Spy Tactics for Business Success: Leadership & Negotiation Lessons from a Former CIA Officer w/Michelle Rigby Assad [Replay]

The aerospace industry thrives on precision, strategy, and resilience—the same qualities that define elite intelligence operations. But how do the skills developed in espionage translate to executive leadership, negotiation, and business strategy?

In this re-run episode of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, we revisit a compelling conversation with Michele Rigby Assad, a former CIA officer and counterterrorism expert. With years of experience in covert operations, Michele shares how the principles that kept her alive in high-stakes environments can also drive success in corporate leadership, deal-making, and career growth.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The psychology of trust—how to build credibility and influence in any industry.

• The role of emotional intelligence in high-pressure environments—from espionage to executive decision-making.

• How businesses can apply CIA-inspired tactics to outmaneuver competitors and dominate the market.
• Strategies to help teams step out of their comfort zones, take calculated risks, and drive growth.

If you’re a business leader, executive recruiter, or entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in now to discover how intelligence tactics can sharpen your leadership skills and negotiation strategies in today's competitive aerospace and business landscape.

 

Guest Bio

Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations.

Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband Joseph (also a former agent) joined a group of Americans who wished to aid persecuted Christians. Their efforts resulted in the evacuation of a group from northern Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in December 2015.

Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today, she serves as an international security consultant. She is also the author of Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What's Worth Fighting For.

 

To find out more about Michele, visit:

https://michelerigbyassad.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-rigby-assad-b25695135/ 

And find Breaking Cover online at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N79ILGD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0 

About Your Host

Craig Picken is an Executive Recruiter, writer, speaker and ICF Trained Executive Coach. He is focused on recruiting senior-level leadership, sales, and operations executives in the aviation and aerospace industry. His clients include premier OEMs, aircraft operators, leasing/financial organizations, and Maintenance/Repair/Overhaul (MRO) providers and since 2008, he has personally concluded more than 400 executive-level searches in a variety of disciplines. Craig is the ONLY industry executive recruiter who has professionally flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and successfully run a P&L in the aviation industry. His professional career started with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than 100 combat missions, 2,000 hours of flight time, and 325 aircraft carrier landings – Craig sought challenges in business aviation, where he spent more than 7 years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. Craig is also a sought-after industry speaker who has presented at Corporate Jet Investor, International Aviation Women’s Association, and SOCAL Aviation Association. 

 

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