--- title: Blog – SpeakInc. | Michele Rigby Assad description: Michele Rigby Assad began her career in the government relations department of an international relief and development organization in Washington, DC, in 1995. She joined the CIA in January 2002 to work as an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations, the covert arm of the agency. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence issues, Michele worked in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. After a decade of government service, Michele left the undercover life to serve as a public speaker, author, trainer, and international security consultant focused on the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. --- [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) [![SpeakInc](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/speakinc-logo.png?width=197&height=48&name=speakinc-logo.png "SpeakInc")](http://speakinc.com/) - [Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Individual Speakers](http://speakinc.com/speaker) - [Speaker News](http://speakinc.com/speaker-news/) - [About](http://speakinc.com/about) - [Our Team](http://speakinc.com/our-team) - [Careers](http://speakinc.com/about/careers) - [Blog](https://blog.speakinc.com/our-blog) - [FAQ](http://speakinc.com/faq) - [Contact Us](http://speakinc.com/contact-us) - [Request Consultation](http://speakinc.com/contact/request-consultation) - [Become a SpeakInc Speaker](http://speakinc.com/contact-us/become-a-speakinc-speaker/) # SpeakInc Blog ## Michele Rigby Assad Michele Rigby Assad began her career in the government relations department of an international relief and development organization in Washington, DC, in 1995. She joined the CIA in January 2002 to work as an intelligence officer in the Directorate of Operations, the covert arm of the agency. Specializing in counterterrorism and counterintelligence issues, Michele worked in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. After a decade of government service, Michele left the undercover life to serve as a public speaker, author, trainer, and international security consultant focused on the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. ### Recent Posts ## [Be an Agent Provocateur: When Being Nice is Exactly What is Needed to Drive Change in Your Industry](https://blog.speakinc.com/be-an-agent-provocateur) by [Michele Rigby Assad](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/michele-rigby-assad) | March 16, 2021 [![](https://blog.speakinc.com/hubfs/EmotionalIntelligence.jpg)](https://blog.speakinc.com/be-an-agent-provocateur) When you interact with me, you will immediately notice that I am friendly, I enjoy getting to know my interlocutor, and I’m easy ... [Read More »](https://blog.speakinc.com/be-an-agent-provocateur) [1](https://blog.speakinc.com/author/michele-rigby-assad/page/1) [![Need more information? Let our experts take the guesswork out of planning this key element of your next meeting and find the right keynote speaker for your event.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/421388/interactive-209241923181.png)](https://blog.speakinc.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKacTKvqpC16KxNwLAPXWN0rbF60SQ3Z18stcEcis5UguaCx1QNte7tFsZs79GD%2BVNO6oukLw0juSsM0mx2H8uKJropFl0Bh6KNrjUh0rrbri7RAh%2FSgq2IAUPUDw2JefDCqisfCQ8lVpsETNw%2BgxkD1K45EXMQsYoDyl7aoSL8YUU9m7fbtdEyBOr70NltkzaPHyJUB2Vs&webInteractiveContentId=209241923181&portalId=421388) Name/Category Search ### **Don't Miss Out!** Get monthly email notifications of our latest articles that include: - Keynote Speaker Highlights - Conference & Event Planning Tips - Free Resources - Industry News [1-858-228-3771](tel:1-858-228-3771) **SpeakInc.** 10680 Treena Street, Suite 230 San Diego, CA 92131 - [Home](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/) - [Privacy Policy](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms & Conditions](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/terms-conditions/) - [Live Chat](http://spki10347s.elevatoragency.com/creating-complete-well-done-conference-website/#live-chat) - - - - ### Sign Up for Industry News Disclaimer: Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau is not responsible for errors, omissions or outdated information on this website. The material presented on this site is provided by the speakers who are accountable for any copyright information including licensing fees if required. Speak Inc. Speakers Bureau has permission to post the biographies, topics, photos and videos with the understanding from the speakers that the information presented is legally owned by them. © 2026 SpeakInc. All rights reserved.