Episode 45 - LTG Karen Gibson, USA (Ret.)- Cyber, Intelligence, Leadership, and National Security

LTG Karen Gibson, USA (Ret.) - Cyber, Intelligence, Leadership, and National Security

In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with LTG Karen Gibson, USA (Ret), who has nearly four decades of service across intelligence, cyber, and national security at the highest levels of government.

We explore leadership under pressure and how leaders make consequential decisions when information is incomplete, ambiguous, or rapidly changing. General Gibson reflects candidly on disappointment and resilience, the false culture of martyrdom, and what it takes to lead effectively in times of crisis.

Drawing from her experience leading intelligence and operations across Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, East Africa, and at U.S. Central Command, she explains how intelligence shapes combat outcomes, cyber leadership lessons learned, and intelligence capabilities for modern warfare. General Gibson shares her experience serving as U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms following the attacks on the Capitol on January 6th.

We also discuss how evolving cyber threats are forcing defense, government, and business leaders to rethink traditional assumptions about risk, deterrence, and response. This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in cyber, defense, or national security!

Guest Bio

Lieutenant General (Ret) Karen Gibson has nearly 40 years of experience in intelligence, cyberspace, and security roles, culminating her military service as Deputy Director of National Intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. She previously served as Director of Intelligence for U.S. Central Command; Director of Intelligence for Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational coalition to defeat the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq; and as Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Cyber Command. Ms. Gibson also led intelligence-operations centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, and East Africa. Following the January 6th, 2021, attack at the U.S. Capitol, Ms. Gibson was asked to serve as U.S. Senate Sergeant at Arms, where she worked across the Legislative and Executive Branches to rebuild the Capitol’s security programs and restore faith in the Senate’s security. She was responsible for many functions there, to include the Senate’s technical communication and cybersecurity, as well as a broad array of installation support services for the Senate community.

Catch the podcast episode online:

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• Spotify - click here to listen

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