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Dec 2023
56m 49s

From the Defence Human Intelligence Unit...

Grey Dynamics
About this episode

Welcome back to the Grey Dynamics Podcast! This week, we are talking to Mack! Mack is a former British Army Infantryman and Team Leader. He then went on to be recruited as an Intelligence Officer in the tri-service Defence Human Intelligence Unit (DHU). After leaving the armed forces, Mack became a recruiter. Spending some time working in the Private Equity space, before joining cyber specialists Trident Search, where he is now. We discussed transitioning from infantry to intelligence, Mack's time in DHU combatting the Islamic State, the importance of culture in the work environment and much more.


Find Mack:



We spoke about:


  • 0:33 - Mack’s background
  • 6:02 - Bridging the gap between the military and the private sector
  • 9:20 - Upskilling for veterans
  • 10:14 - Lack of consensus on intelligence job titles
  • 12:52 - Intelligence as a function constantly having to prove its worth
  • 16:05 - Mack’s time in the infantry and transition to intelligence 
  • 19:14 - Mack’s first tour as DHU
  • 21:00 - Advice to people wanting to join DHU
  • 23:07 - Referencing for employers as intelligence professionals and veterans
  • 24:44 - Moving directly from the military to private equity
  • 26:14 - The importance of culture in a workplace
  • 29:41 - Moving to different countries to offer services
  • 31:51 - Considering culture when recruiting
  • 34:04 - What long-term career advice would Mack give to those looking to join the armed forces
  • 37:05 - Getting into cyber as a route into intelligence
  • 39:18 - Salary ranges in intelligence and cyber
  • 45:02 - Mack asks Ahmed where he sees Grey Dynamics 2-3 years
  • 50:14 - Cultural recommendations 
  • 54:34 - Final thoughts


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