Secrets and Spies Podcast: Current Affairs | Geopolitics | Intelligence

S9 Ep36: Sell Like a Spy: What Business Can Learn from Intelligence Officers with Jeremy Hurewitz

Apr 2, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Hurewitz, author and strategic advisor, reveals how business leaders can learn from intelligence officers. He shares techniques like mirroring and active listening that enhance trust and influence. Jeremy also delves into the ethical dilemmas of private intelligence and highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in our tech-driven world. With insights from his journey through corporate security, he makes a compelling case for the art of relationship-building, whether in espionage or business.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Spy Social Skills

Jeremy Hurewitz observed spies' impressive social skills in client meetings.
They disarmed arrogant individuals through skillful connection and influence.

INSIGHT

True Spy Work

Spies prioritize relationships over action-packed stereotypes.
They excel at connecting with people they might dislike.

INSIGHT

Mormon Recruitment

The CIA often recruits Mormons due to their cohesive community and patriotism.
Their experience with mission trips and language acquisition is advantageous.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

What can business leaders learn from spies? In this episode, Chris speaks with Jeremy Hurewitz, author of Sell Like a Spy, to explore how intelligence officers build trust, read people, and influence outcomes. Drawing on years spent working alongside former CIA, FBI, and military professionals in the world of corporate security, Jeremy shares real-world techniques—like mirroring, elicitation, and active listening—that can transform how we sell, lead, and connect. They also discuss the ethics of private intelligence, how Hollywood gets espionage wrong, and why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in a tech-driven world.

Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.

Find more about Jeremy and Sell Like a Spy: https://www.selllikeaspy.net
Follow Jeremy on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/selllikeaspy

Please share this episode with the following links:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NZHJ-Eznuro
Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/2c1a7f

Support Secrets and Spies

Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies

Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996

Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg

For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com

Connect with us on social media

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies
Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:
https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social

Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird

Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.