All Segments
Secret Agent: How To Detect A Lie Instantly! - Evy Poumpouras
64 segments available
Evy Poumpouras is a former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent and multi-media journalist. She is also the co-host of Bravo TV's series ‘Spy Games’ and author of the best-selling memoir, ‘Becoming Bulletproof’. 00:00 Intro 02:22 My Mission To Unlock People's Potential 05:05 How You Became A Secret Service Officer 10:43 How To Get Someone To Do What You Want Them To 13:10 When You Listen To Someone They Like You More 14:34 You Need To Know About Them And Then You Can Start Asking The Right Questions 18:18 How To Get Others To Respect You 22:59 Is It Your Ego Or Have Your Boundaries Being Broken? 26:49 How To Build Confidence 29:34 The Different Versions Of Ourselves We Create 32:49 What I Learnt About Leadership From Working With 4 US Presidents 35:47 I Was In The Room When US Presidents Would Make Tough Decisions 38:36 My First Day Working For George Bush 41:07 Secret Service Training: Only 1% Make It Through 44:16 The 1% Of People That Became Part Of The Secret Service 46:06 How Can You Tell If Someone Is Lying To You? 48:16 Who's The Biggest Liar You've Met? 50:54 Signs They're Lying To You 52:59 What Your Body Language Reveals About You 01:00:19 Do Men Struggle With Strong Women? 01:01:00 What Advice Would You Give Your Daughter Become A Resilient Person 01:04:37 What Do You Work Out Your Mind And Body 01:07:19 What Was The Scariest Day Of Your Career? 01:12:28 How Was Your Mental Health During Your Career? 01:17:48 Discrimination In The Secret Service 01:19:39 How To Be Heard And Respected 01:25:51 Why You Need To Take Personal Responsibility 01:33:48 The Addiction To Being A Victim 01:35:02 Identifying Victims That Don't Want To Change 01:39:47 Undercover Missions 01:45:24 Discrimination In The Job 01:50:58 Labelling Yourself Can Affect The Way You See Yourself You can purchase Evy’s book, ‘Becoming Bulletproof’, here: https://amzn.to/3yOiwFN Follow Evy: Instagram - https://bit.ly/4aN4q4D Twitter - https://bit.ly/4c4TErD My new book! 'The 33 Laws Of Business & Life' is out now - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook Follow me: https://beacons.ai/diaryofaceo Sponsors: PerfectTed: http://bit.ly/PerfectTed-DOAC with an exclusive code DIARY10 for 10% off ZOE: http://joinzoe.com with an exclusive code CEO10 for 10% off
Segments Timeline
Unlocking Potential Through Listening
Evy Poumpouras, a former U.S. Secret Service agent, shares her insights on the importance of understanding people's motivations and the art of listening. She emphasizes that everyone is motivated by different factors and that effective communication involves listening more than talking. This segment sets the stage for her mission to help others unlock their potential by applying these principles.
"being an interrogator special agent with the US Secret Service I'm trained in the art of reading people's body language verbal cues I mean even written statements so you can figure out who's full of B..."
The Journey to Becoming Bulletproof
Evy discusses her journey from growing up in New York as the daughter of immigrants to becoming a police officer and then a Secret Service agent. She reflects on how her experiences shaped her, emphasizing the importance of learning from elite performers and the humbling nature of her training. This segment highlights the foundational experiences that led to her writing 'Becoming Bulletproof.'
"[Music] episode Evie if someone's just clicked onto this podcast to listen because they thought the title was interesting or the thumbnail was interesting with the understanding that we're going to ta..."
The Dual Role of the Secret Service
Evy explains the two primary functions of the U.S. Secret Service: protecting the president and conducting investigations. She shares insights into the selfless nature of protection and the complexities of investigating fraud. This segment provides a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and challenges faced by Secret Service agents.
