Smart Women, Smart Power
218 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★ - 64 ratingsCSIS Smart Women, Smart Power is a speaker series on women in international business and global affairs. The weekly podcast features leading women from the corporate, government, and national security worlds discussing top international issues. This podcast series is made possible with support from Citigroup.
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Episodes
The Political Pressure Behind Scotland on the Ballot
April 10, 2024 14:24 - 28 minutesIn 2014, the United Kingdom almost came undone. Advocates for Scottish independence were finally granted a referendum, and the future of Scotland’s political arrangements was in the hands of the Scottish people. On this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dame Louise Richardson, the president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, discusses freedom of speech, political pressure, leadership in academia, and the challenges of navigating complex debates and crises with host Dr. Kathleen McInnis.
Building Trust in Nuclear Diplomacy
April 03, 2024 13:40 - 28 minutesNuclear strategy remains a priority for the United States. In this episode, host Dr. Kathleen McInnis speaks with CSIS Senior Adviser (Non-resident) to the Project on Nuclear Issues and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear and Missile Defense Policy, Elaine Bunn. Elaine's experience and perspective shed light on the complexities involved in nuclear policy and defense strategy.
In a World of Inequalities, Does Democracy Matter?
March 27, 2024 14:00 - 20 minutesOn this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman College and CSIS Trustee, joins Dr. Kathleen McInnis for a discussion on her approach to leadership after years in government, the nonprofit space, and the private sector, including CARE, the CDC, and USAID. Dr. Gayle is no stranger to leading during a crisis, and at the heart of her decisions is the notion that people are policy. Additionally, she discussed her decision to brand the international humanitarian...
The Government Clock is Ti(c)kTok-ing
March 22, 2024 17:35 - 30 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis spoke with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) about her whirlwind past couple of weeks. The pair discussed her recent trip to the Munich Security Conference, including the moment she found out about the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and her sponsorship of the recently passed House legislation aimed at protecting Americans from TikTok’s national security threats.
The Weaponization of the Dollar
March 20, 2024 13:10 - 23 minutesFor decades the U.S. Treasury Department has used the American dollar as a weapon to shape U.S. policy. However, in an era of rising authoritarian actors set out to undermine democracies, can the United States, and its currency, survive the latest threats? With over a decade of firsthand reporting, Senior Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg News Saleha Mohsin joins Kathleen McInnis to talk about her new book Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order.
Welcome to the U.S., EU Ambassador Neliupšienė!
March 13, 2024 12:00 - 32 minutesOn this episode of Smart Women, Smart Power, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with the new Ambassador of the European Union to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. The pair discussed the war in Ukraine, including Ukraine's membership to the EU, plus her role in Lithuania facing economic coercion from China, and much more.
We’re on a Winter Break!
February 21, 2024 05:00 - 18 secondsThe Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a winter break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back in March!
All About Defense Acquisition
February 14, 2024 15:32 - 21 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Melissa A. Johnson, an Acquisition Executive in the U.S. Special Operations Command, for a briefer on the process behind acquisition, technology, and logistics in the Special Operations Forces. Additionally, Melissa highlighted her role in setting up the Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System.
Montenegro’s Path to NATO
February 07, 2024 14:03 - 19 minutesHost Dr. Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia, for a conversation on the threat democracy is under. Additionally, the pair discussed the process behind Montenegro joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Making “Space”
January 31, 2024 14:28 - 21 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Maria Demaree, Vice President and General Manager of National Security Space at Lockheed Martin, for a discussion on the future of the space mission. Additionally, Maria discussed the balance between her rise to leadership and motherhood.
Behind the Scenes: Obama and Bourdain Share a Meal
January 24, 2024 05:00 - 24 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Liz Allen. The pair discussed Under Secretary Allen’s mission to reimagine the power and purpose of American diplomacy, including her role in planning the 2016 meal between President Obama and Anthony Bourdain in Vietnam.
The Will of Ukrainian Soldiers
January 17, 2024 05:00 - 15 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Sarah Heer, the special advisor to the Commander of the Canadian Army, and a Peace With Women Fellow, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed her experience commanding Operation Unifier in September 2020, where, alongside Canadian soldiers, she helped train Ukrainian soldiers. Additionally, she discussed the lessons she learned from her Ukrainian counterparts.
The Digital Storm
January 10, 2024 13:13 - 18 minutesWhile at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum, Kathleen McInnis had the opportunity to sit down with Karen Courington, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Google, and Alexandra Veitch, the Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at YouTube. The discussion follows their career paths, the priorities of their organizations in this era of crisis, as well as mis and disinformation.
Pentagon Perspectives: Managing from Within
January 03, 2024 05:00 - 24 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Beth McGrath, Deloitte’s Global Industry Leader for Government and Public Services (GPS), at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The conversation followed Beth’s 25+ years in the Federal Government, including her focus on improving business operations within the Department of Defense, as well as her transition to the private sector.
Breaking the “Brass” Ceiling
December 14, 2023 16:24 - 21 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Heidi Grant, Vice President of Global Growth and Engagement for Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, at the 2023 Halifax International Security Forum. The pair discussed Heidi’s successful career as a civilian in the national security space, as well as her thoughts on how to make the U.S. defense industry more competitive.
Understanding the Women Voter
November 29, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley O’Connor, Managing Partner at Strategic Partners & Media, for a conversation on the evolution of political campaigning and advertising. The pair also discussed Ashley’s decision to invest time in understanding women voters, including her outlook for the 2024 election season.
Understanding the Woman Voter
November 29, 2023 05:00 - 20 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley O’Connor, Managing Partner at Strategic Partners & Media, for a conversation on the evolution of political campaigning and advertising. The pair also discussed Ashley’s decision to invest time in understanding women voters, including her outlook for the 2024 election season.
Climate Change: A Threat Multiplier
November 15, 2023 17:22 - 25 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Sherri Goodman, a former senior defense official, for a discussion on her early work in climate security, and how climate change is impacting the national security landscape.
A Moldovan Minute
November 08, 2023 05:00 - 24 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Natalia Gavrilița, former Prime Minister of Moldova (2021-2023), for a conversation on her leadership of Moldova during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, in addition to a look at the future of the region.
Your Reputation Precedes You
November 01, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mackenzie Eaglen, Senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), for a thoughtful conversation on the power of your reputation and credibility in Washington, DC. Eaglen discusses her decision to not sign a letter circulated by former GOP lawmakers that opposed the candidacy of President Donald Trump in 2016.
Let’s Talk About Gender
October 25, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Susan Markham, Director of the Peace With Women Fellowship program at the Halifax International Security Forum (HFX) for a conversation about the role of gender in foreign policy, including her experience implementing gender policy at USAID. Additionally, they discussed Susan’s new book “Feminist Foreign Policy in Theory and in Practice.”
Purpose and Care within the U.S. Army Reserve
October 18, 2023 04:00 - 20 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. The pair discussed the priorities of the U.S. Army Reserve, gender dynamics, and the future of the force.
The Fight Continues for Iranian Women
October 11, 2023 13:22 - 17 minutesLast September, the tragic death of Mahsa Amini spread across global headlines, and the fight for women’s rights in Iran was brought to light. The injustices in Iran continue to make headlines with the reported assault of 16-year-old Armita Garavand. Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Iranian-American journalist and activist Masih Alinejad for a conversation on the current state of Iran and women’s rights.
A Court Date for Humanity
October 04, 2023 13:32 - 24 minutesOn this podcast on the road episode, host Kathleen McInnis visited Washington University in St. Louis, where she sat down with Leila Sadat, former special adviser on crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor from 2012-2023. This conversation follows Leila’s career, the role of the ICC, and what is happening in Ukraine.
Semiconductors: Here, There, and Everywhere
September 28, 2023 15:02 - 23 minutesSWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Jordan Tachibana interviews Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for IBM Research Kathleen (Taffy) Kingscott for a discussion on the world of semiconductors and the role of the CHIPS Act.
