About Us

We provide unrivaled access to skills and experience from the world's top agencies and institutions.

We enable our clients to tap the expertise of high performing individuals, trusted by world leaders, to boost their missions.

Our network features elite professionals from CIA, FBI, KGB, Mossad and more, who've worked across the whole spectrum of international intelligence and security.

Our mission is to boost your mission — to deliver lasting value and a competitive advantage to our clients.

We do this through three distinctive offerings:

Training

The world's elite intelligence agencies know how to get the best from people. Our training programs build upon the expertise of those agencies to help our clients attract, inspire, and retain top talent — a unique and exciting opportunity for staff at every level.

Our professionals include a former FBI Interrogation Instructor, CIA Clandestine Training Instructor, INSCOM Infosec Specialist, CIA Leadership Development Lecturer, and a Head of Training at British Intelligence. They bring results-driven methods and practices previously unavailable to the private sector.

Speaking

Truth is stranger than fiction. Our speakers wow audiences with extraordinary stories, inspiring lessons, and truly privileged perspectives. Let us custom-tailor a panel for you, or design the perfect lineup of speakers for your agenda. Treat your audience to a glimpse inside the hidden world of secrets. Our experts are available for keynotes, moderation, panels and more — be they live, virtual, or hybrid.

Consulting

World leaders and private sector titans rely upon our consultants to design and execute critical strategies and operations. Whether you're launching a mobile network or seeking authentic insight for a television series, our experts will add unique value to your mission.

Please find our FAQs below.
AGENTS OF CHANGE

Our experts have served in top roles including:

  • FBI: Supervisory Special Agent & Profiler
  • DIA: Chief Technology Officer
  • CIA: Chief of Station
  • DoS: Senior Medical Officer & Psychiatrist
  • CIA: Deputy Chief, Training Institution
  • CIA: Chief of Operations, Counterterrorist Center
  • DoD: Certified Military Interrogator
  • CIA: Chief Learning Officer
  • CIA: Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to
    the Director
  • DoE: Director of Intelligence & Counterintelligence
  • CIA: Chief of Weapons of Mass Destruction
    Department

FAQs

Requesting an expert

Can I specify which Expert(s) I WANT?
Absolutely. Please specify on the Request Form which Expert(s) you're interested in. You may also request that our team propose well-suited individuals or expert panels who align optimally with your objectives.
How do I request the services of a Expert?
Just complete the Request Form. Please provide as much detail as possible.
Can I speak to Experts as part of the search process?
We do not guarantee dialogue with Experts prior to contract, but we do facilitate your choice of the best-suited Expert(s), including pre-contract dialogue where possible, either directly or via an appropriate third party.
What if I only need BRIEF guidance (e.g. one or two conversations)?
Many of our Experts are available for brief chats and charge hourly fees for such calls. Please specify in your Request form if you're seeking only a very brief engagement with an Expert. We aim to satisfy all requests!

Costs

What are the typical payment terms?
Typical payment terms include a deposit in the amount of 50% of the Expert's fee due upon contract signing, with the remaining 50% due 30 days prior to the start date or the event date. Expenses are billed separately from the Expert's fee.
Is your commission included in the cost?
Yes. In line with standard industry practice, our commission is included in the contracted fee amount. In addition to exclusive access to hard to find expertise, we provide clients with a consultative partner to ensure your talent-selection goals are met. Our talent consultants have a deep understanding of the various agencies and institutions that our Experts are drawn from, along with experience in the development and production of events and programs.
What expenses might I incur in addition to the Expert's fee?
Expenses beyond the Expert's fee include (but are not limited to) airfare and hotel accommodations (if needed) as required by the Expert's rider; professional, scheduled ground transportation (both in the event city and city of Expert's origin); meals; additional, unplanned time spent and/or services (e.g. extension of contracted engagement duration, unscheduled meet & greet); and incidentals. Some Experts require additional support such as security or an aide. We detail all expenses associated with contracting each Expert prior to submitting the Firm Offer, and we will review them with you again prior to contract signing, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises!

The PROCESS

Who will be my KEY contact?
A member of our team will connect with you upon receipt of your Request Form. In many cases your SPYEX liaison will be your primary point of contact throughout the engagement. However, in some cases, we conduct a seamless hand-off to the individual Expert or their agent or manager. Our talent consultants have a deep understanding of the various agencies and institutions that our Experts are drawn from, along with experience in the development and production of events and programs.
How can I ASSESS an Expert’s suitability?
Our website lets you search for Experts with specific expertise, and provides detailed information on each individuals background, credentials and experience. Information from your Request Form helps our team understand your goals. Once contacted by a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to expand on your needs and objectives, and our team can assist you further in identifying well-suited Experts for your project. Our talent consultants have a deep understanding of the various agencies and institutions that our Experts are drawn from, along with experience in the development and production of events and programs.
Will I get to work with the Expert prior to MY EVENT?
Yes. We can help facilitate briefings and prep calls to ensure you and your Expert(s) are comfortable with the scope and expectations of the engagement. Once you and your Expert (or their team) have a clear understanding of the details of the engagement and are comfortably positioned to communicate directly, we will leave the rest to you and your Expert.
CAN Expert(s) discuss their PRIOR AGENCY EXPERIENCES?
Most of our Experts have obtained the necessary approvals from their current/former employers (e.g. CIA) to discuss aspects of their own specific experiences. If new disclosures are desired, each Expert will advise in advance whether or not agency approval will be required, and how much time such approval might take.
Can training courses take place virtually?
Absolutely. Our training courses can be delivered virtually to remote participants anywhere in the world, as well as in-person (COVID-compliant), as a hybrid experience, or with custom-tailored pre-recorded instructional content delivered in a dynamic, multi-media presentation experience.
What happens after the engagement?
You will receive a detailed final invoice with a bill for any outstanding charges (if applicable). We also request post-assignment feedback to facilitate continuous improvement. We may also ask for a testimonial to share with others.

