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-upton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat
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In this episode of the How to Diplomat podcast, I speak to Josue Castro, an experienced diplomat who shares his journey through the complexities of diplomacy, particularly during the Arab Spring in Egypt. We talk about the challenges of navigating moral and ethical dilemmas, the importance of personal growth through adversity, and the skills gained from diplomatic experiences.
Josue reflects on his transition from diplomacy to sustainability consulting, emphasizing the significance of leadership and personal development. The conversation concludes with insights on career choices and the unique superpowers diplomats bring to the private sector.
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:25 The Journey into Diplomacy
03:05 Finding Purpose in Foreign Affairs
04:34 Balancing Idealism and Pragmatism
06:50 Navigating Human Rights and Trade Interests
07:57 Experiences in Cairo: The Dream Team
09:10 The Emotional Toll of Diplomacy
10:41 Personal Growth and Leadership Development
12:47 Staying Grounded in Intense Situations
14:50 Transitioning from Government to Private Sector
19:21 Navigating Leadership Journeys
19:55 The Importance of Reflection in Career Growth
21:55 Lessons from Diplomacy: Skills and Insights
25:12 The Value of Boundary Spanning in Professional Life
29:10 Systems Thinking: A Diplomat's Perspective
31:17 Advice for Future Diplomats and Leaders
34:16 Final Takeaways
The views expressed in this episode are the personalreflections of the guest. They do not represent the official positions of theUK Foreign Office or any government.
This podcast shares human stories and transferable lessonsfrom diplomacy - not day-to-day operational details.