"practicing of it flexing that muscle it's like a workout you have to keep doing that and being honest with yourself you Secret Service nobody wants to hear excuses nobody cares how you feel I don't me..."
Undercover Operations: A Case Study
In this segment, Evy recounts a thrilling undercover operation involving a Russian fraudster. She details the planning and execution of the mission, including how she and her partner lured the suspect to the U.S. This captivating story illustrates the strategic thinking and adaptability required in undercover work.
"so you have to really rewire like something that's instinctual that's protection the other aspect of it is investigations they work investigations fraud a lot of fraud a lot of complex crimes and toda..."
Understanding Motivations: The Key to Influence
Evy discusses the importance of understanding a person's motivations to influence their actions. She shares a framework involving ideology, reward, coercion, and ego, emphasizing that listening is crucial to uncovering what drives individuals. This segment is essential for anyone looking to enhance their persuasive skills in business and personal interactions.
"back up there you said that what he wanted was more money when when you're trying to understand how to get someone to do what you want to do what are the sort of core components of that I spoke to um ..."
The Power of Listening
Evy highlights how listening can enhance relationships and influence. She explains that when you listen, people feel valued and are more likely to connect with you. This segment underscores the importance of active listening in both personal and professional settings.
"example I gave you with a Russian he's motivated by money how did you figure that out was there a certain question or was it just one his action showed it cuz he wants money and then in talking to him..."
Balancing Warmth and Professionalism
In this segment, Evy discusses the balance between being warm and maintaining professionalism. She warns against the pitfalls of trying too hard to be liked and emphasizes the importance of competence and respect in building relationships. This insight is crucial for leaders and professionals aiming to foster effective communication.
"element here warmth is I show you respect so instead of me trying to get you to like me how about I just show you respect what does that look like in reality showing some more respect is that again th..."
Setting Boundaries and Addressing Disrespect
In this segment, Evy discusses the significance of setting boundaries in professional relationships. She explains how leaders often struggle with confrontation and the consequences of avoiding conflict. Evy stresses the need to address disrespectful behavior promptly to maintain authority and respect within a team.
"maintain my boundaries what about when someone compromises your boundaries or disrespects you how do you react to that because I think a I have a lot of um leaders around me in my various businesses a..."
Conflict Resolution: The Key to Leadership
Evy Poumpouras shares insights on conflict resolution and the importance of addressing issues directly. She reflects on her experiences with leaders and how they can effectively manage confrontations. This segment highlights the necessity of maintaining professionalism while navigating difficult conversations.
"going to say what standards have you created or what things have you set up to let people think I don't have to deliver on time I can't be disrespectful I can't show up late for work that's the first ..."
The Importance of Setting Standards
Evy discusses the significance of establishing clear standards in the workplace. She shares a story about a mistake made by a team member and how addressing it constructively can lead to better outcomes. This segment emphasizes the role of leadership in creating an environment of accountability and respect.
"so that's what I'm going to say first and he's right what tone have I set in the environment that I'm working that people think it's okay to do these things that's one now let's say sometimes I have a..."
Leading by Example: Owning Mistakes
In this segment, Evy highlights the importance of leading by example and owning up to one's mistakes. She explains how her transparency encourages her team to take responsibility for their actions. This discussion underscores the value of vulnerability in leadership and fostering a culture of trust.
"the cabinet room is where the president would sit with all his heads you know Secretary of Treasury Secretary of Homeland Security and they would discuss and debate policies laws and they would compet..."
Navigating Personal Boundaries
Evy Poumpouras explores the delicate balance between personal boundaries and professional relationships. She discusses how to discern between genuine disrespect and personal ego, emphasizing the need for self-awareness in leadership. This segment provides valuable insights into maintaining healthy interpersonal dynamics.
"brought up with the respect part just make sure people are truly disrespecting you and that's not your ego that feels disrespected cuz sometimes people can't take somebody pushing back and if my goal ..."
