David Mitchell

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What inspired you to build a career in national security?

Since I was 17, I have found a tremendous amount of honor in national service. Growing up during the Global War on Terror, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to serving my country in some capacity. When recruited to play D1 athletics at West Point, I found that pathway through the military and it has only blossomed since. My experiences as a young army officer, combined with my profound fascination with international affairs, security threats, and American foreign policy, have led me to pursue a career in the civilian side of national security.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is undeniably the opportunity to lead and work alongside incredibly dedicated and honorable individuals. During my active-duty service, I had the honor of leading sixteen soldiers and managing four Abrams tanks. This was a tremendous responsibility, however, the experience of being surrounded by such a committed and selfless team made it an incredibly fulfilling experience. Now, as a military fellow at INSA, I find the same sense of fulfillment in an environment that echoes the dedication and camaraderie I experienced in the military. It has been a pleasure to work alongside people who are committed to their work and share a sense of honor and purpose.

What is the best career advice you have received?

As a young professional, I think the most impactful career advice I’ve received is the importance of developing a growth mindset. Typically juxtaposed with the “fixed” mindset, the growth mindset is fundamentally a way of thinking that your basic qualities—your talents, aptitudes, even temperaments—can be cultivated through the application of consistent effort over a long period of time. In other words, it’s a mental model for self-improvement, regardless of the initial hand you were dealt, you possess the capacity to evolve and grow. In turn, this realization fosters an insatiable passion for learning, a key element for coachability. Lastly, this way of thinking enables you to persevere in the face of adversity, something all young professionals are almost certain to face. For me, the growth mindset not only encourages continuous learning but also empowers individuals to thrive during some of the more difficult times in their lives.

What is your favorite movie, book, TV Show, or podcast? Why?

Intelligence Matters is an excellent podcast for those interested in national security. Narrated by the former Acting Director at CIA Michael Morrell, the podcast brings together subject matter experts to have in-depth conversations about various security threats and the intelligence community.

As for books, I am a voracious reader, so I have plenty of recommendations on a wide array of subjects. On the professional front, I thoroughly enjoyed Amy Zegart’s most recent book Spies, Lies, and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence. A Stanford professor and one of the leading academics in the intelligence community, Zegart describes how technological breakthroughs like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology are dramatically changing both the threats the United States faces and the ways in which the IC operates.

On the personal development front, my two favorites are Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Both are incredible resources for those looking to develop their interpersonal skills and improve in their careers. As an honorable mention, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning, which I consider to be one of the most powerful books ever written. Told as a prisoner at Auschwitz, Frankl explores the depths of human survival and the importance of pursuing meaning in one’s life. It’s most certainly not a light read but carries with it the potential to transform your view on the struggles of life. As a source of hope, I revisit it often.