Domestic Terrorist Groups and Natural Disasters
September 20, 2023 16:19 - 25 minutesSWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. In this episode, Girl Security scholar Paden Tranter interviews Glitterpill Co-Founder and Chief Intelligence Officer Samantha Kutner for a discussion on the role and history of domestic extremist groups in natural disaster relief responses.
Congress is Back: Where does Ukraine Support Stand?
September 13, 2023 13:48 - 15 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a discussion on their recent travels throughout Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. They also discussed where Ukrainian assistance stands, as Congress is back in session.
Chasing Liberties: Balancing Individual Rights and Digital Privacy
September 06, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutesSWSP is partnering with Girl Security for our annual takeover series, where we pass the microphone to a young national security scholar for an interview with a national security senior leader. On this episode, Girl Security scholar Kennedy Solaru sits down with CSIS Strategic Technologies Program Fellow Caitlin Chin for a discussion on the various challenges facing the national security community, including the issue of technology privacy and its impact on individual rights.
On the Road in Ukraine
August 30, 2023 13:00 - 15 minutesWhile traveling on a delegation throughout Ukraine, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Elizabeth Hoffman, CSIS Fellow and Director of Congressional and Government Affairs, for a compelling conversation on the current state of the region, as well as key questions the United States should be considering moving forward.
A Conversation with GEN Laura Richardson on Security Challenges in Latin America
August 09, 2023 04:00 - 51 minutesOn August 4th, General Laura J. Richardson, U.S. Army, 32nd Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) sat down with Dr. Kathleen McInnis, Director of the CSIS Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative, and Kari Bingen, Director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project for a discussion on her priorities within the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), which includes parts of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Additionally, General Richardson discussed how SOUTHCOM is approaching ...
We’re on a Summer Break!
July 05, 2023 15:03 - 20 secondsThe Smart Women, Smart Power podcast is taking a summer break to refresh and recharge. We’ll be back soon!
The Pentagon Puzzle
June 28, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kari Bingen, director of the Aerospace Security Project and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. The pair discussed the Pentagon’s organizational design in an era of rapidly developing and complex threats.
Academia vs. the Policy World
June 21, 2023 13:00 - 33 minutesDr. Kathleen McInnis spoke with Dr. Heather Williams, director of the Project on Nuclear Issues and a senior fellow in the International Security Program at CSIS. Together they discussed their decision to leave the academic world for the policy world. Plus, they discussed what's going on in the nuclear space!
“Employee No.1” in Homeland Security
June 14, 2023 13:54 - 23 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ashley Davis, founding Partner of West Front Strategies LLC and former Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security. The pair discussed Ashley’s experience in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, including her role in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.
How to Strike a Deal
June 07, 2023 16:39 - 26 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis spoke with Judith Batty, former Senior Counsel at ExxonMobil and interim CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. She discussed her dynamic career as a deal lawyer, from navigating the corporate world to serving as the first Black woman leader of Girl Scouts of the USA.
The Hollywood Episode
May 31, 2023 12:45 - 30 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with writer and producer Chris Levinson for a candid conversation on the relationship between Hollywood and Washington D.C.
Why Male Allies Matter
May 24, 2023 13:45 - 31 minutesWe are doing something a little different on the podcast today – we are joined by our first-ever male guest! Host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Donald Steinberg, the former U.S. Ambassador to Angola, among countless other roles. Ambassador Steinberg discussed his role in the 1994 Angola Peace Accords and how the decision to exclude women ultimately led to the failure of the peace process. Additionally, Ambassador Steinberg discussed Mobilizing Men as Partners for Women, Peace...
Crunching the Numbers: Mathematician to CEO
May 17, 2023 13:02 - 22 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Mollie Breen, CEO and Co-Founder of Perygee, for a discussion on how her STEM background has influenced her leadership style. Additionally, the pair discussed her former roles in creating and leading teams to strengthen military strategy and critical infrastructure at the National Security Agency and Pentagon.
