This speaker is hidden and is only visible in a proposal
Michele Rigby Assad
Former CIA Intelligence Officer; Counterterrorism & Middle East Expert
Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Michele's keynotes are wildly fascinating, memorable, and absolutely life changing.
Bio
Michele began service in the CIA in January 2002 and spent a decade serving as an undercover intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations. Specializing in counterterrorism, counterintelligence and lie detection, Michele spent the majority of her career in the Middle East. She had five overseas tours, to include Iraq and other secret locations. She's traveled to 55 countries.
Since leaving the CIA, Michele and her husband Joseph have run an international consulting firm that provides support to Western and not-native companies working in the Arabian Gulf and the wider Middle East.
Michele is a master storyteller that excels in connecting with audiences. She seeks to understand each group’s composition, strengths, challenges, and organizers’ expectations to deliver outstanding, bespoke presentations that stick with the attendees far after the conclusion of the event.
Her bestselling book Breaking Cover: My Secret Life in the CIA and What it Taught Me About What’s Worth Fighting For, was published in February 2018 (Tyndale Momentum). Her second book Get Off the X: CIA Secrets for Conquering Obstacles and Achieving Your Life’s Mission was published January 2025 (Dexterity).
Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and a political science degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. She and her husband, Joseph, live in Central Florida.
Keynotes
Featured Keynote
-
The Life Altering Power of Grit
Michele uses stories from her CIA experience to illustrate the power of grit, the power of perseverance and determination to learn and grow—no matter what. Instead of focusing on the challenges and negativity presented to her, Michele demonstrates how focusing on mastering a skill, learning new material, and pushing to grow is what transformed her life and career.
- Your mindset is the most important thing.
- Grit trumps natural talent.
- What worked before may not work when the storms of life sweep in. Stay flexible to respond to the challenge.
- That which is unexpected and unwelcome could turn out to be your biggest blessing.
Topics
- Navigating Change & Uncertainty Trending
- Sales Trending
Let's find your perfect speaker!
Share your vision and let us curate the voices that bring it to life.