When the Little Things Add Up: The Intel Analysts’ Role in Communicating Imminent Risk to Leadership

The geopolitical landscape has become increasingly complex to manage for intel analysts — especially those conducting risk assessments on an international level. They have to be hyper-aware of countries with a more authoritarian regime that can leverage the business relationship in their best interest, putting the company at risk. However, it’s not always easy to share these red flags with leadership.

Dean Baratta has been an intelligence analyst for the majority of his 35 year career and joins the podcast to discuss practical steps for front-line intelligence analysts to communicate risk to their organizations so that when things happen suddenly, they can maintain their security posture. His expertise spans the military, government, and private sectors. He currently works as the Director of Intelligence and Protective Services for a private company. Prior to his current role, he served as the Chief of the Analysis Bureau at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and an adjunct professor at Rutgers University. He is a retired veteran of the United States Army.

In his conversation with host Chuck Randolph they discuss:

• How intel analysts can be constructively disruptive and fulfill their responsibility of mitigating risk and ensuring the organization is set up for success.
• The importance of paying attention to the business of government and how it impacts their organization.
• How to react when the response from leadership is ‘it’s not a big deal’ and the most important asset to have when sharing risk mitigating recommendations.
• Helpful tips for leaders to support analysts dealing with risk fatigue.