mental toughness | jessicawaltonwriter

The (In)Security Blog

Hello there! I write about mental health, psychology, and communications in the security field.

Whether it's an expert interview or perspectives from my own career, I aim to take a multidisciplinary approach to everything I explore.

About me: I'm a dual American-Israeli citizen who served in the Israeli military and currently works in the U.S. defense sector in the Washington, D.C. area.

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An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share

Jessica Lauren Walton

May 19
2 min

Interview Corner

An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share

Michael Whidden of American Tributaries and I discuss Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.

The Versatile Warrior: From the Military to Private Protection

Jessica Lauren Walton

May 1
2 min

Interview Corner

The Versatile Warrior: From the Military to Private Protection

Private protection expert Chris Story talks career pivots and psychological transitions for the next generation of security professionals.

The Mental Health Reality Behind the Badge

Jessica Lauren Walton

Apr 24
1 min

Interview Corner

The Mental Health Reality Behind the Badge

A senior police officer talks about personal challenges following a shooting incident and the mental health revolution among the forces.

Kill Your Clone & Other Unconventional Career Advice

Jessica Lauren Walton

Feb 23
7 min

Memoir

Kill Your Clone & Other Unconventional Career Advice

Challenging situations are ultimately an opportunity to rise to the challenge.

Jessica Lauren Walton

Jan 25
11 min

Interview Corner

The Soldier Who Spoke Out

Breaking the stigma around mental health in the military will require leadership speaking out and setting the right example.

A Message for Gen Z on Dealing With Uncertainty

Jessica Lauren Walton

Jan 16
6 min

Memoir

A Message for Gen Z on Dealing With Uncertainty

Chaos is a natural part of life. We owe it to ourselves to create a game plan for managing it properly.

Disappointment and Determination in the Israeli Military

Jessica Lauren Walton

Jan 3
4 min

Memoir

Disappointment and Determination in the Israeli Military

One of the biggest crises I experienced while serving in the Israeli military was being told I was useless during a war.

3 Quirky PR Ideas to Help Military Recruitment

Jessica Lauren Walton

Dec 5, 2022
6 min

Defense Communications

3 Quirky PR Ideas to Help Military Recruitment

Be entertaining, be inspiring, be real. There is already an inspiring treasure trove of stories in our military; leverage them right.

Some Careers Take the Road Less Traveled

Jessica Lauren Walton

Nov 28, 2022
6 min

Memoir

Some Careers Take the Road Less Traveled

Some of us are straight shooters from college to career to retirement, while others struggle to find our place.

Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health

Jessica Lauren Walton

Nov 14, 2022
7 min

Interview Corner

Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health

A seasoned military professional's perspective on why veterans may avoid seeking counseling.

Why Storytelling Matters in the Security Community

Jessica Lauren Walton

Nov 8, 2022
2 min

Interview Corner

Why Storytelling Matters in the Security Community

I had a great time being interviewed by the Artistic Fuel Foundation about the special role storytelling plays in the security ecosystem.

I Tried to Be David Goggins-Tough in My Memoir. Here is What I Learned.

Jessica Lauren Walton

Jul 5, 2022
4 min

Memoir

I Tried to Be David Goggins-Tough in My Memoir. Here is What I Learned.

I wanted my audience to see me not as a nerdy, insecure, fresh-off-the-boat grad student with chronic anxiety, but as David Goggins.

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