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Joshua Polacheck

Joshua Polacheck

Ex DoS diplomat and public affairs specialist

Expert on media management, public narratives, crisis and change management

Fee: Please inquire

Areas of Expertise

Joshua is available for training, speaking and consulting engagements, with notable expertise in the following areas:

  • Security, counterterrorism
  • Intelligence, clandestine operations
  • Leadership, strategy, vision
  • Risk assessment and management
  • Collaboration, communication
  • Inspiring, motivating
  • Avoiding bias, diversity
  • Political issues, international business
  • Change and crisis management
  • Narrative management
  • Media, entertainment

Joshua's Background

Few people have a level of experience equal to that of Joshua Polacheck, when it comes to fighting the narrative dragon. A former U.S. State Department diplomatic spokesperson, Joshua served in war zones and other challenging geopolitical environments, including Mosul, Beirut, Islamabad, and New Delhi. He has advised ambassadors and senior State Department officials on public impact of policy decisions, and he earned the global award for constructive dissent from the American Foreign Service Association.

Joshua has helped organizations achieve strategic objectives by transforming the public narrative to influence campaigns, consumer and voter behavior, policies, and the public discourse.

Joshua is a valuable trainer and consultant in the areas of media management, crisis and change management, and preparing leadership to successfully wade through challenging public affairs.

Presentation Examples

  • When public policy collides with your corporate culture
  • Preparing leadership to manage while under fire
  • Media management
  • Managing & influencing public narratives
  • Constructive dissent
  • Public affairs & crisis management
  • Television and film story development

Partnership Examples

  • U.S. Department of State
  • Pima County Democratic Party

Want to request Joshua's Services?

Please tell us a bit about your organization, your objectives and your timeline. If you’re interested in more than one expert, please include all expert names. If you’re interested in specific areas of focus, please list them. A SPYEX representative will connect with you as soon as possible.

our experts

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

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DoDLena SiscoLena SiscoEx DoD interrogator & Naval intel officerExpert on interviewing, deception, leadership, change management, entertainment
CIAGina BennettGina BennettEx CIA senior analyst & advisorExpert on cognitive bias, gender equality, intelligence
CIADarrell BlockerDarrell BlockerEx CIA officer & station chiefExpert on security, risk, crisis management, diversity & inclusion, entertainment
CIAChristina HillsbergChristina HillsbergEx CIA intelligence officerExpert on women in espionage, intelligence tradecraft, parenting
KGBJack BarskyJack BarskyEx KGB sleeper agentExpert on security, espionage, KGB, Cold War, entertainment
DIAShawnee DelaneyShawnee DelaneyEx DIA clandestine case officerExpert on human / insider risk, cybersecurity, insider threat program development, counterintelligence, surveillance, artificial intelligence and leadership
CIANic McKinleyNic McKinleyEx CIA officer & USAF pararescuemanExpert on leadership, intelligence, conflict resolution, human trafficking
British IntelligenceJulian FisherJulian FisherBritish Intelligence ExpertExpert on espionage & WWII
CIAMichele Rigby AssadMichele Rigby AssadEx CIA undercover officerExpert on terrorism, sales, vetting, and inspiring audiences
MossadAvner AvrahamAvner AvrahamEx Mossad lieutenant colonelExpert on Mossad operations, Israeli law enforcement, entertainment

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 FullerPresident & CEO, Johnny RocketsEx 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 MorellFormer Acting Director, CIAon 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 GlabChairman, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Docent Associationon Ex FBI special agent and undercover operative, Bob Hamer
“Bradley's fascinating stories, actionable lessons and unique perspective captivate, motivate and inspire audiences.”
Bob DoughertyFormer undercover operations officer & instructor, CIAon 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 ScheckLawyer & Co-Founder, The Innocence Projecton 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 GrassetHead of Marketing, Israel and Emerging Markets, Salesforceon Ex CIA undercover officer, Michele Rigby Assad
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