our experts

Experts from the world's top agencies and institutions — now available to boost your mission.

Lena Sisco
Ex DoD interrogator & Naval intel officer
Expert on interviewing, deception, leadership, change management, entertainment
Gina Bennett
Ex CIA senior analyst & advisor
Expert on cognitive bias, gender equality, intelligence
Darrell Blocker
Ex CIA officer & station chief
Expert on security, risk, crisis management, diversity & inclusion, entertainment
Christina Hillsberg
Ex CIA intelligence officer
Expert on women in espionage, intelligence tradecraft, parenting
Jack Barsky
Ex KGB sleeper agent
Expert on security, espionage, KGB, Cold War, entertainment
Shawnee Delaney
Ex DIA clandestine ops officer
Expert on cybersecurity, insider threat program development, surveillance, investigation
Nic McKinley
Ex CIA officer & USAF pararescueman
Expert on leadership, intelligence, conflict resolution, human trafficking
Michele Rigby Assad
Ex CIA undercover officer
Expert on terrorism, sales, vetting, and inspiring audiences
Avner Avraham
Ex Mossad lieutenant colonel
Expert on Mossad operations, Israeli law enforcement, entertainment
Daniel Hoffman
Ex CIA senior officer & station chief
Expert on leadership, cybersecurity, intelligence, security
Lena Sisco
Ex DoD interrogator & Naval intel officer
Expert on interviewing, deception, leadership, change management, entertainment
Gina Bennett
Ex CIA senior analyst & advisor
Expert on cognitive bias, gender equality, intelligence
Darrell Blocker
Ex CIA officer & station chief
Expert on security, risk, crisis management, diversity & inclusion, entertainment
Christina Hillsberg
Ex CIA intelligence officer
Expert on women in espionage, intelligence tradecraft, parenting
Jack Barsky
Ex KGB sleeper agent
Expert on security, espionage, KGB, Cold War, entertainment
Shawnee Delaney
Ex DIA clandestine ops officer
Expert on cybersecurity, insider threat program development, surveillance, investigation
Nic McKinley
Ex CIA officer & USAF pararescueman
Expert on leadership, intelligence, conflict resolution, human trafficking
Michele Rigby Assad
Ex CIA undercover officer
Expert on terrorism, sales, vetting, and inspiring audiences
Avner Avraham
Ex Mossad lieutenant colonel
Expert on Mossad operations, Israeli law enforcement, entertainment
Daniel Hoffman
Ex CIA senior officer & station chief
Expert on leadership, cybersecurity, intelligence, security
View All

ExperTISE

Secret Intelligence Service - MI6
GCHQ
Belfer Center
FBI
CIA

TESTIMONIALS

"For many of our attendees, Eric's presentation was the highlight. He was engaging, animated, charming and able to extract important and relevant business lessons from his experience with the FBI. I'd recommend him as a speaker at any corporate event."
John Fuller
President & CEO, Johnny Rockets
Ex FBI counterintelligence operative, Eric O'Neill
"One of the most highly decorated CIA field operations officers of his generation... if people knew the work he has done in the shadows of the Middle East, Europe, and Russia, they would sleep easier at night."
Michael Morell
Former Acting Director, CIA
on Ex CIA intelligence service officer, Marc Polymeropoulos
"Bob is a dynamic, humorous individual and kept the audience spellbound...try to do everything you can to meet this exceptional man and hear his fantastic stories."
Lois Glab
Chairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Docent Association
on Ex FBI special agent and undercover operative, Bob Hamer
"Bradley's fascinating stories, actionable lessons and unique perspective captivate, motivate and inspire audiences."
Bob Dougherty
Former undercover operations officer & instructor, CIA
on Ex double agent and former member of Nelson Mandela's spy unit, Bradley Steyn
"Tyler is a charismatic presenter whose talents lie not only in his grasp of hard-to-find facts, but his creative analysis and compelling storytelling. What is more, his audiences take away a lesson learned, something to apply to their own lives."
Barry Scheck
Lawyer & Co-Founder, The Innocence Project
on author & private investigator, Tyler Maroney
"I would recommend Michele as a speaker for any executive event, thought leadership session, female empowerment, leadership, etc. She truly is a catalyzer of incredible content and debate — her content is simply eye opening."
Alice Grasset
Head of Marketing, Israel and Emerging Markets, Salesforce
on Ex CIA undercover officer, Michele Rigby Assad