Overview
#038 – In this next episode, I was joined by Randall Stickley, a Lead Intelligence-Targeting Analyst supporting federal law enforcement and national security clients. His prior work includes intelligence specialist and supervisory roles addressing drug crises, corporate threats, and national security issues, as well as supporting Fusion Centers. Randy is also an instructor and active member of multiple professional organizations, which you’ll hear more about in our conversation. And he holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in National Security and Political Science from Fairmont State University, along with advanced certifications.
You’ll find this episode fascinating to hear about Randy’s career path, his perspective on what it takes to be a successful analyst, the lessons he’s learned from being an instructor, and much more, including the book he recently published.
Find Randy’s recent book here: Rethinking Thought: A Practitioner’s Guide to Critical Thinking in Intelligence Analysis by Randall Stickley and Akshata Kumavat
Highlights from This Episode
- Early Mentorship Shapes Career Trajectory – Randall’s exposure to law and intelligence mentors in high school and college (e.g., Dr. Noone, Dave A.) played a pivotal role in guiding his path into intelligence work.
- Targeting Analysis Is Universal – Regardless of title, all analysts are engaged in some form of “targeting”—digging into data to find actionable insights.
- Open Source Intelligence Is Underappreciated but Powerful – Randall’s foundational work in OSINT taught him how to build intelligence from publicly available information, supporting real-world operations.
- AI Is Not a Replacement for Human Analysts – AI tools are useful for ideation and automation but flawed databases and hallucinations limit their reliability; human pattern recognition and ethical judgment remain irreplaceable.
- Writing Is a Core Intelligence Skill – Analysts must learn to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Many new analysts struggle due to atrophying writing skills in the digital age.
- Reading with Purpose vs. Casual Reading – Randall distinguishes between casual reading and “close reading” to derive insight, patterns, and subtext—a critical skill for any analyst.
- Public Speaking and Communication Are Crucial – Citing Toastmasters and his own training experience, Randall emphasizes the need for intelligence professionals to confidently brief and communicate.
- Bias Awareness Is Essential – Randall’s book and IALEIA presentation focus on overcoming cognitive biases—he cites research identifying over 180 human biases that analysts must confront.
- Career Paths in Intel Are Diverse and Non-Linear – Many professionals move between public, private, and academic roles; some eventually pivot to completely new careers based on values or lifestyle.
- Write What You’re Passionate About – Whether publishing a book or presenting at a conference, genuine passion for a topic will be visible and impact your credibility and influence.
Memorable Quotes:
- “Be a communicator, not just a desk-bound analyst.”
A call to action for analysts to build professional networks and collaborate across silos. - “You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Said while describing the unpredictable and sometimes morally gray nature of intelligence and security work. - “All analysts have that targeting component within their duties.”
A reframing of the “targeting” role as something integral, not sinister, to intelligence work. - “Feedback isn’t about red ink—it’s about growth.”
Said while reflecting on the painful but necessary process of learning analytic writing.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- 📚 Books:
- Rethinking Thoughts: A Practitioner’s Guide to Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis – by Randall and Akshata Kumavat
- On Killing – by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman
- Intelligence: From Secrets to Policy – by Mark Lowenthal
- Vigilance Is Not Enough – by Mark Lowenthal
- Intelligence Analysis: A Target-Centric Approach – by Robert M. Clark
- Deception Point – by Dan Brown
- The Anatomy of Story – by John Truby
- 📚 Training Courses / Professional Orgs / Certifications:
- IALEIA (International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts) Certification
- DHS Analytic Writing Course
- Bureau (FBI) Analytic Writing Course
- CIA Kent School
- Department of Homeland Security – Intelligence & Analysis training programs
- International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) events
- Toastmasters International
- 👤 People:
- Dr. Greg Noone – Former Navy JAG and professor at Fairmont State University
- Akshata Kumavat – Co-author of Rethinking Thought: A Practitioner’s Guide to Critical Thinking in Intelligence Analysis
- Mark Lowenthal – Noted intelligence author
- Robert Clark – Author of Target-Centric Approach
- Lt. Col. Dave Grossman – Author and speaker on psychology of killing
Use CONTROL + F to search the transcript below if you want to learn more!
Related Episodes
- Becoming a Security Intelligence Manager
- Corporate Intelligence
- Fighting Human Trafficking & CSAM
- All About Private Investigations
- Fraud Investigations to Security Software
- Global Intel to Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Crime Analysis Leadership
- Human Skills in Intelligence
