One of my favourite podcasts is “Conversations with Tyler”.

Tyler being Tyler Cowen, the American economist turned thought-ninja and interviewer-extraordinaire.

On a recent episode, Cowen grilled John O. Brennan, Director of the CIA for 4 years of the Obama administration.

The conversation turned to recruitment and the war for talent.  Specifically, how the CIA competes with the Wall Street and Silicon Valley giants who can pay megabucks to flighty Millennials and Gen-Zs.

The so-called “job hopper generations” (of which I am one).

And who, according to Brennan, will happily stick it out for 2 or 3 years at the CIA to get experience and beef up their résumé, then jump ship to the razzle-dazzle of a sexy investment bank or cutting-edge start-up (with whom the CIA cannot compete).

Here’s how Brennan approaches this dilemma:

Well, we don’t look at it as a problem.  We look at it as an opportunity, that these individuals who could be hired by Silicon Valley and others and big banks are willing to give us two or three years.

That gives us time to convince them that this is the absolute best place to work because there’s such exceptionally talented people here, and there’s technology at your fingertips, and you’re really doing something to keep your families and fellow Americans safe.

Lots of wisdom in these words.

Not least approaching so-called problems as opportunities and the effect of “show, don’t tell”.

But the biggest takeaway is the pull of the mission.  

And missions don’t get much bigger than keeping your country safe.

Back to Brennan:

Our attrition rate is very, very low.  Even if individuals come into the agency with the eye to just staying for a couple of years, you’d be amazed how many decide to stay.

And as this extract shows, even the most fickle of Millennials and Gen-Z will stay put once they find their mission or purpose.  Even if mucho moolah from the glitzy, glamorous world of investment banks and suchlike is on the cards.  And even if it means throwing their career path battle plan out the window.

Such is the impact of finding your mission and purpose.

And if your own mission and purpose is something you’d like to explore:

https://calendly.com/followingfulfilment

The link will take you to a booking page for a free, 1 on 1 coaching session with me. 

Even if this is our only call, I know you’ll come away with new insight and clarity.

That’s it for today.

 - Tom