Paying Tribute to Sir Alex Younger: Insights and Lessons from a Visionary Leader

There are some individuals who leave an indelible mark, shaping not just our beliefs, but our actions as well. Sir Alex Younger was one of those remarkable figures, someone whose intellect and character inspired a deep respect and friendship.

Our paths crossed in 2020, just as he was stepping down from his distinguished tenure at MI6. I traveled to London, navigating the complexities of Covid-era travel restrictions. When I hesitated to ask him a question about the implications of those restrictions, he smiled and said, “It’s always better to ask for forgiveness than seek permission.” In that moment, I knew we’d have a great working relationship.

The purpose of our meeting was straightforward: I aimed to secure his position on the board of Recorded Future, which we ultimately achieved after navigating several obstacles. During a board meeting in New York, he introduced himself with characteristic warmth, mentioning his role at what he called the world's best intelligence agency. It was a reminder that exceptional talent and expertise are invaluable regardless of scale.

Initially, I thought Alex might be limited in teaching us about intelligence strategies that weren't based on technical elements, especially in areas like SIGINT crucial to our operations. Yet, in our first discussion about “connecting dots,” he offered a profound insight: “It’s not about connecting dots; it’s about connecting entire collections.” This moment illuminated the foundational approach behind our Intelligence Graph®, a lesson in humility for me as I realized I had underestimated his breadth of knowledge.

Despite his vast experience at the helm of MI6, Alex didn’t shy away from asking the simplest of questions. Coming from the public sector, revenue generation was not second nature to him. When terms like ARR and revenue were introduced, he raised his hand and requested an explanation of “annualized revenue.” It was a clear indication of his genuine desire to learn and grow, a quality that set him apart.

Sir Alex embodied moral clarity, not defined by division, but by a vision that encouraged collaboration among peers united by shared values capable of countering authoritarianism. He often stated that teamwork was the unique strength of the West, nurtured by trust—something our adversaries fundamentally struggle to achieve.

At the Recorded Future 2023 Predict conference, he captivated the audience by invoking Milton Friedman with the phrase, “No individual can make a pencil alone.” His profound message resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges.

In recent months, I found myself reaching out to Alex for assistance, often second-guessing whether I had asked too much of him. He delivered an exceptional briefing on Iran to thousands of Recorded Future clients, showcasing an energy and intellect that few could match. More recently, I sought his help for a personal project, a favor that, in hindsight, may have been too ambitious, yet he exceeded all expectations.

I aspire to be the kind of supportive friend to others that Alex exemplified to me. Six months ago, thinking he might appreciate a special outing, I invited him to dinner amid his treatment. We enjoyed fantastic food and even better wine. Arriving early, I alerted the staff not to draw attention to his eating and drinking. Yet Alex savored the meal and wine heartily, affirming that his treatment had left him starving. His fighting spirit was unmistakable.

As we reflect on Sir Alex Younger’s legacy, I invite my Recorded Future colleagues to raise a glass in his honor and extend thoughts to his family. It's clear he would encourage us all to combat malevolence and fortify our alliances with those we hold dear.