Andrew Kirsch

Former Canadian Spy Andrew Kirsch gives a rarely seen peak behind the curtain of Canada’s intelligence agency. He explains what the Canadian Security Intelligence Service is, what it’s really like to work there, and why it’s important that you know more about it! Canada is perceived as a safe country. But that isn’t an accident, and it isn’t guaranteed to continue. We face very real security threats, as individuals, companies and a country. Whatever security we enjoy is not because there aren’t bad people out to get us; but because everyday men and women in our national security community do their part to keep it that way. And now, more than ever, they need all our help. Andrew shares some entertaining stories from his national bestselling memoir I Was Never Here: My True Canadian Spy Story of Coffees Code Names and Covert Operations in the Age of Terrorism, to explain the threats Canada faces, the challenges to come and the role we all must play to keep each other safe.

Former Canadian Spy Andrew Kirsch gives a rarely seen peak behind the curtain of Canada’s spy agency. In a ten-year career he held roles as a policy analyst, a field investigator, ultimately leading teams on clandestine warranted special operations. Whether tracking suspected terrorists or planting covert technical surveillance equipment late into the night he was faced with many challenging decisions that had severe national security consequences. In those tense moments all of his leadership and problem-solving skills were put to the test. While his career was unique, finding solutions to difficult problems when the stakes are high and pressure is on, is a challenge we all face on a daily basis. Through entertaining stories from his career and bestselling memoir I Was Never Here: My True Canadian Spy Story of Coffees Code Names and Covert Operations in the Age of Terrorism, Andrew shares the events and lessons he learned from a career in spying. This includes the importance of effective communication, the honest assessment of resources and capabilities, how living our core values impacts trust, and ultimately the decision-making framework he came to rely on when making the toughest calls.