexpected advice:
“Invest in a backup generator.”
Moments later, Derek revealed they’d had a power cut during rehearsal — proving her point perfectly 🔌😄
This episode delivered inspiration, perspective, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at leadership in the military and at the heart of government.
Courage. Service. Humility.
Lieutenant General Karen Gibson embodies them all.
🎧 Watch now and be inspired.
View all episodes
By Derek Arden - negotiatons🎖️ From Battlefield Intelligence to Capitol Hill Security
Lieutenant General Karen Gibson on Service, Courage & Calm in Crisis
Monday Night Live with Derek Arden & Guest Lieutenant General Karen Gibson 📚✨
Welcome to Monday Night Live with Derek Arden — where global experience meets real-world wisdom 🌍✨ And this week’s guest delivered a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and perspective.
Derek was honoured to welcome Lieutenant General Karen Gibson, one of the most senior leaders in U.S. national security in recent history.
Karen’s career spans military intelligence operations across Alaska, Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan, East Africa, and the Middle East — before stepping into one of the most sensitive roles in American government: Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate.
🏔️ From Rural Montana to the Front Lines of Intelligence
Karen’s journey began far from Washington power corridors. Growing up in rural Montana — where winter snow lingered into June and dinner sometimes came via her father’s hunting — she developed the toughness and self-reliance that would define her career.
Originally planning to become an engineer, she joined the Army through ROTC to fund her education. What began as a practical decision turned into a lifelong calling. Her first posting? Alaska — a physically punishing environment she embraced with trademark grit.
She quickly discovered she loved the Army’s relentless challenges: physical, mental, moral, and intellectual. Each success brought tougher assignments — and she thrived on it 💪
🌍 Intelligence Leadership in Global Conflict
Karen rose through military intelligence to become a three-star general, leading complex intelligence operations during some of the most volatile periods of modern conflict.
After 9/11, her work focused heavily on the Middle East, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and East Africa. She later directed intelligence for military operations across the broader region — a role demanding sharp judgement, calm under pressure, and the ability to lead highly skilled teams in fast-moving, high-risk environments.
She spoke warmly about working alongside UK and Commonwealth forces, calling them trusted and vital partners 🤝🇬🇧
🎗️ A Personal Battle: Facing Cancer with a Soldier’s Resolve
In one of the evening’s most moving moments, Karen shared how she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer just weeks before a long-awaited deployment.
Her world stopped overnight.
But in true soldier fashion, her first question to doctors was: “When can I get to Baghdad?”
Though treatment delayed her plans, she ultimately returned to active deployments — including a pivotal intelligence role during the campaign against ISIS. It became one of the most fulfilling periods of her career.
Her story was a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding fear — it’s about moving forward despite it ❤️
🏛️ Restoring Security After January 6
After retiring in 2020, Karen expected a quieter life teaching and consulting. Then came January 6, 2021.
Watching events unfold at the U.S. Capitol, she felt compelled to help. Within weeks, she was asked to serve as Sergeant at Arms of the Senate — responsible for security, protocol, operations, and over 1,000 staff during one of the most sensitive periods in U.S. political history.
She described the role as challenging, complex… and surprisingly enjoyable. From cybersecurity and logistics to firewood procurement (a tradition dating back to 1789!) — the job blended history, leadership, and modern security in fascinating ways.
👟 Fast Walkers, World Leaders & Practical Wisdom
Karen also shared lighter moments — like escorting global leaders through the Capitol. Fun fact: she claims Rishi Sunak and the King of Jordan were the fastest walkers she ever had to keep up with 🚶♂️💨
Her leadership philosophy? Focus less on hierarchy and more on mission complexity and team capability. And remember — not every crisis involves life or death, even if it feels that way.
⚡ Final Advice (and Perfect Timing!)
Asked for practical wisdom, Karen gave unexpected advice:
“Invest in a backup generator.”
Moments later, Derek revealed they’d had a power cut during rehearsal — proving her point perfectly 🔌😄
This episode delivered inspiration, perspective, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at leadership in the military and at the heart of government.
Courage. Service. Humility.
Lieutenant General Karen Gibson embodies them all.
🎧 Watch now and be inspired.