NOTE FROM TED: This talk contains a discussion of violence and warfare. Some viewers may find elements of this talk to be distressing. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

Intuition is that sudden, forceful voice in the back of your head telling you to make a certain decision. You have the option to listen to that voice, or ignore it, which is sometimes the easiest option. Michele argues that this is a lesson she learned in the CIA, and you should always listen to your intuition. In the workplace, it’ll make you better. Michele Rigby Assad joined the CIA in January 2002 to work as an undercover intelligence officer. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence issues, Michele worked in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations.

After a decade of government service, Michele left the undercover life to serve as a public speaker, author, trainer, and security consultant focused on the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. Her book Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What It Taught Me about What’s Worth Fighting For was released February 2018.

Michele holds a master’s degree in contemporary Arab studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a political science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Michele is motivated to use her unique platform to educate and inspire, showing how critical courage is to living a life of impact and purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx