Guest: Stuart Wilson

Host: Phillip Linderman, BFF Chairman

The Ben Franklin Fellowship is proud to present a new episode of The JUNTO Podcast, hosted by BFF Chairman Phillip Linderman, featuring Stuart Wilson, BFF Fellow and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services in the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.

With more than three decades in the U.S. Foreign Service, Stuart Wilson has served in some of the most complex and challenging diplomatic posts worldwide — from Moscow to Port-au-Prince to Basrah. He has led U.S. embassies as Chargé d’Affaires on four separate occasions and brings a wealth of experience spanning political and consular work across Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.

In this conversation, Stuart shares:

• The assignments that most shaped his diplomatic approach.
• Unique insights on leading embassies in an acting capacity.
• The patterns he has observed across regions and cultures.
• The pressing challenges and reforms facing America’s visa system today.
• His perspective on restoring accountability and principle in U.S. diplomacy.

Stuart also discusses why he joined The Ben Franklin Fellowship and offers advice for the next generation of American diplomats.