Greg: Naturally, you focus on your strengths, becoming a specialist. My research has primarily focused on China, my chosen area of interest, and I’ve been able to use my language skills to combine history and linguistics. Having worked in cryptology for over 40 years, I became a specialist in cryptologic history as well. What I’m most proud of is that I never stopped researching topics outside of China or cryptology, like U.S. presidents. For example, my latest book, Presidential Foreign Language Trivia, connects my research interests with a deep dive into presidential language skills.

Greg: I’ve learned that if a topic hasn’t been researched adequately—or to your satisfaction—don’t wait for someone else to tackle it. You do it and become the expert. It’s also important to be skeptical of accepted “facts.” A lot of historians accept things as truth without thoroughly researching them. If something doesn’t sit right with you, investigate it yourself. Trust your instincts—if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve also realized that as a historian, you need others to help verify and proof your work. No historian is an island.

Greg: I was drawn to the NSA because of my Chinese language training from both college and the Army. I also had a security clearance, and the NSA was hiring. Having worked as an Army linguist, transitioning to the NSA was a natural step. Over time, I landed a job as a historian at the NSA, where I could combine both my language skills and historical expertise, conducting research with Chinese-language resources. Many of our NSA historians didn’t use language as part of their research the way I did, so I found that I could offer something unique.

Greg: While I can’t point to a single defining moment or encounter that inspired me to write this book, my decision stemmed from a clear realization. I recognized that my unique combination of qualifications—my background in language and my interest in presidential trivia—gave me a unique opportunity to explore a largely overlooked topic. No one had written extensively about the connection between presidents and their language skills, and I felt compelled to fill that gap. My advice to others is this: if you see something missing, don’t wait for someone else to address it—take the initiative and do it yourself.

Greg: It’s important to distinguish between language and communication. Some presidents, like Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, were exceptional communicators, but that didn’t necessarily mean they were masters of language. Presidents such as Bill Clinton were skilled in listening, which is also a form of effective communication. However, foreign language skills can be particularly impactful when engaging with foreign nations or domestic ethnic groups. For instance, James Garfield, one of our most linguistically gifted presidents, spoke German on the campaign trail, while George W. Bush effectively used Spanish in his communications, which helped him connect with the Hispanic community in the U.S.

Greg: While there are many instances where language knowledge benefited presidents—such as John F. Kennedy’s famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” phrase—there isn’t a strong correlation between presidential language proficiency and political success. Some of the most linguistically talented presidents, like John Quincy Adams and James Buchanan, did not fare well in terms of their presidencies. On the other hand, presidents like Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson, who were not linguists, are considered among the best. That said, I believe every president would tell you that language skills are important for effective communication and cultural competency.

Greg: I think it’s important to have a versatile skill set. When I first got hired, I had language skills, specifically in Chinese-Mandarin, and that was enough. However, today’s candidates can stand out by offering expertise in multiple languages. Moreover, knowledge of social media management, webpages, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is increasingly valuable. There are plenty of opportunities to apply this expertise within a federal government career. The more versatile you are, the better your chances are in the field. Continually learning new things will also give you a definite advantage.

Greg: For linguistics roles, it’s important to not only know a language but also to have deep exposure to it in various contexts. Simply knowing a language is not enough—being able to use it in specialized areas is crucial. Additionally, developing skills in areas like SEO, social media, or digital communication can help you stand out, especially as agencies like the NSA are looking for people who can merge technology with traditional skills. Versatility and a willingness to learn are key advantages in the modern intelligence and national security field.