The Impact of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
Evy reflects on the influence of one's social circle on personal and professional growth. She discusses the importance of surrounding oneself with positive, driven individuals and how this can lead to greater success. This segment highlights the concept of social osmosis and its effect on behavior and mindset.
"whether they should or shouldn't and then it becomes the norm you know it's interesting so I'm a very um like a I'm quick too to jump and like I don't want to say go into attack mode but I I have it I..."
Creating a Positive Work Environment
In this segment, Evy shares her approach to fostering a positive work environment. She emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and maintaining respect within the team. Evy discusses how her teaching methods reflect her leadership style, creating a space where everyone feels valued.
"I have found when I do that the people I work with when they make a mistake and I'm like hey what happened with this you know what eie I'm sorry I miss the deadline I own it I'll fix it they reflect b..."
The Role of Discipline in Leadership
Evy discusses the role of discipline in developing leadership qualities. She reflects on her journey and the mistakes that shaped her resilience. This segment emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and the impact of surrounding oneself with strong, capable individuals.
"now watches that interaction and they're thinking well Stephen doesn't care I was like he's letting this guy do this so I can do this right it's a I compare it to like uh when I teach so as I said I'm..."
Understanding Different Versions of Yourself
Evy explores the concept of presenting different versions of oneself in various contexts. She discusses how adapting one's demeanor can enhance communication and effectiveness in leadership. This segment highlights the importance of self-awareness and flexibility in professional interactions.
"showed day one and you're actually in it I didn't even know who you were there's a clip of you and some others it's a montage of videos together talking about social media and how it impacts you adver..."
The Essence of Leadership: Communication and Connection
In this segment, Evy reflects on the essence of leadership through effective communication. She shares insights gained from working with influential leaders and the importance of connecting with others. This discussion emphasizes the role of empathy and understanding in fostering strong relationships.
"grew that it's a lot of mistakes and a lot of discipline and it's also the people you surround yourself with will set that example that tone for you if everybody around me is a mess or everybody aroun..."
Learning from Great Leaders
Evy Poumpouras shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences with U.S. Presidents. She discusses the resilience required to lead under pressure and the importance of maintaining composure in the face of criticism. This segment highlights the qualities that define effective leadership.
"into my life you're unsteady I'm unsteady but everybody around me it's like a I don't want to say it's like a calculus problem but it's kind of simple math man look at who's around you you are them th..."
Lessons in Resilience from Presidents
Evy Poumpouras shares her insights on resilience learned from working alongside U.S. Presidents like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. She emphasizes how these leaders handle public criticism and maintain composure under pressure, illustrating the importance of resilience in leadership. Evy reflects on how witnessing their ability to rise above negativity inspired her own resilience.
"leadership from those individuals from observing them and seeing how they conducted themselves and how they communicated you know in the UK we see someone like Barack Obama is a really incredible lead..."
Rational Decision-Making Under Pressure
In this segment, Evy discusses the rational decision-making processes of U.S. Presidents during high-stakes situations. She highlights how they remain calm and composed, focusing on facts rather than emotions, which is crucial when making significant decisions that affect national security. Evy contrasts this with the emotional responses often seen in everyday decision-making.
"they all had their their gift you know and even Trump you brought up Trump before I think what people like about him he's just direct he's very direct and he just lands it he says what he says and he ..."
The Importance of Focused Leadership
Evy recounts her first experience standing post for President George W. Bush, illustrating the importance of maintaining a focused and distraction-free environment. She explains how Bush's insistence on silence and attention during critical moments set a standard for leadership and respect within the team, emphasizing the ripple effect of such boundaries on organizational culture.
"it's those moments when you say something you shouldn't say then afterward you regret it why did that person get me to say that I went in with this intention I got of got pulled in this direction this..."
