Comms lessons from a retired spy: Mastering Communication and Building Trust
In our latest episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with none other than JJ Brun, a retired spy and a seasoned veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces’ intelligence branch.
From Espionage to Internal Comms
JJ’s journey is nothing short of fascinating. After two decades in the military, he’s here to draw parallels between the art of espionage and the craft of internal communications. His stories from the field, especially his time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are not only gripping but also packed with lessons on decoding human behaviour and building relationships.
The Art of Rapport
Ever wondered how to establish trust in the most challenging environments? JJ shares his expertise on creating connections and understanding communication styles, whether in a war zone or the boardroom. His insights are a goldmine for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in their business or personal life.
Communication Styles and Trust
We dive deep into the nuances of engaging conversations with diverse individuals. JJ emphasises the importance of recognising and adapting to different communication preferences to foster trust and rapport in any relationship.
Value Exchange in Relationships
Learn about the dynamics of mutual benefit, as JJ recounts his experiences as a contact handler. Plus, discover why he was nicknamed by a British colleague and how perceptions play a crucial role in our interactions.
Conclusion
This episode is more than just a peek into the world of espionage; it’s a masterclass in effective communication and relationship-building that you can apply to your own life. So, are you ready to unlock the secrets of a former spy and transform your communication skills?
Tune in now and let’s embark on this journey together. And remember, I’m always eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions for future episodes.
Guest profile
JJ Brun is a seasoned veteran of the Intelligence Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces, who served with distinction as a contact handler on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Years in the discrete world of human intelligence and counter intelligence have driven JJ’s desire to understand human behaviour’s intricacies and pass on the complex notion of interpersonal communication. JJ now works with business leaders and organisations who want to learn how Decoding Human Capital can gain them a competitive edge in business and in their personal lives…all this by thinking like a Retired Spy!
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theretiredspy/
Other useful links:
https://theretiredspy.com/10questions/
https://theretiredspy.com/the-art-of-interpersonal-relationships/
Episode links
Link to a relevant episode of the podcast: https://thebigpicturepeople.co.uk/blog/podcast/neuroscience-for-organisational-communication-s3-e11/