Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics Podcast! This week, we are talking to Mack! Mack is a former British Army Infantryman and Team Leader. He then went on to be recruited as an Intelligence Officer in the tri-service Defence Human Intelligence Unit (DHU). After leaving the armed forces, Mack became a recruiter. Spending some time working in the Private Equity space, before joining cyber specialists Trident Search, where he is now. We discussed transitioning from infantry to intelligence, Mack’s time in DHU combatting the Islamic State, the importance of culture in the work environment and much more.
Find Mack:
We spoke about:
- 0:33 – Mack’s background
- 6:02 – Bridging the gap between the military and the private sector
- 9:20 – Upskilling for veterans
- 10:14 – Lack of consensus on intelligence job titles
- 12:52 – Intelligence as a function constantly having to prove its worth
- 16:05 – Mack’s time in the infantry and transition to intelligence
- 19:14 – Mack’s first tour as DHU
- 21:00 – Advice to people wanting to join DHU
- 23:07 – Referencing for employers as intelligence professionals and veterans
- 24:44 – Moving directly from the military to private equity
- 26:14 – The importance of culture in a workplace
- 29:41 – Moving to different countries to offer services
- 31:51 – Considering culture when recruiting
- 34:04 – What long-term career advice would Mack give to those looking to join the armed forces
- 37:05 – Getting into cyber as a route into intelligence
- 39:18 – Salary ranges in intelligence and cyber
- 45:02 – Mack asks Ahmed where he sees Grey Dynamics 2-3 years
- 50:14 – Cultural recommendations
- 54:34 – Final thoughts
Related links:
- Special Boat Service, Afghanistan and Close Protection with Pasha Munro
- What do Humanitarian NGOs and the Private Sector want from Intelligence? With E.
- Australian Intelligence, Demystifying HUMINT and Mental Health with D.
- Warzone Extraction, China vs Taiwan and Project Dynamo with Bryan Stern
- OSINT and SOCMINT for Threat Intelligence with Jordan Ponath
- AI Arms Race, Drone Warfare and Cognitive Enhancement with Paul Scharre
- ChatGPT, The Intelligence Community & Career Advice with Mike Evans
- OSINT, Military Career Transition & Language Skills with Skip Schiphorst
- Corporate Intelligence, Global Risk and OSINT Tips with Gareth Westwood
- Interview with former CIA Officer, Jason L.
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