Rise of the Rebel: Carmen Medina's Story
By Gracie Richburg
Rebel (noun): a person who resists any authority, control, or tradition. What comes to mind when you hear this term? Perhaps images of defiance and disruption, violence and chaos. Or maybe a sense of nostalgia for the 1985 coming-of-age blockbuster, The Breakfast Club. Yet, amidst this backdrop of stereotypes, there is one who managed to challenge the conventional norm and redefine what it truly means to be a rebel. Her name is Carmen Medina, a visionary with wit sharper than steel and passion that transcends the status quo. In our fifth edition of The Butterfly Bulletin, we are honored to highlight Carmen Medina, an Iron Butterfly who has and continues to inspire many.
Credit: CIA
Goodbye Texas, Hello DC
Carmen Medina was born in Puerto Rico into an Army family. Throughout her nomadic childhood, Carmen inherited a love for travel and new experiences early on in life. At the age of 11, Carmen and her family moved to the city of El Paso, Texas, better known as “Sun City.” As a Puerto Rican by birth and self-proclaimed Texan by nationality, Carmen was proud of her roots. While attending the University of Texas at El Paso her junior year, she received a call that, unbeknownst to her at the time, would change the course of her career and life. Carmen was offered a full-ride scholarship to the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Though Carmen's future in this new and vastly different place remained uncertain, she embraced the change, packed her bags, and embarked on her journey to Washington, DC.
In 1974, Carmen arrived at Catholic University as a junior transfer, eager to embark on her studies. Being an avid college debater, her initial ambition was to attend law school and pursue a career as a lawyer. However, her encounters with the law students prompted her to realize that law school was not the path for her. While this revelation certainly came as a "better now than never" moment, it left Carmen facing a predicament: what did she want to be? Who did she want to be?
Although Carmen was certain about what she didn't want, she struggled to define what truly resonated with her. Upon reflection, she came to a profound realization: her passions lay within something far bigger than herself alone—the world. The interconnectedness of global events fascinated Carmen, igniting a deep-seated desire to forge a career within International Relations. The prospect of engaging with international affairs and contributing to the betterment of humanity enthralled her.
Having graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Comparative Government, Carmen bid farewell to Catholic University and set her sights on a Master's degree. In 1977, driven by determination, she made the decision to embark on an advanced program in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. It was a leap of faith, but Carmen knew in her heart that she had to follow this path. Thus, her quest to discover the right direction for her future began.
Though she could now breathe a sigh of relief knowing law school was no longer in her future, Carmen still faced the dilemma of choosing her next steps. It was during this period that she stumbled upon the realm of intelligence, an experience said to be shared by many in the Intelligence Community (IC). While diligently pursuing her Master's at Georgetown, Carmen encountered an opportunity that would alter the course of her life forever. After impressing a CIA recruiter during an interview, Carmen secured her very first job at the CIA Operations Center, an esteemed "24/7 watch office." This turn of events solidified Carmen’s place in the world of intelligence, setting the stage for a transformative chapter in her life. With her foot now firmly planted in the door, Carmen was ready to immerse herself in the challenges and adventures that awaited.
Credit: USGIF
Credit: USGIF
Out With Lawyers, In With Liaisons
Carmen embarked on her journey in the world of intelligence with her first desk assignment at the CIA Operations Center, covering Africa and the Middle East in the late ‘70s. In an era prior to the use of computers and cable news, Carmen's primary task was to meticulously read all of the cables, analyzing the information to determine if any analysts needed to be contacted. This responsibility demanded sharp attention to detail and a keen ability to extract critical insights from the vast amount of information that flowed through her hands.
Her initial job at the “Ops Center,” particularly on Saturday nights, placed her among the select few officers on duty during those hours. It was during these “graveyard shifts” that Carmen's skills and decision-making abilities were put to the test. With just nine months of experience under her belt, she found herself shouldering the responsibility of making sound judgments, aware that her actions could have far-reaching implications. Yet Carmen displayed an aptitude for handling the pressure that came with the role. Despite the demanding nature of her work, Carmen found solace and enjoyment in the Ops Center. The fast-paced environment, particularly during those Friday and Saturday night shifts, forged a sense of camaraderie among the officers. Banter and shared experiences laid the groundwork for lasting friendships that Carmen still cherishes to this day.
Carmen's dedication and competence did not go unnoticed. Carmen caught the attention of analytic managers at CIA and within a year and a half she was offered a job as an analyst covering southern Africa. Her experiences as a college debater prepared her well for the duties of an analyst, which require objectivity and the ability to understand the dynamics of fast-changing situations. And her success positioned her within ten years to apply for the job she coveted most—a liaison assignment overseas with an important ally.
Credit: Business Innovation Factory
Redefining a Rebel
Reflecting on her early experiences in leadership positions, Carmen recounts an important realization that shaped her approach. She recalls,
"I remember the first time I was in a leadership position. I was trying to act like a leader—you know, commanding and authoritative—but was so unhappy behaving that way. After two weeks, I had a conversation with myself and said, 'I don’t like being that kind of person, so I’m just going to be myself. And if that doesn’t suffice, so be it.'"
This profound moment marked a pivotal shift in her perspective, affirming the importance of staying true to oneself, even in positions of authority. Throughout her career, Carmen encountered criticism for not conforming to traditional expectations. Critiques of not projecting enough gravitas or being hard enough often came her way. Yet she remained steadfast in her conviction to stay true to herself. She emphasized,
"I received considerable criticism in my career... but I knew in my heart of hearts that I am more effective as the best version of myself than I am as a half-baked version of somebody else."
Carmen’s belief in the power of authenticity and staying true to one's values has been the driving force behind her success. Carmen was one of the first to recognize the importance of the Internet and the digital revolution early on and convinced the agency it would eventually have to adapt to the ever-changing world. Carmen Medina's journey in leadership led her to senior positions such as Deputy Director of Intelligence at the CIA, where she thrived as a strategic thinker and executive leader. Embracing her natural inclination to rebel against conventional norms, Carmen has brought fresh perspectives and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her ability to challenge the status quo, coupled with her authenticity, has allowed her to navigate complex organizational structures and drive positive change.
Through her book co-written with Lois Kelly, Rebels at Work: A Handbook for Leading Change from Within, Carmen shares the valuable wisdom she has garnered from her own experiences. She encourages readers to embrace their truest selves, inspiring a workplace revolution where rebels are celebrated and authentic leadership is embraced. Carmen Medina's profound insight serves as a how-to guide for making a meaningful impact on the world, reminding us of an important distinction:
True rebels aren’t the villains of the story. They are the visionaries.
Credit: Rebels at Work
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Resources
“Carmen Medina.” National Security Institute, 2 Apr. 2020, nationalsecurity.gmu.edu/carmen-medina/.
“Carmen Medina.” USGIF, 30 June 2022, usgif.org/biography/carmen-medina/.
Fenton, Josh. “Live: ‘Optimism Is Critical,’ Says Former CIA Intelligence Director Medina - #BIF2017 Summit.” GoLocalProv, 4 Sept. 2017, www.golocalprov.com/live/bif2017-summit-optimism-is-critical-says-former-cia-intelligence-director-m.
Rebels at Work, www.rebelsatwork.com/. Accessed 3 July 2023.
