Digital Innovation and the Next Frontier of Intelligence - with Jennifer Ewbank

Summary

Jennifer Ewbank (LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the integration of technology within intelligence. Jennifer recently retired from her role as Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation.  

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• The qualities and skills of great digital leadership
• Risk management in intelligence
• The roles, responsibilities, and emotional toll of the Chief of Station
• The integration of technology across CIA operations

Reflections

• Humility and lifelong learning 
• Leadership in dynamic arenas

And much, much more …

Episode Notes

This week on SpyCast, Andrew was joined by Jennifer Ewbank, the former Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation. Her retirement in early 2024 marked the end of an over three decades-long career in American intelligence, a journey that took her around the world and to the top of Central Intelligence leadership. Now, she has turned her focus to helping best position the United States on the global stage through the private sector. Jennifer joins Andrew to reflect upon her career in intelligence, share lessons in leadership, and discuss the integration of technology and the latest innovations within CIA operations. Tune in to learn more! 

And… 

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. Perhaps best known for being commonly ranked among the top public universities in the country, it is lesser known for its iconic Sather Tower – The second tallest freestanding clock tower in the world. It is beaten out only by the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower in Birmingham, UK.  

Quotes of the Week

“Intelligence isn't about knowing exactly what's going to happen … It's about delivering a decision advantage to our policymakers. Decision advantage doesn't mean that I can tell you precisely what's going to happen and when. You never have perfect information, and you have to be able to move still. You can't be paralyzed by a desire to seek that last detail when, particularly in digital tech space, like the world is moving rapidly all around you.” – Jennifer Ewbank.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Future of OSINT and the Intelligence Community with Jason Barrett (2024)
• Cybersecurity in The White House with Camille Stewart Gloster (2024) 
• Espionage and the Metaverse with Cathy Hackl (2023)
• How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Spy Game with Mike Susong (2023)

*Beginner Resources*

• What is artificial intelligence? C. Stryker & E. Kavlakoglu, IBM (2024) [Short article]
• We are the Directorate of Digital Innovation, Central Intelligence Agency, YouTube (2018) [1 min. video]
• A Brief History of Open Source Intelligence, C. Colquhoun, Bellingcat (2016) [Short article]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Into the Metaverse, C. Hackl (Bloomsbury, 2023)
• Trafficking Data: How China Is Winning the Battle for Digital Sovereignty, A. Kokas (Oxford University Press, 2022)
• The Age of AI: And Our Human Future, Kissinger et.al., (LB&C, 2021)

Articles

• Commentary: How the Intelligence Community Has Held Back Open-Source Intelligence, and How it Needs to Change, C. Rasmussen, Studies in Intelligence (2024)
• How the CIA is using generative AI — now and into the future, B. Mitchell, FedScoop (2024)
• CIA Deputy for Digital Innovation Talks Mission, Partnerships and Espionage Challenges, The Cipher Brief (2021)
• Re-Imagining Espionage in the Era of Artificial Intelligence, E. L. Andrews, Stanford University (2021)
• Inside the CIA’s new Digital Directorate, S. Lyngaas, Next Gov (2015)
• CIA plans major reorganization and a focus on digital espionage, G. Miller, The Washington Post (2015) 

Audio

• The Future of Open Source – A View from the CIA, State Secrets Podcast (2023)

Primary Sources 

• The IC OSINT Strategy (2024)
• 2024 Report on the Cybersecurity Posture of the United States (2024)
• National Cybersecurity Strategy (2023)
• Ethical Frameworks in Open Source Intelligence (2022)

*Wildcard Resource*

• ChatGPT isn’t the only AI tool in our toolboxes anymore. In this episode, Jennifer mentioned Osiris, an AI tool that helps Agency staff analyze and sort mass amounts of information. 
• If you’re feeling similarly overwhelmed at work and looking for your own AI assistant, check out this list of the best AI productivity tools and start making your life easier!