171. Out of the Shadows and Into the Boardroom: Intelligence in the Private Sector with Dr. Lewis Sage-Passant
Oct 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Lewis Sage-Passant, a former British military intelligence officer and current global head of intelligence for a major European company, dives into the evolving role of intelligence in the corporate world. He discusses how firms are adopting intelligence practices akin to state actors, and the ethical implications of these shifts. The podcast also highlights eBay's controversial intelligence tactics and the urgent need for stronger ethical guidelines. Lewis emphasizes the growing importance of corporate intelligence teams in navigating geopolitical risks and enhancing security.
Private corporations now leverage intelligence departments akin to government agencies to navigate geopolitical and security risks effectively.
Unlike government roles, private intelligence practitioners must be agile and versatile, managing broader responsibilities with smaller teams in diverse threat landscapes.
Technological advancements enable private sector intelligence to employ open-source tools for swift data analysis, enhancing proactive risk mitigation efforts and strategic planning.
Deep dives
The Role of Private Sector Intelligence
Private corporations increasingly rely on intelligence departments to navigate geopolitical, security, and industrial espionage risks. These departments operate similarly to traditional government intelligence agencies, focusing not only on corporate espionage but also on protecting the company's interests against national security threats. For example, organizations leverage intelligence to assess geopolitical risks and their implications on supply chains, as evidenced by evaluations of crises affecting transport routes. This shift highlights an evolving understanding of the strategic importance of intelligence in the business world.
Differences Between Government and Corporate Intelligence
One major differentiation between government and corporate intelligence lies in their operational structures. Government intelligence roles are typically specialized and focused on a narrow set of tasks, while private sector roles tend to require practitioners to be versatile and cover a broad range of responsibilities. The necessity for agility is evident, as many companies have relatively small intelligence teams that must handle diverse threat landscapes. This environment fosters an expectation for individuals in the private sector to not only gather intelligence but also analyze and brief internal stakeholders.
The Ethical Challenges in Private Intelligence
The ethical landscape in private intelligence presents significant challenges, particularly as professionals work to establish the value of their departments within organizations. Practitioners often find themselves in a position where they must justify expenditures based on the prevention of incidents that never occurred, leading to a perceived lack of necessity for their services. This dilemma creates tension as executives might question budget allocations when they see no immediate return on investment. Therefore, clear communication of the department's value is essential, especially as companies depend on intelligence to fulfill their duty of care and ensure employee safety.
Trends in Industry Cooperation and Evolution
As the field of private sector intelligence matures, an increasing number of companies are recognizing the importance of collaboration and information sharing. This is particularly evident in industries like the cruise sector, where companies exchange intelligence on threats to tourist safety, demonstrating a non-competitive approach to security. Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical changes and economic espionage threats have prompted a shift in perspective from companies to view intelligence as a strategic asset rather than a cost center. This evolution encourages organizations to not only invest in their intelligence capabilities but to also engage with government entities to enhance security through cooperative efforts.
Impacts of Technology on Private Intelligence
Technological advancements have significantly transformed how private sector intelligence operates, with open-source intelligence playing a pivotal role in data collection and risk assessment. Private organizations have access to sophisticated tools that can analyze vast amounts of data from various channels, enhancing their ability to identify potential security threats quickly. This technological edge allows intelligence teams to maintain currency in a fast-paced information landscape while providing relevant insights to executives. As a result, the integration of technology is fostering a more proactive approach to risk mitigation and strategic planning in corporate environments.
This week's guest is Dr. Lewis Sage-Passant. Lewis is a former British military intelligence officer and holds a PhD in Intelligence Studies. He's currently the global head of intelligence for one of Europe's most valuable companies, where he helps the firm navigate geopolitical, security, and industrial espionage risks. He also teaches courses in intelligence studies as an adjunct professor at Sciences Po Paris. His work has appeared in many publications and media organizations, including BBC, France 24, CNBC, The Harvard Business Review, GQ, and more. Today, he discusses hew new book exploring how private corporations use intelligence to understand, navigate, and sometimes shape the world around them. Connect with Lewis: encyclopediageopolitica.com Linkedln: Lewis Sage-Passant, PhD Twitter/X: @LSagePassant Check out the book, Beyond States and Spies, now available in the UK or December 31 preorder in the US, here on Amazon or here with Edinburgh University Press. https://a.co/d/6U1kNDh
Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here. Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here. Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice,here.
Tenderfoot TV Real. Powerful. Storytelling. Tune in to "To Die For" wherever you listen to podcasts.
History by Mail Who knew? Not me! Learn something new every month. Use code JUSTIN10 for 10% off your subscription.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
