How I AI How a National Security Leader Uses AI to Navigate Reinvention and Build a Purpose-Driven Career
Dec 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Erica Shoemate, a former FBI intelligence leader turned AI policy strategist, shares her remarkable journey from national security to tech. She emphasizes how to leverage AI for career reinvention, urging professionals to embrace change. Erica highlights the importance of operational security and ethical innovation in tech. She also discusses her Career Quantum Leap accelerator, designed to empower women in transition, and the need for financial education in navigating new opportunities.
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From FBI Analyst To Tech Policy Founder
- Erica describes moving from FBI intelligence to tech policy and trust & safety at Twitter and Amazon as a natural progression from her data-driven work.
- She frames her firm EN Strategy Group around people-first product design and culturally informed policy frameworks.
Anticipation From Intelligence Applies To AI
- Erica highlights that intelligence work trains you to anticipate emerging threats, which translates directly to AI and tech policy.
- She warns innovation can be both beneficial and weaponized, so foresight matters in product design.
Track Global Regulation, Build Guardrails
- Track global AI policy trends and adapt products to different regulatory landscapes like the EU DSA and UK Online Safety Act.
- Build frameworks and guardrails proactively rather than reacting when rules land.