When Jesus Pena Garcia graduated from university in Spain in 2005, he applied for a mysterious position at the Spanish Defence Ministry. Little did he know that this would mark the beginning of a year-long recruitment process that would transform him into an intelligence officer. After a decade of service, however, Garcia decided to leave the Spanish Intelligence Service and embrace a new career in the world of startups.
Reflecting on his recruitment process, Garcia recalls the secrecy surrounding the job. Applicants were kept in the dark about the position and salary. Many people dropped out, but Garcia persevered and passed the rigorous psychological test. As an intelligence officer, he found the job exciting but all-consuming. He was expected to prioritize his employer’s needs above everything else and was constantly being monitored.
To maintain a low profile, Garcia had to lead a grey life with no social media presence. Romantic relationships and personal issues had to be reported to ensure they couldn’t be used against him. Despite the challenges, Garcia found exhilaration in his work. From installing electronic jammers in Lebanon to prevent terror attacks to participating in critical missions, he was involved in crucial operations.
However, after almost a decade, Garcia began to feel the negative effects of social isolation, rigid hierarchy, and a lack of career progression in the intelligence service. He described it as being trapped in a golden cage, with limited personal growth opportunities. Moreover, the agency’s culture of distrust made it difficult for Garcia to trust others outside of work.
In an effort to improve his English, Garcia took a sabbatical and relocated to Luxembourg. He faced a significant challenge: he couldn’t disclose his previous job for security reasons, which made job hunting difficult. Despite his initial struggles, Garcia eventually convinced the intelligence service to allow him to openly discuss his career, and he found his place in the thriving startup ecosystem of Luxembourg.
Garcia established his own startup called Bit Valley and became a founding member of the House of Web 3. Although he experienced a significant transition from intelligence officer to entrepreneur, Garcia found fulfillment in his new role. He still cherishes the relationships he developed during his time in the service and appreciates the pride his family feels about his past work.
Adapting to civilian life was a process for Garcia. Trusting people again and starting from scratch without an inflated ego was challenging. However, he embraced networking events and became passionate about communicating innovations in technology, particularly in the field of Web 3.
Looking back, Garcia has no regrets about his time in the Spanish Intelligence Service. He acknowledges that it shaped him into the person he is today and opened doors for new opportunities. However, he has no desire to return to his previous career. Garcia’s life has taken a positive turn since leaving the service. He is now happily married with two children, working as vice president of Europe for Damco, an IT services company. He continues to pursue his passion for blockchain applications and remains fascinated by the ever-evolving world of Web 3.
Garcia’s journey is a testament to the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a high-stakes intelligence career to the uncertain yet fulfilling world of startups. From the emotional moment he left the service to his current success, Garcia’s story showcases the resilience and adaptability required to forge a new path after leaving a long-term profession.
