Carter Financial Management was honored to host James Olson on June 17, 2025, as part of our Carter Advantage Education Series. Mr. Olson captivated the room with incredible stories drawn from his 31 years of service in the CIA—alongside his equally accomplished wife. Together, they lived lives of secrecy, courage, and commitment in service to our country.
With remarkable candor and humility, Mr. Olson shared the realities of espionage, the ethical challenges faced in the field, and insights into the evolving landscape of global intelligence. He also gave us a glimpse into his current mission—shaping the minds of tomorrow as a professor at the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, where he teaches intelligence, national security, and crisis management.
After his talk, Mr. Olson generously took time to answer thoughtful questions from our guests before signing copies of his two acclaimed books: Fair Play: The Moral Dilemmas of Spying and To Catch a Spy: The Art of Counterintelligence. Each book was signed with a personal message, and many attendees shared how meaningful the experience was.
We are deeply grateful for the Olson family’s service to our country and for Mr. Olson’s willingness to share his extraordinary story with our clients and friends. It was truly a night to remember.