In this edition of The Briefing, Emerging Trajectories welcomes Nikki Rutman, Managing Partner of Global Intelligence & Investigations at Sentinel. With nearly two decades across the Department of Defense, FBI, Justice Department, and Moderna, Nikki has built and led intelligence programs that turn complexity into actionable insight. She describes intelligence not as raw information, but as a process—collecting, analyzing, and distilling signals into clarity—always guided by the principle mission first, people always.

Today, Nikki sees a world growing more divided even as global risks intensify. Her work, often invisible behind the one-page reports executives rely on, demands comfort with uncertainty and relentless critical thinking. From recognizing early signposts of COVID-19 to navigating the limits of open-source intelligence, she underscores that while AI may support the craft, human judgment and context remain irreplaceable.

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About The Briefing‍

‍The Briefing from Emerging Trajectories uncovers how industry leaders cut through noise, spot what matters, and act decisively in a world of constant change.