Former CIA Analyst and Counterterrorism Operations Officer
John Kiriakou: Biography at a Glance
- John Kiriakou is a former CIA analyst and counterterrorism operations officer who led high-stakes missions following the September 11 attacks, offering a rare insider’s view into the front lines of U.S. intelligence.
- He became the first CIA Officer to publicly confirm the use of waterboarding, exposing one of the most controversial chapters in modern U.S. history and igniting a global conversation around ethics, policy, and accountability.
- He remains the only CIA officer imprisoned in connection with the U.S. torture program, bringing a deeply personal perspective on the cost of speaking out and the realities of government secrecy.
- As the United States recognizes its 250th anniversary and beyond, Kiriakou’s story offers a timely lens on the nation’s founding ideals, examining how principles like liberty, transparency, and accountability are tested in moments of crisis.
- A bestselling author and commentator, he examines national security, civil liberties, and the balance between power and principle in modern institutions.
- Today, he is a compelling voice on integrity under pressure, decision-making in high-stakes environments, and what organizations can learn when values are tested in real time.
Videos
Biography
John Kiriakou is a former CIA analyst and counterterrorism operations officer and one of America’s most widely recognized national security whistleblowers. Following the September 11 attacks, he served as the CIA’s chief of counterterrorism operations in Pakistan, where he led teams involved in early raids against al-Qaeda leadership. He later became Executive Assistant to the CIA’s Deputy Director for Operations and served as the Director of Central Intelligence’s principal briefer on Iraq.
In 2007, Kiriakou became the first former CIA officer to publicly confirm that the agency used waterboarding and other forms of torture against detainees, and that these practices were official U.S. policy approved at the highest levels of government. His disclosure triggered a multi-year federal investigation that culminated in his prosecution. To avoid a trial that could have resulted in decades of imprisonment and permanent separation from his family, Kiriakou accepted a plea agreement and served 30 months in federal prison. He remains the only CIA officer to go to prison in connection with the U.S. torture program, despite never having tortured anyone himself.
Since his release, Kiriakou has continued to write and speak about national security, government secrecy, civil liberties, and the personal cost of conscience. He has received numerous awards for integrity and civic courage, including the PEN First Amendment Award, the Sam Adams Award for Integrity in Intelligence, and the Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage. His story has become part of the historical record, with portraits held by the Smithsonian Institution, the Tate Modern, and the Museum of Peace.
Kiriakou is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestselling The Reluctant Spy, Doing Time Like a Spy, and The Convenient Terrorist. He writes regularly for Consortium News and Covert Action Magazine and continues to be a leading voice on the realities and consequences of America’s national security state.
Topics
Leadership Lessons from the CIA: Decisions That Define You
In high-stakes environments where decisions carry real consequences, John Kiriakou offers a rare insider perspective on leadership, accountability, and ethical decision-making under pressure. Drawing from his experience inside the CIA and his role in exposing one of the most controversial policies in modern U.S. history, he explores what happens when loyalty and integrity collide.
With powerful storytelling and practical insight, Kiriakou challenges audiences to think differently about navigating risk, speaking up, and leading with principle when it matters most. His message is clear and broadly relevant: values are not proven in theory, but in the moments that test them.
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FAQs
How do I book John Kiriakou for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book John Kiriakou to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
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Who is John Kiriakou's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for John Kiriakou’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all John Kiriakou in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact John Kiriakou's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
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CAA Speakers can check John Kiriakou's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list John Kiriakou, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is John Kiriakou's speaking fee?
John Kiriakou's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, John Kiriakou's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
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The cost to book John Kiriakou as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
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How to contact John Kiriakou for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all John Kiriakou speaking engagements.
Official contact for John Kiriakou bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/john-kiriakou
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking John Kiriakou.
Is John Kiriakou available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, John Kiriakou speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
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What events can I book John Kiriakou for?
Book John Kiriakou for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. John Kiriakou customizes content for any audience size or event type.
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John Kiriakou booking information and availability
Check John Kiriakou's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
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- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure John Kiriakou for your preferred event date.
Book John Kiriakou keynote speaker through CAA
Book John Kiriakou through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for John Kiriakou, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
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Will John Kiriakou speak at private events?
Yes, John Kiriakou speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
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How quickly will I get a response about booking John Kiriakou?
CAA Speakers responds to John Kiriakou booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
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Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book John Kiriakou?
Book John Kiriakou 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get John Kiriakou pricing information?
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For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
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CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.
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