Why CIA Recruits 'Outsiders'

Andrew describes the psychological profile CIA seeks, vetting exams, and why unconventional backgrounds fit clandestine work.

Play episode from 05:31

chevron_right

Transcript

chevron_right

Transcript

Episode notes

Success is often attributed to confidence or charisma, yet many capable people still misread situations, misjudge authority, and lose leverage under pressure. The real disadvantage is not lack of effort, but relying on false assumptions about how people and systems behave.

We dive deeper into this in the latest Habits & Hustle Podcast episode with Andrew Bustamante. We also chat about predicting human behavior, controlling emotional responses in high-stakes moments, and using leverage ethically in business and leadership.

Andrew Bustamante is a former clandestine CIA intelligence officer and co-founder of EverydaySpy, a global training platform applying spy skills to business and life. He is a decorated U.S. Air Force combat veteran, a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and a former member of CIA’s National Clandestine Service.

What We Discuss:

(11:08) Why perception is not reality and how authority conditioning begins early

(12:05) Why following social rules often leads to weaker outcomes

(24:36) How professional liars control body language and emotion

(25:16) Why speaking less creates more credibility

(27:14) Operational utility versus opportunism in decision making

(38:49) Why institutions are looser than they appear

(39:18) How authority bias quietly shapes adult behavior

(47:17) Why human behavior becomes predictable under pressure

(02:02:47) Thoughts on the Jeffrey Epstein case

Thank you to our sponsors:

Prolon: Get 30% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program! Just visit https://prolonlife.com/JENNIFERCOHEN and use code JENNIFERCOHEN to claim your discount and your bonus gift.

Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off

Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE40 for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.

Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout.

Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off

Manna Vitality: Visit mannavitality.com and use code JENNIFER20 for 20% off your order

Amp fit is the perfect balance of tech and training, designed for people who do it all and still want to feel strong doing it. Check it out at joinamp.com/jen

Find more from Jen:

Website: www.jennifercohen.com

Instagram: @therealjencohen

Books: www.jennifercohen.com/books

Speaking: www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement

Find more from Andrew Bustamante:

Instagram: @everydayspy

Youtube: @Andrew-Bustamante

X: @EverydaySpy

Facebook: @EverydaySpy

Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/4ozGI3F

Read Andrew’s CIA book ‘Shadow Cell’: https://geni.us/ShadowCellBook