Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs

S9 Ep36: Sell Like a Spy: What Business Can Learn from Intelligence Officers with Jeremy Hurewitz

Apr 2, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jeremy Hurewitz, author and strategic advisor, reveals how business leaders can learn from intelligence officers. He shares techniques like mirroring and active listening that enhance trust and influence. Jeremy also delves into the ethical dilemmas of private intelligence and highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in our tech-driven world. With insights from his journey through corporate security, he makes a compelling case for the art of relationship-building, whether in espionage or business.

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ADVICE

Mirroring Technique

Mirroring body language and verbal cues builds rapport subconsciously.
Amplify mirroring by using the other person's pet phrases.

ADVICE

Building Rapport

Build rapport with disliked people by finding their redeeming qualities.
Show vulnerability to encourage reciprocal sharing and deeper connection.

INSIGHT

Diversity in Espionage

Intelligence agencies leverage diversity for practical advantages in the field.
Diverse teams offer varied perspectives and challenge conventional approaches.

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What can business leaders learn from spies? In this episode, Chris speaks with Jeremy Hurewitz, author of Sell Like a Spy, to explore how intelligence officers build trust, read people, and influence outcomes. Drawing on years spent working alongside former CIA, FBI, and military professionals in the world of corporate security, Jeremy shares real-world techniques—like mirroring, elicitation, and active listening—that can transform how we sell, lead, and connect. They also discuss the ethics of private intelligence, how Hollywood gets espionage wrong, and why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in a tech-driven world.

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Find more about Jeremy and Sell Like a Spy: https://www.selllikeaspy.net
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Music by Andrew R. Bird

Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.