We recently connected with Jessica Walton and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Most people don’t see creativity and national security as a natural fit—but that’s exactly where my career has taken me. Storytelling has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. I wrote short stories and essays, interned at a newspaper, and eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. My interest in national security and international affairs then led me to pursue a Master’s in Security Intelligence. Today, I’m fortunate enough to merge these two fields as a communications strategist and creative writer in the defense sector.

When I speak with interns at my company, I’m open about the fact that I stumbled into this career path. I’ve never had a “perfectly planned” ten-year roadmap. I’ve acquired most of my skills over the years through hands-on experience and self-education.

You’ll almost always find me with my nose in a book. From studying corporate communications at a local university to learning video production on set, I’ll never be too old to sit in a classroom or dive into a new skill. I’m also deeply curious about how others have shaped their careers, so I make it a point to network and seek advice from other professionals. Over time, this has helped me build a unique blend of skills, allowing me to make a meaningful and creative impact in the security field.

At the end of the day, I’d say the two most important skills that have propelled my career are adaptability and a relentless desire to learn. When you’re proactive about expanding your skill set, open to new challenges, and ready to seize opportunities, there’s really no limit to what you can achieve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a communications strategist and writer in the defense sector, based in Washington, D.C. My role also includes multimedia production, where I collaborate with video teams to interview leadership, conduct lab tours, and simplify complex national security topics for the public. I create animation series to explain cybersecurity concepts and work with graphic designers on posters, infographics, and fact sheets for various audiences, including policymakers.

In short, I’m a creative translator. I connect engineering teams with our creative professionals, taking high-tech concepts and turning them into clear, persuasive content for a variety of audiences, including decisionmakers who don’t necessarily have a technical background.

Two years ago, I began teaching a course called “Maximizing Impact,” training engineers, scientists, and government employees in strategic communications, storytelling, and writing. I’m proud of helping others develop these skills, empowering them to promote innovations that support national security. Recently, a former FBI agent came back to tell me she could now write her own video script after taking my class. I was thrilled!

Outside of my day job, I manage the (In)Security Blog, where I explore mental health and psychology issues in the security field. The platform also features a podcast where I interview military leaders, law enforcement, CIA officers, psychologists, filmmakers, and more on topics like PTSD, resilience, and the psychology of espionage. I’ve also been invited to speak on others’ podcasts, including one recent appearance in San Antonio, Texas where I discussed moral injury in the battlefield with a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Whether it’s national security or mental health advocacy, I believe in the power of collaboration. I’m always eager to volunteer for mental health symposiums by Capitol Hill or promote psychologists specializing in the security space. Running the (In)Security Blog combines my professional experience in communications, multimedia production, writing, and leadership interviews—and has introduced me to others advocating for better mental health resources for military veterans, police officers, and other security professionals.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In a world of growing complexity, we need more artists in the security community to show the true nature of conflict and drive home the impact of war to the public and policymakers alike. Yet, there are very few creatives that wind up in the security ecosystem. As a result, there are very few storytellers who can translate this often overwhelming world from an intimate perspective to the rest of the population.

The security community is also rich with fascinating characters and stories, each holding valuable life lessons. But without the skill to tell these stories well, who will listen? The world of security and defense offers incredible opportunities for storytelling, for three main reasons: (1) it’s an extreme environment where you see both the best and worst of humanity; (2) the stakes are high, making the stories inherently thrilling; and (3) most stories revolve around a mission—something about that commitment resonates deeply with audiences. Think of soldiers making heroic decisions amid a moral dilemma on the battlefield, police officers showing extraordinary courage to save innocents, or intelligence officers re-entering civilian life after years of espionage.

On the tech side of security, communications are the ultimate force multiplier. Every breakthrough faces obstacles, and sharing these struggles offers a compelling narrative that the public rarely sees—especially when the tech supports national security. Storytelling explains not just how an invention was made, but why it matters.

Ultimately, the contributions of our security professionals are invaluable to the nation’s well-being. These stories deserve to be told—because they shed light on the dedication and sacrifices that keep us safe.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had known about writers’ conferences earlier in my career. I’ve spent countless hours alone, teaching myself the craft or writing late into the night alone in front of a screen. But when I started attending writers’ conferences—where I could take workshops and connect with other writers—it opened up a whole new world of ideas and connections.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicawaltonwriter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.walton.writer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica2walton/

Image Credits

Bobby Ross

Annette Johnson