The Rigorous Path to Secret Service
Evy Poumpouras details the intense selection process for becoming a U.S. Secret Service agent, revealing that only 1% of applicants are chosen. She describes the extensive background checks, psychological evaluations, and rigorous training that candidates undergo, highlighting the commitment and integrity required to serve in such a critical role.
"trying to cultivate why did you get that job because when I was reading through the numbers around how many people sort of apply to do the initial training and then how many people ultimately get to b..."
Trustworthiness in Law Enforcement
In this segment, Evy discusses the qualities that the Secret Service looks for in candidates, particularly trustworthiness and integrity. She explains how these traits are essential for agents who handle sensitive information and make critical decisions, emphasizing that a lack of honesty in one's past can disqualify a candidate from service.
"it happens all the time what is it about you then if you reflect in hindsight now and go the reason I got through all of that is because I am I didn't know any better I didn't know any better not to a..."
Mastering the Art of Deception Detection
Evy shares her experiences as a polygraph examiner and interrogator, discussing how she identifies deception in individuals. She explains the importance of establishing baselines for behavior and recognizing shifts in body language, illustrating how intuition plays a crucial role in detecting lies. Evy recounts a memorable encounter with a skilled liar, showcasing the challenges of her work.
"figure out who's full of BS and who isn't no one you feel it I think your intuition is a huge thing and we we dismiss it two people show you you create baselines on people so if I sit and I speak to s..."
Divine Intervention: A Liar's Tactics
In this segment, Evy discusses the common phrases used by liars, such as invoking divine witness to bolster their claims. She explains how these tactics can serve as red flags during interviews, revealing deeper insights into human behavior and the psychology of lying. This exploration into the mind of a liar provides valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their lie detection skills.
"but not looked at me I'm sorry and you know one one of the things people would do doesn't doesn't mean people are always lying when they do this but one of the things I would see a lot of guilty peopl..."
The Confidence Connection
Evy Poumpouras emphasizes the importance of eye contact and body language in conveying confidence and authority. She explains how these non-verbal cues can impact interpersonal communication and how they reflect one's self-worth. This segment offers practical advice on how to project confidence, which is essential for effective leadership and personal interactions.
"hey you know what I'm in charge I don't need to tell you I show you what about um body language you know because I'm thinking about people that I know that are particularly low in self-esteem and they..."
Building Self-Worth: The Journey to Sovereignty
Evy reflects on her personal journey of building self-worth and confidence, sharing how her perception of herself changed over time. She discusses the importance of internal validation over external approval and how this shift led to greater success in her personal and professional life. This segment is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of self-belief.
"25 26 27 is because I genuinely felt like I was good enough for them like so you know this is why I reflect on this idea of like I know people would click podcasts like this because they want the the ..."
Parenting with Purpose: Raising Resilient Children
In this segment, Evy discusses her approach to parenting and the importance of controlling her child's environment to foster resilience. She shares insights on how to protect children from negative influences and the significance of instilling strong values. This conversation highlights the proactive steps parents can take to ensure their children grow up with a healthy mindset.
"know when you know you're going to get there when you're Sovereign when you feel like I don't need anybody it's wonderful to have human beings around me and I think connection is it's it's it's wonder..."
The Impact of Technology on Youth
Evy addresses the challenges posed by technology and social media on today's youth. She shares her strategies for limiting exposure to harmful content and fostering a healthy relationship with technology. This segment underscores the importance of mindful parenting in an increasingly digital world and the long-term effects of early exposure to technology.
"that I'll give you a small example I've never put an iPhone in front of her I have no working television in my house because I control what she absorbs not the internet and I'm going to hold on to tha..."
Mind-Body Connection: The Importance of Physical Health
Evy discusses the critical relationship between physical health and mental well-being. She emphasizes the need for regular exercise and how it can serve as a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional regulation. This segment provides valuable insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle and the role of physical fitness in overall mental health.
"to have to listen understand what her value systems are what she cares about but her exposure to them is reg I regulate that even the school she's going to go to I sit there I'm already thinking about..."
