The Human Side of Espionage: Lessons from Ex-MI6 Officer Matthew Dunn

When we picture a spy, Hollywood usually gives us tuxedos, gadgets, and explosions. But in reality, espionage is not about glamour. It’s about people—their fears, their motivations, their courage.

In a recent Kioi Studio conversation, former MI6 officer and bestselling author Matthew Dunn revealed the human truths behind intelligence work. His insights go far beyond spycraft; they speak to leadership, resilience, and what it means to trust in high-stakes moments.

The “Wobble” Moments

Every spy faces fear. Dunn calls them wobble moments: the point when an agent questions whether they can go through with a mission. In that instant, the officer’s role isn’t to pressure but to support. Sometimes, it means recognizing that the mission must stop—because protecting the agent always comes before the intelligence.

👉 Lesson for us: Courage isn’t about having no fear; it’s about walking with fear and knowing when to pause.

Trust and Truth Over Bravado

When agents falter, reassurance doesn’t come from false bravado. Dunn learned that admitting, “My heartbeat’s racing too”, builds more trust than pretending to be unshakable. The bond between case officer and agent can become “closer than family,” forged in secrecy and shared danger.

👉 Lesson for us: True leadership is rooted in honesty and empathy, not in playing the superhero.

The Power of Gut Instinct

In the field, decisions often happen in seconds. Dunn describes relying on a sharpened intuition—what MI6 officers call “ten-eye.” This isn’t wild guessing; it’s a gut honed by countless real-world encounters.

👉 Lesson for us: Experience teaches us to trust our instincts—and sometimes they speak faster than analysis.

Creativity in the Shadows

Perhaps unexpectedly, Dunn connects espionage to creativity. Running 14 different aliases meant embodying multiple lives and mindsets. That same imaginative flexibility now fuels his career as a novelist, where he has published 14 spy thrillers.

👉 Lesson for us: Creativity is not just art—it’s a survival skill, a way to adapt, and a bridge to storytelling.

From Espionage to Inspiration

Today, Matthew Dunn is no longer in the field. But through his novels and conversations, he continues to bring audiences into a world most will never see firsthand. What stands out isn’t just the tradecraft—it’s the humanity: fear, loyalty, resilience, and the will to keep moving forward.

💡 At Kioi Studio, we believe in sharing stories that inspire change. Matthew Dunn’s journey reminds us that whether in espionage or everyday life, the bravest acts are often the most human ones.

Listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas