In this episode, I chat with James a first-time British diplomat in one of the world’s toughest postings. We cover the life-changing but career-tightrope-walking art of vibe reporting (loved in capital, risky at post), how to keep calm when missiles are overhead, and why trust is the only thing that keeps a small embassy afloat. Plus: why he is my most nightmare of nightmare fellow travellers.

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I write more deeply about what I learn from my intervieweesalong with insights from 20+ years as a diplomat and army officer - in my weekly newsletter, Diplomatic Dispatches.

You can also find me here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-uptonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat

The views expressed in this episode are the personalreflections of the guest. They do not represent the official positions of the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office or any government.

This podcast shares human stories and transferable lessonsfrom diplomacy - not day-to-day operational details.

Chapters:00:00 Introduction

04:03 Navigating Anxiety: The Unknowns of a New Posting

06:21 Self-Discovery: Lessons Learned in a Foreign Land

08:29 The Unique Dynamics of Embassy Life

11:05 The Journey into Diplomacy: Expectations vs. Reality

13:23 Understanding Impact: The Role of a Diplomat

15:46 The Power of Storytelling in Diplomacy

17:13 Capturing the Vibe: Reporting Beyond Formalities

23:43 The Reality of Diplomatic Work

25:07 Skills Developed Under Pressure

25:50 Perspective and Big Picture Thinking

26:20 Trust and Team Dynamics in Crisis

28:54 Preparation for Crisis Scenarios

31:06 Emotional Intelligence in Diplomacy

35:40 Self-Care and Resilience

39:32 Getting Stuck In: Embracing New Experiences

41:31 Breaking Stereotypes of Diplomats

47:25 Building Trust in Teams

50:08 The Nature of Impact in Diplomacy