Running Away from Stress: A Personal Release
In this segment, Evy recounts a powerful moment when she used running as an emotional release after a stressful day. She describes the cathartic experience of running in harsh winter conditions, illustrating how physical activity can help process emotions and stress. Evy emphasizes the significance of physical health in maintaining mental clarity and emotional balance.
"garbage and we give it garbage when I run and I work out at night all the stress I'm like any other human being I accumulate stress people's anx stuff coming at me and I need a way to release it so at..."
A Life-or-Death Decision: The Most Scared I've Ever Been
Evy shares a harrowing experience from her time in the Secret Service when she faced a life-or-death decision during a high-stakes chase. She describes the tension of potentially having to shoot a suspect while ensuring her partner's safety. This segment highlights the intense pressure and split-second decisions agents must make, revealing the psychological toll of such responsibilities.
"your mind you strike me as someone that is pretty Fearless I I I say pretty because we all I think we all have fear in us I think fear is a useful natural emotion but you you're someone that clearly h..."
The Aftermath of a Close Call
After the intense chase, Evy reflects on the emotional impact of almost shooting an innocent person over a minor theft. She discusses the weight of responsibility that comes with her job and how this incident has stayed with her. This segment underscores the moral complexities faced by law enforcement and the importance of making sound judgments under pressure.
"running he's not listening to anything he goes he turns the black we're still chasing him then he turns into a a parking garage in New York City that there's these parking garages and they go all the ..."
Normalizing Mental Health Conversations
Evy discusses the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in high-pressure jobs like the Secret Service. She advocates for normalizing feelings of anxiety and depression, emphasizing that these emotions are natural. Evy encourages a shift in narrative to accept and address mental health struggles rather than stigmatizing them, promoting a healthier dialogue around emotional well-being.
"I had a choice where I was like do I do you shoot because I think he's gonna shoot my partner because he's not showing me his hands and he's fidgeting do I not shoot give him the benefit of the doubt ..."
The Reality of Anxiety in High-Stakes Situations
In this segment, Evy opens up about her experiences with anxiety while working in the Secret Service. She acknowledges that feeling anxious is a normal response to high-stakes situations, such as protecting the president. Evy emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting these feelings rather than suppressing them, advocating for a more compassionate understanding of mental health.
"shoot him because he's not following my instructions I cannot see his hand my partner's out there he could kill my partner I don't know if he has a gun I had all these escalating reasons to think that..."
The Challenges of Protecting Vulnerable Individuals
Evy shares her experiences protecting individuals outside of the presidency, particularly focusing on the challenges of safeguarding family members of high-profile figures. She discusses the limitations of resources and the unique pressures of ensuring their safety in public settings. This segment highlights the complexities of security work and the emotional burden it carries.
"happy I've been fulfilled I've been like man I just did that when I woke up when I would wake up at 3:00 a.m. to go to the White House to stamp post for 10 hours outside the Oval Office in the freezin..."
The Importance of Trust in Security Operations
Evy reflects on the trust and honor system that once governed the Secret Service, discussing how breaches of trust led to stricter confidentiality agreements. She emphasizes the significance of trust in high-stakes environments and how it impacts the effectiveness of security operations. This segment sheds light on the ethical considerations in law enforcement and the consequences of breaking that trust.
"has no idea about all the the protocols we put in place so I can't say the president per se because I feel like he got all the bells and whistles but maybe there were times where it was hard to protec..."
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in a Male-Dominated Field
Evy addresses the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly as a woman in the predominantly male Secret Service. She shares her perspective on not allowing feelings of inadequacy to take hold and emphasizes her hard-earned place in her career. This segment encourages women to recognize their achievements and challenge the narratives that undermine their confidence.
"follow that the average person won't understand how we move our vehicles how they're positioned and why uh how we how we would fight an attacker like there's scenarios we play and movements that exist..."
