Category: Misrecognition
Who gets overlooked, misunderstood or blamed.
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![When the Door Closed [1-page story]](https://adriancowderoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/When-the-Door-Closed-150x150.png)
When the Door Closed [1-page story]
Suzanne closed the door carefully, as wary of its ancient wood as of the publishing house’s history. She turned her back on the stone pillar and faced her colleague. “He used to say nothing would stop a publication date. Something’s happened to him.” She shook her head, not a strand of her bob out of…
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![Cheating the system [1-page story]](https://adriancowderoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cheating-the-system-150x150.png)
Cheating the system [1-page story]
The perfect AI job, at last—Maarisa figured. Her enthusiasm was met by an HR person with a stained tea mug and a frown: “Your CV is… unusual.”
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Sweet and Sour Chaos – escape from an intelligence agency to industry
An intelligence analyst tries to find a “purpose” after escaping from the “Agency” to industry. Konstantina must save her colleagues from disaster. … The story illustrates challenges of taking intelligence practices and adding them to project management in industry.
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Drumhead Trial – an example, and 6 ways to fight it
“Drumhead Trial”. An intelligence researcher is accused of incompetence when investigative journalists outsmart him. The story shows the danger of being a scapegoat – in almost any job.
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An agency man – a story of an ex intelligence officer in industry
Ex intelligence officers face many challenges adjusting to civilian life. This is a 4 page story to illustrate the transition, and the challenge of hiding their background.
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Donat’s story – choose soft skills vs hard skills
Donat’s going to miss his dream job to more experienced candidates, unless he can work a miracle. … A story of soft skills vs hard skills.
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The secret devil’s advocate – a story of managing the unknown
The Secret Devil’s Advocate is a fictional account of managing “unknown unknowns”. The 7-page story illustrates standard methods, listed here.
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“The 4 Seasons” story – elevator pitch example
Radha reread her resignation letter. It was a huge step. The Agency had been her home, and her dream.
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The Three Newbies – find your best career path
Saleem wrinkled his nose. “They laughed when we all talked about career goals for intelligence professionals. What’s wrong with a career path?”
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Person Lurking – story of AI in intelligence analysis
Person lurking by Zone Sierra. Nervous movement, potential improvised explosive device. The automated intelligence analysis flashed on Tessa’s screen.