Fearless Leadership: The CIA's Crisis Management Framework for Civilian Leaders

This week's Fearless Leader is Marc Polymeropoulos, one of the most decorated CIA officers of the modern era. With a 26-year career in public service, Marc shares leadership lessons gleaned from managing high-stakes crises around the world. Marc takes us behind the curtain of the secretive CIA, from tracking Osama bin Laden in the 1990s to thwarting terrorist attacks today. He recounts the shocking day in 2009 when seven CIA officers were killed in a suicide bombing in Afghanistan and his face-to-face interview with the bomber. Marc translates crisis management skills from the CIA to the civilian world, advising listeners on leading under pressure. Whether averting global catastrophes or everyday emergencies, Marc demonstrates how clarity, decisiveness, and relying on your core team are key to navigating any storm and becoming the Fearless Leader you're destined to be.

About Marc Polymeropoulos: Marc served 26 years in the CIA before retiring from the Senior Intelligence Service in June 2019. His positions included field and headquarters operational assignments covering the Middle East, Europe, Eurasia and CounterTerrorism. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Intelligence Medal, the Intelligence Commendation Medal, and the Intelligence Medal of Merit.