Gaining Respect in the Workplace
In this segment, Evy discusses strategies for gaining respect in professional environments, particularly when faced with dismissive colleagues. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication, body language, and the value of speaking only when one has something meaningful to contribute. Evy provides practical advice for ensuring one's voice is heard and respected in any setting.
"head and take up real estate so one is my NE my naiveness and my ignorance allowed me to get to where I was because I didn't have this narrative I shouldn't be there by whose standard that's one the o..."
The Contribution Score
Evy Poumpouras discusses the concept of a 'contribution score' in meetings, explaining how individuals are often judged based on their past contributions. She shares personal observations from her experience in boardrooms, highlighting how some people are dismissed due to a history of unproductive contributions, while others command attention due to their valuable input.
"companies cuz communicate is a big thing don't just talk to talk there's this thing out there and especially with women where it's like make sure they hear you make sure your voice is heard at the tab..."
The Power of Silence
In this segment, Evy emphasizes the importance of knowing when to speak and when to listen in meetings. She reflects on her experiences where being the quietest person in the room can be advantageous, allowing her to absorb knowledge from others. Evy advocates for the value of silence and thoughtful contributions over speaking for the sake of being heard.
"an example um in my New York office back in the day there was this one one guy who we'd be in a brainstorm trying to solve a problem and he would start speaking and you you you'd see by the way he sta..."
The Importance of Energy Drinks
Evy shares her experience with PerfectTed, an energy drink she invested in, discussing its benefits for maintaining focus and energy during long meetings. She explains how it helps her avoid crashes and stay alert, making it a crucial part of her routine during demanding workdays.
"people think they think you didn't add anything right or you didn't take anything away either yes I will tell you this too Stephen when I go to meetings there sometimes I go to meetings and if I'm the..."
The Comfort of Victimhood
Evy delves into the psychology of victimhood, explaining how some individuals prefer to blame external circumstances rather than take personal responsibility. She discusses the ease of living in a victim mindset and how it can hinder personal growth and empowerment, using examples from her own experiences with clients.
"significant competitive Advantage if you haven't tried it go down to a Tesco go to a waitrose or go online and use the code diary 10 at checkout and you'll get 10% off and when you do try it let me kn..."
Leaving Trauma Behind
In this poignant segment, Evy recounts her experiences with individuals who struggle to move past their traumas. She shares a story about a woman who clung to her traumatic past, illustrating how some people define themselves by their hardships. Evy emphasizes the importance of letting go of trauma to move forward in life.
"misery do you know I but some people want to live there it becomes their identity so I am this I am how I am today because of this thing that happened to me a long time ago I remember working with thi..."
The Danger of Reliving Trauma
Evy discusses the risks associated with continuously reliving traumatic experiences, using her own experiences from September 11th as a backdrop. She highlights how some individuals become addicted to their trauma, which can lead to negative consequences in their lives, including relationship breakdowns and personal struggles.
"will give you another example September 11th so I was in the World Trade Center on September 11th I survived I was almost killed I lost colleagues and friends but I was also around other people who ex..."
Identity and Trauma
Evy explores the concept of identity tied to trauma, explaining how some individuals build their identities around their past experiences. She discusses the community and sense of belonging that can come from shared trauma, while also cautioning against allowing it to define one's life.
"he Lo his marriage he got a divorce like his whole life just fell apart but do you know he wanted to stay there he didn't want to leave it it was what it was it defined who he was I met another dude I..."
The Competition of Trauma
In this insightful segment, Evy addresses the societal trend of competing over trauma experiences. She critiques the notion of trauma as a badge of honor and discusses how this competition can detract from personal growth and healing, emphasizing the need for individual sovereignty amidst shared experiences.
"that's for them it's not for me what is the what is the harm then of not letting go of our trauma and embodying it and allowing it to become our identity like what does it stop us from doing because I..."
