Dr. Sam Potolicchio and other Georgetown University professors have helped CIED create new Leadership Programs. We are happy to feature some of Prof. Potolicchio’s special virtual events and leadership notes.
Interview with General Stanley McChrystal
July 11th, 2026
Character is incredibly important. I had great parents who exemplified character, but didn’t talk about it a lot, didn’t preach; they just did it. Then, I went to West Point, where they were very overt about showing examples of leaders and the honor code. It was anything but subtle trying to get you to embrace character.…
Interview with Deborah Wituski
June 24th, 2026
My first question is always: “So what?” I don’t mean that in a flippant way. I want you to actually tell me why the issue should matter to me, to my business or the government we’re working for. I want you to tell me not just an interesting development, but the impact it could potentially have on our people, business operations, property, and ideas.…
Interview with the Top Startup Coach in the World
May 24th, 2026
AI is changing faster than you can adjust. You need to practice, get in the habit of keeping abreast of what’s going on. Find one or two podcasts or thinkers, and follow them to help you lead the way. Devoting time to it right now is not optional, it’s mandatory.…
Interview with Legendary Astronaut and Former NASA Chief together with the Founder of Inter Astra Institute
May 12th, 2026
The very first thing I tried to teach my kids as they were growing up was to be critical thinkers. That’s the number one skill that I use anytime I look at building any team. Who are the critical thinkers? Who are the ones that are not going to accept the status quo just because?…
Interview with CIA Legends
April 8th, 2026
We have to use our judgments and occasionally, we’re getting things wrong, and we need to be very clear with ourselves and admit what the wrongs are. The problem isn’t making mistakes but making the mistakes repeatedly. It’s a fine blend of curiosity, self awareness, and moral courage. Those three things are probably the most important sort of combination to have within yourself.…
The English Language Programs is a U.S. Department of State public diplomacy initiative that sends highly trained and qualified TESOL professionals to work at academic institutions around the world. Program participants teach English, train teachers, develop academic and cultural programs, and much more.
