Welcome to The Intel Desk

Take a seat. Let me tell you why I’m here.

Hi. I’m Meaghan.

For the past 15 years I’ve been in and out of the intelligence analysis business. First as a counterterrorism analyst at CIA, then as a senior counterterrorism analyst at NYPD, and now as a private sector intelligence manager at Google. While I’ve dabbled in the worlds of consulting and communications, intel analysis has called me back time and time again. It’s a profession where I’ve found my people, my purpose, and a source of immense pride.

Having the opportunity to work in this field both in and outside of the US federal Intelligence Community has afforded me plenty of opportunity for comparison. And I can’t say one organization is “better” than the other - every intel shop is a different mix of highs and lows.

But now that I am a shiny new intelligence manager tasked with building a new intelligence function, I find myself mulling over a few things. First and foremost: how, exactly, do I do this?

And next:

• Do I model everything after my time (now long past) in DC, as so many other teams seem to do?

• Are there alternative ways of building and running intel teams, and how do I find them?

• What are the skills I need to learn and foster on my team to succeed in this world of private sector intelligence?

• What are the best practices for building private sector intel teams, and who do I need to talk with to find out?

• How do I explain to my family once and for all that my job is mostly this, with a splash of this, but absolutely never this?

1. Why this, why now

I might be the only one with these questions. But I have an unscientific hunch that some of you might have them too. So The Intel Desk will be home to my scratchpad as I dive into finding answers and asking more questions. Hopefully, along the way, I’ll be able to share ways to innovate and think differently about the intelligence analysis craft - something I believe we’ll all need to do in order to meet the moment before us.

2. What kind of community I’m looking to build

I need your help! I’m hoping to start a conversation with other intelligence professionals about what works (and what doesn’t work) for your team. Those who are eager to compare notes about professional resources, training opportunities, organizational initiatives, or industry trends. And those who aren’t afraid to ask “what would it look like for our team if we tried this crazy idea…”

3. What you won’t find here

Analytic hot takes on headlines: I’ve had my opportunity to be a subject matter expert on terrorist groups and geopolitical events. This isn’t the place where I’ll share my analytic opinion on current headlines. There are lots of great analysts out there and resources for that. This isn’t one of them.

Anything other than my personal opinion: I’ve had the past and present opportunity to represent a number of agencies and organizations, but I only speak on behalf of myself here at The Intel Desk. All opinions are my own.

4. Most importantly - thank you

Thank you for stopping by. Putting thoughts about the “what” and “how” of intelligence analysis on (digital) paper is a big personal and professional leap of faith. In this moment, it feels intimidating - which is why I think it’s the right move. So let’s give it a try.

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