Empowerment Through Choice
Evy highlights the importance of recognizing personal choices in overcoming challenges. She shares a conversation with a friend who felt powerless in their job, illustrating how acknowledging one's ability to choose can lead to empowerment and a proactive approach to life.
"traumas they go through things which were nothing of their doing they weren't to blame but it doesn't mean right that we can't do something about it there's a very two different things like but you ha..."
Identifying Victim Mentality
Evy discusses the characteristics of individuals who embody a victim mentality, including their emotional focus and tendency to complain. She explains how these traits can hinder personal growth and how to recognize when someone is stuck in this mindset.
"fight flight freezer response we we Peak and some people get addicted to that Peak I'm addicted to the trauma I'm addicted to feeling that it's like the last week I was racing a car I was at Porsche a..."
Trauma as a Badge of Honor
In this segment, Evy reflects on how trauma has evolved into a competition among individuals, where people compare their hardships to gain status. She highlights the societal tendency to elevate trauma narratives, which can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth and belonging. Evy emphasizes the importance of recognizing that while trauma shapes experiences, it does not define one's identity.
"like a competition about who has more trauma that's is it not that who has I have more trauma than you no I've had it harder than you like it's a comp a competition of who's had it the hardest and it'..."
The Need for Belonging
Evy Poumpouras delves into the human desire for belonging and how it drives individuals to associate with groups, even those with negative connotations. She draws parallels between trauma bonding and gang affiliations, illustrating how people seek connection and relevance through shared narratives. This segment underscores the balance between community and personal sovereignty.
"what was the most interesting day of your career when I say interesting the day that you think about and go Jesus that was like awesome or that was from a movie so I have I can give you a story which ..."
Undercover Operations: A Personal Story
Evy shares a gripping personal account of her undercover work involving an organized crime ring. She details the challenges of assuming a false identity to infiltrate a group selling illegal documents. This segment highlights the complexities and dangers of undercover operations, showcasing Evy's resourcefulness and the psychological toll of living a dual life.
"came up with was I would be someone who had been sex trafficked from an Eastern block country cuz I I I can pass for it so um I started talking on the phone I was introduced him through another underc..."
Navigating Dangerous Encounters
In this segment, Evy recounts a tense encounter during her undercover operation where she had to negotiate with a criminal without any backup. She reflects on the strategies she employed to maintain her safety and the importance of staying composed under pressure. This narrative illustrates the high-stakes nature of her work and the mental fortitude required in such situations.
"to go get passport photos I go meet him and I remember when I met him at his I think he did construction was the outside uh thing he did we meet him I'm me I'm in like dress clothes I'm dressing like ..."
The Art of Deception
Evy discusses the skills required for successful undercover work, including the ability to convincingly portray a different persona. She emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability in high-risk scenarios. This segment provides insight into the psychological aspects of deception and the necessity of maintaining a façade while navigating dangerous environments.
"back like 2 weeks later same story I meet him I get my passports he gave me a Polish passport I won't forget it was a a real authentic polish passport and and a certificate birth certificate and all t..."
Overcoming Underestimation
Evy reflects on her experiences of being underestimated in her career, particularly as a female agent. She shares anecdotes from her early days in the Secret Service and discusses how perceptions of her identity influenced her interactions. This segment highlights the challenges of overcoming biases and the importance of self-advocacy in professional settings.
"about that subject about being underestimated and how to deal with that it was a Dei conference so diversity Equity inclusion conference lots of people that are black lots of people that are women lot..."
The Power of Identity
In this segment, Evy explores the complexities of identity, particularly in the context of race and gender. She shares a personal story about a colleague's experience with discrimination and how it shaped their perception of belonging. Evy emphasizes the need to challenge limiting beliefs and to define oneself beyond societal labels.
"Barbara excuse me Laura Bush the daughter President Bush's daughter she was doing some um some work there nonprofit work and when I was her it's called an assistant detail leader so I was kind of like..."
