Joe Zacks

Examiner
DISC Type : cs

Adjunct Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

McLean, Virginia, United States

Overview

Joe Zacks is the Co-founder of Aardwolf Global Solutions, drawing on over 42 years of national security experience. A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and former CIA Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism, he holds a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University and contributes national security analysis for CBS News.

Outside of his primary professional roles, Joe is an avid reader and reviewer of books, with a particular focus on spy novels and works concerning military history and national security. His career has included extensive international postings in Germany, South Korea, India, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Unique fact: Joe has served as a CIA Chief of Station three separate times, including at a flagship station in South Asia.

Personality Overview

Unexpressive

Overcautious

Late Adopter

They are heavily focused on quality and prefer doing things the right way, even if it takes time.  The only way to convince them is by showing them examples and ample proof. They do not like taking risks at all and go for proven options in the end.

Topics They Care About

Counterterrorism Strategy
His career culminated as the CIA's Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism, and he frequently provides analysis on the topic for major news outlets.
Middle East Geopolitics
Writes and speaks extensively on Iran and regional security, drawing from his experience as Chief of Station in the Middle East and as a fellow at FDD.
Global Strategic Risk
As co-founder of a strategic intelligence firm, he advises clients on navigating geopolitical developments, supply chain security, and corporate intelligence.

Media Appearances

Joseph Zacks - FDD. Featured in Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

See Now

Work History

1-2026
Adjunct Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
1-2026
CBS News National Security Contributor at CBS News
1-2026
Subject Matter Expert at The Cipher Brief
12-2025
Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Aardwolf Global Solutions
11-2025
Managing Partner at Compass Rose Strategic Consulting, LLC

Education

1990 - 1992
Masters in Public Policy from Duke University
Certified Financial Planner from Georgetown University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 34 Location : McLean, Virginia, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Adjunct Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)
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Insights For Selling To Joe

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them which other stakeholders would be important for this purchase decision
  • Expect them to be vague in response to your questions, ask firmly and pointedly
  • Be firm in your communication and stay in control

DONT's

  • Don't use phrases like 'do not worry', 'i promise' etc.
  • Avoid getting into storytelling mode, especially when they ask specific questions
  • Don't rely on relationship building even if they act pleasantly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Joe is

  • For them, low risk and acceptance by others are very important, followed by proof of ROI.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Joe

  • Often, they don't say no, or keep going about it in circles.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Joe move?

  • They do not like to take decisions in a hurry, so they could be slow in making their mind up.
  • Can Joe take some risk or not?

  • They are low on risk-appetite and prefer to make informed decisions.

You And Joe

Personality Compatibility


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