Mental Resilience: Deploying Tech for Navy SEALS
May 10, 2023 13:00 - 10 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Shannon Clark, Senior Vice President, Federal, R+D at Palantir Technologies, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Shannon discussed her role in deploying technology to help navigate mental resilience for U.S. Navy SEALS.
The Establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council
May 03, 2023 13:02 - 20 minutesOn this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Ambassador Paula J. Dobriansky, the former Under Secretary of State for Global Affairs, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Ambassador Dobrianksy discussed the establishment of the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council during the George W. Bush administration.
On the Ground in Iraq
April 26, 2023 15:23 - 24 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Kristi Rogers, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Principal to Principal, for a conversation on her time working on the ground in Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Additionally, they discuss her experience in problem-solving and crisis communications.
A Practical Approach to Migration
April 19, 2023 04:00 - 27 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Amy E. Pope, U.S. Candidate for Director General at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), for a powerful conversation on her approach to migration, and her decision to run for IOM Director General.
The Only Woman on the Abraham Accords Team
April 12, 2023 13:39 - 19 minutesOn this episode, host Kathleen McInnis sat down with Morgan Ortagus, the former spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, at the Reagan National Defense Forum. Morgan walked us through her role in the historic Abraham Accords, and more!
A Conversation with Admiral Linda L. Fagan, 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
April 05, 2023 14:27 - 30 minutesOn April 4, Admiral Linda L. Fagan, the 27th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the U.S. Coast Guard’s growing presence beyond America’s immediate maritime borders, including in the Indo-Pacific and the Arctic. Additionally, the pair discussed Admiral Fagan’s approach to leadership, recruitment, and retention within the force.
A Conversation with Gayle E. Smith on Global Health Security
March 29, 2023 13:45 - 34 minutesOn March 22, Gayle E. Smith, the CEO of the ONE Campaign, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed Gayle’s role in leading the U.S. effort to end the global Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, they discussed her priorities at the ONE Campaign, including her take on hard and soft power and how it interrelates with gender.
Nerding Out on NATO
March 22, 2023 13:55 - 31 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Dr. Benedetta Berti, Head of Policy Planning in the Office of the Secretary General at NATO, for an insightful conversation on her role in adopting NATO’s first Climate Change and Security Agenda. In addition, the pair discussed the incorporation of human security, the protection of civilians, and gender within NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept.
Inflection Points: Denmark's Response to the War in Ukraine
March 15, 2023 20:17 - 31 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with the Ambassador of Denmark to the United States, Christina Markus Lassen, on her extensive career in the Danish Foreign Service and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Additionally, the conversation includes a deep dive into Danish’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Rethinking Humanitarian Aid with Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA
March 08, 2023 05:00 - 28 minutesOn March 6, Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA, joined Kathleen McInnis for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed how CARE USA has worked to rally the global community to respond to recent humanitarian crises holistically, from the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Covid-19, and the recent deadly earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, to the growing hunger crisis around the world.
A Conversation with HON Christine E. Wormuth, 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army
March 02, 2023 14:52 - 31 minutesOn March 1, the 25th U.S. Secretary of the Army, HON Christine E. Wormuth, sat down with CSIS Senior Adviser and Director of the Defending Democratic Institutions Project, Suzanne Spaulding, for a Smart Women, Smart Power speaker series event. The pair discussed the priorities of the United States Army as the institution prepares for this era of geopolitical uncertainty, as well as Secretary Wormuth’s approach to leading the largest branch of the United States military.
A Mission in Mali: Tanks in the Sky
February 22, 2023 14:49 - 23 minutesHost Kathleen McInnis sat down with Colonel Julie Callacott, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command Assistant Chief of Staff Support, Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), at the 2022 Halifax International Security Forum. Colonel Callacott described her experience as a Task Force Commander for the Canadian Airfield opening team in Mali, which included her role in landing a C-17 on an untested, newly constructed and expanded runway.