The Impact of Labels
Evy discusses the psychological effects of labeling, particularly in the context of race and gender. She reflects on her own experiences and the societal implications of being categorized. This segment addresses the importance of recognizing one's worth beyond labels and the potential harm that can arise from internalizing negative stereotypes.
"are walking and we're walking back to our hotel it's just he and I and he was quiet I'm like K what's wrong and he's like he's like you know what he's like I don't know he's like it's just like the gr..."
Merit vs. Identity
Evy shares her thoughts on the balance between merit and identity in professional settings. She expresses her desire to be recognized for her skills rather than her gender or race. This segment highlights the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the importance of valuing individuals based on their contributions.
"I am telling you these guys are not thinking about you're black I'm a woman like I don't think they give a [ __ ] and he's like I don't know he's like I don't want to just show up I'm like I do I aske..."
Resilience in the Face of Discrimination
In this concluding segment, Evy discusses the resilience required to navigate discrimination and the importance of maintaining a strong sense of self. She emphasizes the need to rise above societal expectations and to embrace one's identity fully. This segment serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in individuality and the pursuit of personal excellence.
"thing right for me it was like they think I'm not good enough so they have to give me a foot up I know it's deeper and it's more systemic but I've always tried to stay away from that especially when I..."
The Burden of Labels
Evy Poumpouras discusses the impact of labeling individuals, particularly in the context of discrimination and prejudice. She emphasizes that being labeled as a criminal or a victim can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where individuals internalize these labels and act accordingly. Evy shares her personal experiences as a female special agent, highlighting the challenges of being perceived through a gendered lens and the importance of owning one's identity and achievements.
"say that objectively discrimination and Prejudice isn't real I'm I've always been well aware that it's real but as you said earlier I'm also of the mind that it's not my problem in that moment to try ..."
Fighting Prejudice: A Personal Choice
In this segment, Evy reflects on the emotional toll of fighting against prejudice and discrimination. She shares her belief that while these issues are real, it is not her responsibility to change everyone’s perceptions. Evy advocates for focusing energy on personal growth and performance rather than getting bogged down by societal biases, emphasizing the importance of choosing battles wisely and maintaining mental well-being.
"in training like I found out they had male standards and female standards for performance oh yeah military too there's different schools on this so I according to this I don't have to run as fast as a..."
Energy Exchange and Personal Boundaries
Evy Poumpouras elaborates on the concept of energy exchange in interactions, particularly in situations where prejudice may be present. She discusses the importance of protecting one's mental space and not allowing negative perceptions to drain personal energy. Evy encourages listeners to be aware of how much energy they invest in fighting against biases and to prioritize their own well-being over the need to correct others.
"who are you fighting I guess that's who who are you fighting I'm not going to maybe if you're Sovereign and here and you know you show I feel like you show people I'm not I know those things exist I k..."
Becoming Bulletproof: Life Lessons
Evy concludes with insights from her book 'Becoming Bulletproof', sharing how her experiences as a Secret Service agent have shaped her understanding of resilience and personal empowerment. She emphasizes the importance of actionable advice that can be applied to various aspects of life, from professional settings to personal relationships. Evy inspires listeners to take charge of their narratives and overcome obstacles with confidence.
"mental armor like bubble MH like you can Bubble Up yourself you can look at somebody and be like all right I know what I got I don't have time cuz I'm busy what do you need to ask me are we done okay ..."
Inspiration Through Vulnerability
In this heartfelt closing segment, Evy reflects on her journey and the importance of vulnerability in leadership. She acknowledges the hurdles she has faced and how they have shaped her into a role model for others. Evy encourages listeners to recognize their own potential and to view obstacles as opportunities for growth, reinforcing the message that anyone can achieve their goals regardless of the challenges they encounter.
"become we have a closing tradition on this podcast where the last guest leaves a question for the next guest not knowing who they're going to be leaving it for and the question that has been left for ..."