Host of The President’s Daily Brief Podcast, Former CIA Covert Operations Officer, Cofounder of Diligence LLC (Portman Square Group), Host of Discovery Network's Black Files Declassified
With over 25 years of experience as the CIA’s Operations Officer and as the President and Co-Founder of Diligence LLC (now Portman Square Group), Mike Baker specializes in geopolitics, counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterinsurgency operations. Baker uses his experience within the CIA’s Operations Directorate to speak to audiences about how they can utilize intelligence to minimize risk and maximize opportunities globally. His first-hand examples, case studies, and experiences from both the Agency operating era and the time spent building Diligence, LLC, are shared to provide his audience with an unforgettable experience.
Black Files Declassified Promo Reel
Saudi Arabia considering nuclear weapons program?
Seeds of Terror: Analyzing extremism in France
In today’s increasingly interconnected and global business community, information is your most valuable commodity. Learn what how to look at the steps, resources and mindset necessary for a company to develop an internal business intelligence unit capable of providing senior management with timely, critical information supporting the company’s strategic goals and vision. Baker explains the intelligence cycle and how it relates to the commercial world.
In this address, Baker examines the threats, the perpetrators, and the methodologies involved in cybersecurity. By looking at recent case studies; best practices from the commercial world; and what our intel, law enforcement, and military are doing to protect U.S. interests, Baker leaves audiences with a deeper understanding of cyber threats and what they can do within their organization to mitigate them.
This speech is an exploration of the key geopolitical issues that pose as top threats to US National Security, including a thorough walkthrough of current relations and concerns with China, Russia, and Iran.
It’s been called the greatest transfer of wealth in history. For the US, aggressive economic espionage by China, Russia and a host of state and non-state actors means lost intellectual property, lost jobs, lost revenues and lost investment potential to the tune of tens of billions of USD per year. As former Operations Officer of the CIA, Mike Baker gives a true examination of the perpetrators, their methodologies and how US corporations, big and small, can protect their interests.
With more than 15 years within the CIA’s Operations Directorate, Baker takes and explains the 10 key rules gathered over the course of his career and show how they directly apply to starting, building, and growing a successful business. Using examples of case studies, stories, and personal experiences from both the Agency operating era and the time spent building Diligence, LLC, rules are shared and reinforced on how to properly lead a global intelligence and security firm.
Mike Baker is a globally renowned intelligence professional with over 17 years of experience serving as a covert field operations officer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). In his remarkable career, he specialized in counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and counterinsurgency operations, serving in multiple hot spots around the world.
After his illustrious service at the CIA, Mike brought his extensive intelligence expertise to the media world. Known for his razor-sharp analysis and knack for unraveling complex security issues, he is a regular guest on prominent news outlets such as CNN, Fox News, and BBC. His insightful commentary on pressing global issues offers a unique perspective, making him a sought-after analyst.
As the co-founder of Portman Square Group, a private intelligence and security firm, Mike uses his extensive experience to advise clients on risk management, providing critical input on international investigations, due diligence, and security.
In addition to his media appearances, Mike Baker has also left his mark in the world of show hosting. His most notable work includes hosting “Black Files Declassified” on the Science Channel where he takes viewers on a thrilling exploration of America’s covert operations. His ability to break down complicated themes and make them accessible for viewers has made him a beloved figure on TV.
Outside the media world, Mike is a captivating speaker, regularly invited to address audiences at conferences, events, and academic institutions. His speeches are renowned for their engaging narratives, practical insights, and thoughtful analysis, drawn from his vast experiences in the fields of intelligence and security. He has spoken on a variety of topics, including global security challenges, the impact of technology on espionage, and the role of intelligence in shaping foreign policy.
Mike Baker’s multifaceted career—spanning intelligence, media, and public speaking—makes him a unique figure whose insights and perspectives are truly unparalleled. His commitment to sharing his wealth of knowledge makes him a highly desirable speaker, commentator, and consultant for those seeking an expert’s view on global security matters.
Everything was buttoned up, from the initial outreach to the event execution and post follow-up. I have a great team of representatives from WWSG to work with, first class experience.
American Century Investments
We always enjoy working with WWSG, and we thank you and your team for your diligence, thoroughness, and professionalism. Planning is already underway for next year's event (no rest for the weary). We hope to have every opportunity to work with you again in the near future.
Texas American Resources Company
Thanks again for all your help. Your entire team there is truly stellar.
American Property Casualty Insurance Association
The team at WWSG is certainly at the top of the scale. Building a long-term relationship with the client has really set WWSG apart and we clearly saw that with our partnership. WWSG found creative ways to build the partnership which results in a win-win for all.
Erik Qualman, Top Technology and Motivational Speaker, #1 Bestselling Author & Futurist
The WWSG team are super responsive and flexible. I will definitely work with them again to find speakers for my next event.
Ernst & Young LLP
I hope to work again and again with Worldwide Speakers Group on the selection of our keynote and endnote speakers for our annual conference and other events. Our representative and her associate were terrific from my first communication to them until our speaking-event concluded... It is easy to see why many of the top speakers in the country work with Worldwide Speakers Group.
The National Recreation and Park Association
All timing and logistics were seamless, and the client was super engaged and thankful. I’m happy to report that we have another WIN for WWSG! Let’s build on the momentum together!
Josh Linkner, Tech Entrepreneur, Hyper-Growth CEO, NYT Best-Selling Author, Venture Capitalist, and Keynote Speaker
The consistent professionalism and quality for the way Worldwide Speakers Group handles events shows that they think of each detail and every contingency beforehand.
Newt Gingrich, Distinguished Leader, Visionary, & Political Vanguard; 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate; Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (1995-1999); Best-Selling Author
“After 20 years in the lecture series business, WWSG has become a valued partner. We produce over 24 speaking events a year and have worked with dozens of agencies. We appreciate WWSG’s unparalleled professionalism, integrity, and creativity in suggesting speakers that are unique to the speaker circuit."
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
They provide us well-prepared and informed speakers who understand our expectations and unique format. With WWSG, we know that the speaker fees are fair and trust that the event will be a success.
The Distinguished Speaker Series of Southern California
