How to Diplomat - stories from ordinary people doing extraordinary things

The UN Diplomat: the secrets to effective negotation (and they're not what you think)

Simon and I properly geek out on UN-ery: what silenceprocedure actually means and how annoying it is when someone breaks it, how resolutions go into blue, how resolutions are actually written, what really happens in those back-corridor negotiations AND a hugely awkward storyinvolving a missing coat and a foreign minister. 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 [https://howtodiplomat.kit.com/profile?_gl=1*17coie*_gcl_au*NTkxNjk0OTUxLjE3NDk4MjY1OTUuMTk2MzI4OTgwNS4xNzU3NDIwNzg2LjE3NTc0MjA3ODY.], Diplomatic Dispatches. Simon Cleobury is now Head of Arms Control and Disarmament at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy and runs the course Diplomatic Tradecraft for Non-Diplomats.  Sign up for the next course here: https://www.gcsp.ch/courses/diplomatic-tradecraft-non-diplomats-2026 [https://www.gcsp.ch/courses/diplomatic-tradecraft-non-diplomats-2026]  You can also find me here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ [https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/]Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat [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 theUK Foreign Office or any government.

The Crisis Diplomat: how to ignore the panic, and lead through the chaos

In this conversation, John Devine shares his journey from aworking-class upbringing in Glasgow to becoming the head of the Scottish Government's office in Canada. He discusses his experiences in the Foreign Office, the challenges of consular work, and the emotional toll it can take. John reflects on his leadership style, the importance of crisis management, and his experiences with high-level diplomatic events. He also shares insights from his personal journey on the Camino, emphasizing the significance of self-discovery and the impact of his career on his life choices. Throughout the conversation, John offers valuable advice for aspiring diplomats, encouraging them to embrace their backgrounds and pursue opportunities in internationalrelations. 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 [https://howtodiplomat.kit.com/profile?_gl=1*17coie*_gcl_au*NTkxNjk0OTUxLjE3NDk4MjY1OTUuMTk2MzI4OTgwNS4xNzU3NDIwNzg2LjE3NTc0MjA3ODY.], Diplomatic Dispatches. You can also find me here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ [https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/]Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat [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 UK Foreign Office or any government. This podcast shares human stories and transferable lessons from diplomacy - not day-to-day operational details

Is Diplomacy Still Worth It? Lessons From the Coalition That Defeated ISIS

Ben Moore, once a US diplomat and now San Diego’s Global Affairs brain, joins me for a conversation about cat herding, goat rodeos, and why diplomacy still matters even when everyone pretends it doesn’t. This episode is for the diplomats doing the hard, invisible graft. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Moore's Journey 04:52 Cultural Influences and Worldview 07:32 Early Career in Diplomacy 10:11 Engaging with Adversaries in Diplomacy 13:00 Experiences in New York and Syria 15:35 The Coalition Against ISIS 18:15 Bridging Civilian and Military Perspectives 21:08 Challenges and Successes in the Coalition 23:52 The Importance of Dialogue in Diplomacy 26:45 Field Experiences and Forward Deployment 28:15 Building Trust on the Ground 30:55 Understanding Local Needs 34:44 The Role of Diplomacy in Crisis 34:56 The Importance of Diplomacy for National Security 39:22 Long-Term Solutions to Migration Issues 40:32 Transitioning from National to Local Diplomacy 45:24 Engaging the Community in Global Issues 47:32 Skills from Diplomacy Applied Locally 52:54 Advice for Future Generations 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 [https://howtodiplomat.kit.com/profile?_gl=1*17coie*_gcl_au*NTkxNjk0OTUxLjE3NDk4MjY1OTUuMTk2MzI4OTgwNS4xNzU3NDIwNzg2LjE3NTc0MjA3ODY.], Diplomatic Dispatches. You can also find me here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton]Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ [https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/]Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat [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 UK Foreign Office or any government. This podcast shares human stories and transferable lessonsfrom diplomacy - not day-to-day operational details.

The only woman in the room: how one junior diplomat built real power

Jenny Wilcox reveals the hidden reality of diplomatic life—where managing powerful personalities, navigating male-dominated spaces, and leading through crises requires mastering the small details that make big outcomes possible. From her early days in the Foreign Secretary's private office to serving as Deputy High Commissioner during international crises, she shares the unexpected skills that translate from diplomatic corridors to corporate boardrooms. 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 [https://howtodiplomat.kit.com/profile?_gl=1*17coie*_gcl_au*NTkxNjk0OTUxLjE3NDk4MjY1OTUuMTk2MzI4OTgwNS4xNzU3NDIwNzg2LjE3NTc0MjA3ODY.], Diplomatic Dispatches. You can also find me here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ [https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat [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 UK Foreign Office or any government. This podcast shares human stories and transferable lessonsfrom diplomacy - not day-to-day operational details.

Nothing Ventured Podcast: Jen

Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Upton - former British diplomat, now executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat In this warm and deeply human conversation, Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge talk with Jen Upton - a former British diplomat who has been posted to some of the world’s toughest countries and now helps leaders and teams communicate, influence, and stay grounded when the pressure’s on. As Jen says, she was “posted to places I wouldn’t get to see on holiday” - and some of those postings came with extraordinary challenges. She shares what it was like to evacuate twice with two small children and her husband, and to survive the Marriott Hotel bombing in Pakistan. These experiences gave her a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and how to stay composed when everything around you feels uncertain. Now an executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat, Jen helps others learn the art of diplomacy in everyday life - connecting with empathy, handling pressure with grace, and leading through influence rather than authority. Together, the trio explore: * How to manage fear and uncertainty in high-stakes situations * Why influence starts with curiosity * How courage often looks quiet, calm, and deeply human * The lessons diplomacy can teach us about work and life If you want to work with Jen contact her by email:  jennifer@howtodiplomat.com [jennifer@howtodiplomat.com] If you want to follow her for more insights: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton [http://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton] Diplomatic Dispatches newsletter:newsletter [https://howtodiplomat.kit.com/profile?_gl=1*17coie*_gcl_au*NTkxNjk0OTUxLjE3NDk4MjY1OTUuMTk2MzI4OTgwNS4xNzU3NDIwNzg2LjE3NTc0MjA3ODY.] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/ [https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat [https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat]  The views expressed in this episode are the personal reflections of our guest. They do not represent the official positions of the UK Foreign Office or any government. Last week, Tom Bridge launched something new for us - the NVNG Top 3: three guiding principles or suggestions that help our guests when they’re facing new challenges or difficult situations. Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge. Rebecca is an Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility. Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas - a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards. 🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing. We’re rookie podcasters determined to keep going, keep improving, and share the adventure with you. Trying something new is rarely perfect - but it’s always real. 🎧 Creative Team : Angela Young – Podcast Production, Cambridge Podcasts, Zainab Uzair – Graphics, Logo & Cover Art, Gabriella Füzi – Portrait Photography 📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: [https://wa.me/447375220027] https://wa.me/447375220027 Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/nothingventuredpodcast/] 👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try. FollowApple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1838991889]Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/61xyRbp4QwIl1uXg9Pbl5E]Podcast Index [https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7481647]RSS Feed [https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2536235.rss] https://www.buzzsprout.com/2536235/follow