Iron Butterfly

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Lucy Ferguson: Steel Bubbles on British Intelligence, Diplomacy, and James Bond Jul 01, 2025

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In this special FVEY episode, we’re joined by Lucy Ferguson, Minister Counsellor for Foreign, Security and Development Policy at the British Embassy in Washington, DC. With a career spanning pivotal global roles—including working directly with the British Foreign Secretary and representing the UK at the G20 (yes, she was the UK’s “yak”)—Lucy brings a unique and candid perspective on diplomacy behind the scenes.

Lucy opens up about her educational journey, including her unexpected path to studying theology, and how that potentially shaped her worldview. She shares what it’s like to be in the room during high-stakes negotiations, listening as history unfolds in real time.

With her joyful spirit, collaborative mindset, and a great sense of humor, Lucy offers both wisdom and warmth in this conversation that ranges from policy to parenting, and everything in between.

Yolanda Reid: Mercedes on the NSA, Cybersecurity, and Strength through Adversity Jun 17, 2025

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Today’s episode features the remarkable Yolanda, an Associate Partner in Cybersecurity whose career spans everything from scaling antenna towers to exploring the quantum computing horizon. Yolanda takes us through her one-of-a-kind journey—beginning as a high school intern at the NSA, rising through the ranks to become a full-time intelligence professional, and now leading organizations through the complexities of emerging tech threats.

We delve into her early days collecting RF signals (yes, complete with rappelling from dizzying heights), her transition from offensive to defensive cybersecurity work, and her current focus on preparing the digital world for the impact of quantum computing. Along the way, Yolanda opens up about her battle with cancer, the strength she drew from her community, and how that experience reshaped her approach to life and leadership.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, intelligence, and humanity. Don’t miss Yolanda’s powerful story—you’ll walk away inspired, informed, and maybe a little braver.

Rupal Patel: Arsenal on Intelligence Analysis, Curiosity, Courage, and Self-Leadership Jun 03, 2025

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In this episode, we sit down with Rupal Patel, Founder and CEO of The Global Leadership Lab, who’s on a mission to redefine what leadership means in today’s complex, fast-changing world. Her journey to the C-suite is anything but conventional—and that’s exactly what makes it powerful.

From starting her career as a young hustler in PR at an indie hip-hop label to unexpectedly serving as a CIA analyst, Rupal has moved through vastly different spaces with the same signature blend of curiosity, courage, and creativity. She’s the kind of leader who can unpack global geopolitics in one breath and dive into her favorite book in the next—all over a strong cup of coffee.

Relatable, nerdy, thoughtful, and fiercely creative, Rupal shares how embracing the unexpected shaped her leadership philosophy, why real conversations with the right people matter and what inspired her to write not one but multiple books.

This isn’t just a story about success—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and leading with both intensity and heart.

Michelle Mosey: Cowgirl on Risk-Taking, Difference-Making, and FVEY Intelligence-Sharing May 20, 2025

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In this very exciting episode—our first-ever Five Eyes (FVEY) feature—we're thrilled to welcome a true changemaker in the world of cybersecurity. Our guest is none other than Michelle Mosey, Founder of Valkyrie Cyber, whose impressive career spans military service, high-level intelligence liaison roles, and impactful leadership in the tech sector. She details her time in the Australian Navy and how she transitioned into the intelligence sector and ultimately worked alongside former USDI James Clapper. Additionally she details how she later helped veterans transition into cyber roles at With You With Me. Michelle brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation.

But there's more to her than just her resume. Michelle is an adventurer at heart—whether she's camping under the stars, exploring new corners of the world, or creating magic in the kitchen. A true risk-taker with a powerful story, she shares her journey, lessons learned, and her bold vision for the future of cybersecurity.

Don’t miss this one—we're just getting started with FVEY, and this episode sets the bar high.

Suzanne Spaulding: Kingfisher on WMD, Family Life, and the Hokey Pokey with the KBG May 06, 2025

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Season 8, Episode 3 | In this episode, we’re joined by the remarkable Suzanne Spaulding, a Senior Advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where she founded the Defending Democratic Institutions Project. With a career that spans critical roles across the intelligence and national security landscape—including Legal Advisor at the CIA’s Nonproliferation Center, Chief Counsel to both the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, Executive Director of major Congressional Commissions, and member of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission—Suzanne brings a wealth of insight, wit, and candid reflection.

