When You Stare Into the Abyss
An uncomfortable truth about working in this field is that hunting down the bad guys often means thinking like a bad guy.
top of page
The (In)Security Blog
The security field is full of stories with fascinating characters. I’ve had my fair share of strange jobs in this industry, but my favorite so far has been storyteller.
​
* *. *
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.
​
Search
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 15
- 5 min
Insights From Martin Luther King, Jr. on Psychological Resilience
MLK knew his mission and was willing to overcome the challenges to take on the mountain.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Sep 13, 2023
- 4 min
Envy is Brutal, Especially in the Security Field
Of all the human emotions, none is trickier or more elusive than envy...especially when the stakes are high.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Aug 30, 2023
- 2 min
A CIA Officer's Insights Into the Psychology of Espionage
Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a spy? A senior case officer from the CIA discusses mindset, ethics, and resilience.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Aug 15, 2023
- 2 min
Finding Mastery: High Performance Psychology for the Security Field
An industry visionary psychologist specializing in high performance & elite sports shares tips for security professionals.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jun 4, 2023
- 1 min
She Who Is Relentless Completes the Mission
A U.S. military vet uses her skills as an intelligence analyst to provide security services for civilians and tackle human trafficking.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 19, 2023
- 2 min
An Unusual Discussion on America, Israel, & the Judaic Values We Share
Michael Whidden of American Tributaries interviews me about Judeo-Christian values, the effects of war, and community unity.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 9, 2023
- 7 min
Kill Your Clone & Other Unconventional Career Advice
Challenging situations are ultimately an opportunity to rise to the challenge.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- May 1, 2023
- 2 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Mar 14, 2023
- 2 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 25, 2023
- 11 min
The Soldier Who Spoke Out
Breaking the stigma around mental health in the military will require leadership speaking out and setting the right example.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 16, 2023
- 6 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jan 3, 2023
- 4 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Dec 5, 2022
- 6 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 28, 2022
- 6 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 14, 2022
- 7 min
Views on Warrior Culture & Veteran Mental Health
A seasoned military professional's perspective on why veterans may avoid seeking counseling.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Nov 8, 2022
- 2 min
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.
Jessica Lauren Walton
- Jul 5, 2022
- 4 min
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.
bottom of page