Jan 21, 2021

Former Congressman Will Hurd joins us on this episode of
OODACast to discuss what he has learned about business and
entrepreneurship from a diverse career in the intelligence
community, elected office and the private sector. Will has
successfully leveraged the skills of a CIA operations officer in a
variety of contexts, including the founding of cybersecurity firm
FusionX with OODA co-founder, Matt Devost. Will most recently
served in Congress as the representative for Texas’ 23rd district
from 2015 to 2021.

In our OODACast discussion, Will provides practical, motivating
guidance on how to develop new contacts and leads, cultivate client
relationships, make an “ask” confidently and effectively, and close
deals. He has leveraged all of these skills in his capacity as an
intelligence officer overseas, a fundraiser for political office, a
co-founder of FusionX, not to mention his parents’ cosmetics
business when he was a kid!

Will explains how to prepare to meet new contacts and make
client meetings purposeful. He shares that one must be specific and
concrete when making an “ask” of a client, partner, donor or any
professional interlocutor. He emphasizes that practicing, even
role-playing, is the key to shedding the discomfort of pitching and
negotiating.

Tune in for this robust conversation if you want to become
better at selling, negotiating and closing, and learn how from a
leader in intelligence, politics and business.