She shares stories from a life spent at the intersection of law, policy, and global security, including unforgettable moments like meeting Gaddafi, leading bipartisan efforts in Congress, and, yes, doing the hokey pokey and singing kumbaya with the KGB.

Importantly, we talk about the next generation—how efforts like Girl Security are helping to inspire and prepare young women to lead in national security and public service. It’s a conversation that’s as thought-provoking as it is delightfully unexpected.

Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, stories, and a few good laughs.

Elizabeth Grimm (Pt 2): Reaper Ever After on Activism, Kindness, and Hope in 2025 Apr 22, 2025

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We’re back with part two of our conversation with Elizabeth Grimm, and trust us—you’re going to want to lean in for this one. After an already epic career in national security, Liz somehow “accidentally” became a professor (are we sensing a theme here?). She shares how teaching became her calling, even as she tried to resist it, and how she sees it as helping students navigate what to believe in an increasingly chaotic world.

We also zoom out to tackle the big stuff: how to hold onto hope in 2025, why kindness can be an act of resistance, and what it looks like to stay civically active while honoring the apolitical demands of a national security career.

If part one was the origin story, this is the heart of Liz's story. Thoughtful, funny, and quietly powerful—you'll just want to lean in.

Elizabeth Grimm (Pt 1): Reaper Ever After on Teaching, Torture, and Selzter Water Apr 08, 2025

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Hold onto your hats because episode two is one wild ride! We’re joined by Elizabeth Grimm, a powerhouse in both national security and academia. Currently a Professor of Teaching in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, Elizabeth’s career path can best be described as “unexpectedly epic.”

In part one of this episode, we dive into how Elizabeth accidentally became a lawyer in France (yes, you read that right), and how her first job out of college had her rubbing shoulders with top brass at the Department of Defense. From there, we talk about her trailblazing role at the brand-new National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), all while juggling the demands of her PhD. But that’s not all—we also tackle the big questions, like how to compartmentalize traumatic research topics. And we include a seriously important debate about the best types of bubbly water—because hey, national security and sparkling water are intertwined, right?

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts deep, inspiring, entertaining, and refreshingly bubbly!

Katrina Mulligan (Pt 2) on Benghazi, GTMO, Snowden, & Surviving a Cancer Diagnosis Mar 25, 2025

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Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for part two of our season premiere with Katrina Mulligan! Part two is just as fun as the first with Katrina diving back into her extraordinary career.

Currently the National Security Lead at Open AI, Katrina shares her experiences as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable moments and reflections. She even talks about attending Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour and making friendship bracelets with her boss!

Katrina Mulligan: Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me on Seizing Opportunity and Barack Obama’s Campaign Mar 11, 2025

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The Iron Butterfly Podcast is back for Season 8 and we kick things off with an episode so packed with insights, we had to split it into two! Megan and Cadie sit down with Katrina Mulligan, currently the National Security Lead at Open AI. Katrina has had an extraordinary career, including serving as Barack Obama's paralegal before he even ran for the Senate, working on GTMO policy at the ODNI, and being Chief of Staff to the first female Secretary of the Army. Along the way, she shares some unforgettable moments and reflections. She even talks about attending Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and making friendship bracelets with her boss!

In this first part, she opens up about the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities and how to know when to pivot, have a plan, and execute it with precision. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation, and be sure to tune in in two weeks for Part Two!To support The Iron Butterfly Podcast, visit out Patreon: / ironbutterflypodcast To learn more about Iron Butterfly Media, check out our website: https://www.ironbutterflymedia.com/

Shari Garcia Rozen: Steel Blossom Dec 17, 2024

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On our season 7 finale, we sit down with Shari Garcia Rozen, Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), who takes us through a fascinating career journey, from her first job as a Sales Associate at the GAP to her current pivotal role in shaping data and AI strategy for the U.S. government.

Shari shares her unique career path, which includes stints as a Private Sector Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton working in the financial sector, and how these experiences fueled her curiosity, analytical mindset, and energy to tackle some of the nation's most complex intelligence challenges. We also dive into what it means to work in the intersection of data and artificial intelligence, and the critical role these technologies play in national security.

Outside of work, Shari talks about her favorite hobbies such as hiking, traveling, crafting, and yes, sleep (it’s important!). And in a fun twist, she recounts a time she had the thrilling opportunity to drive a Ferrari at the iconic Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about curiosity, career evolution, and nerding out.

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