“Applying Intelligence to Business Strategy” with Jonathan B. Smith

Summary

Jonathan B. Smith (X; LinkedIn) joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss the application of intelligence to entrepreneurship. Jonathan is an entrepreneur, author, and business strategist.

What You’ll Learn

Intelligence

• Building high-performance teams
• Case officers vs. entrepreneurs 
• Networking and overcoming operational challenges
• Curiosity as a key trait for success

Reflections

• The will to succeed 
• The power of listening and empathy

And much, much more …

Quotes of the Week

“I often switch languages …I'll speak from a medical CEO's perspective versus a financial services CEO perspective. And people, when you use their language, they tend to lean in. They're like, “Oh, you understand me.” It's fascinating – People don't want to know how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Jonathan B. Smith.

Resources 

SURFACE SKIM

*SpyCasts*

• The Cyber Behavioral Profiler with Cameron Malin (2024) 
• The FBI Hostage Negotiator with Chris Voss (2024) 
• Spying and Start-Ups with former Assistant Director of the CIA John Mullen (2022)
• From the CIA to Strategic Cyber with Hans Holmer (2022)

*Beginner Resources*

• What Do Entrepreneurs Actually Do? Foundation for Economic Education, YouTube (2019) [3 min. video]
• What is EOS? Entrepreneurial Operating System (n.d.) [Fact sheet]
• Case Officer, Central Intelligence Agency (n.d.) [Job description]

DEEPER DIVE

Books

• Sell Like A Spy: The Art of Persuasion from the World of Espionage, J. Hurewitz (Diversion Books, 2024)
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It, C. Voss & T. Raz (Harper Business, 2016)
• Optimize for Growth: How to Scale Up Your Business, Your Network and You, J. B. Smith (Chief Optimizer, 2015)