Former CIA Collection Management Officer on Life with Esther Atwell – Episode 55
Jun 28, 2024
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Esther Atwell, former CIA collection management officer, shares her journey from tutoring to CIA work, immigrant experiences, and faith's impact on her career. She discusses traits needed for intelligence work, advice for youth, and working overseas as a woman and immigrant.
Esther Atwell's diverse background and language skills from high school studies led to her successful CIA career and beyond.
Esther Atwell's journey showcases dedication to helping others through tutoring, transitioning from insurance sales, and founding a nonprofit for cognitive behavioral change.
Deep dives
Esther Atwell's Diverse Career Background
Esther Atwell, with a rich background starting at the CIA as a linguist and a collection management officer, brings a unique blend of skills. Her expertise in Mandarin and Cantonese, acquired from her high school Russian studies and church activities, facilitated her transition into various roles, including a professional tutor, a diplomat, and her current positions in real estate and court interpretation.
The Evolution from Insurance Sales to Tutoring Business
Esther's journey from insurance sales to founding a nonprofit for cognitive behavioral change reflects her dedication to helping others. Her passion for tutoring stemmed from assisting a student struggling with math, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding confidence and overcoming hurdles in education. Through her tutoring business, she not only supported students academically but also learned valuable lessons from their experiences.
Transition to CIA Operations and Management Roles
Esther's entry into the CIA marked a critical phase in her career, starting as a linguist and advancing to a collection management officer. Her involvement in evaluating intelligence information and ensuring accuracy in finished intelligence reports showcased her pivotal role in national security. Transitioning to operational roles, she embraced challenges, including undergoing field craft training, mentoring junior officers, and contributing to the intelligence cycle.
Personal Reflections and Recommendations
Esther's reflection on faith, dedication to public service, and the need for continuous learning highlights her values. Her advice for aspiring intelligence professionals emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, perseverance, and seeking mentorship. Recognizing the blend of personal and professional life, Esther stresses the significance of finding balance, maintaining motivation beyond external validation, and navigating diverse career paths with resilience.
Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics Podcast! Today we are talking to Esther Atwell, a former linguist and collection manager who spent over a decade at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Esther has had a varied career beyond intelligence, working as a tutor, realtor and court interpreter on the island of Hawaii. We discussed working in the CIA and overseas, what it takes to work in intelligence, immigrating to the US and much more. Esther is also the partner of our previous guest, CIA operations officer John Atwell.
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