The 51% Problem in Leadership

Diplomacy's Invisible Impact with Ambassador Susan Stevenson

How diplomacy’s quiet presence can shape lives, communities, and even the course of nations along with ordinary Americans. What does diplomacy actually look like from the inside?Most Americans never see the work diplomats do on behalf of the country. Yet diplomacy touches everything from trade and economic prosperity to conflict prevention, disaster response, public health, and the protection of American citizens abroad.In this episode of Unlocked, Madelyn Blair sits down with retired Ambassador Susan Stevenson, who spent more than three decades serving the United States around the world. From negotiations involving North Korea's nuclear program to helping Americans during crises in Equatorial Guinea and Myanmar, Ambassador Stevenson shares the realities of diplomatic service, the power of relationships, and the leadership lessons learned while representing the United States overseas.This conversation explores diplomacy not as political theater, but as the patient work of building trust, understanding cultures, and creating connections that can change lives.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ What diplomats actually do day-to-day✔ How diplomacy affects everyday Americans✔ Why relationships and trust are essential to national security✔ The realities of serving overseas for decades✔ How women have shaped modern diplomacy✔ What young people should study if they are interested in the Foreign Service✔ Why adaptability, curiosity, and mission-driven leadership matter✔ The meaning behind the diplomatic phrase "the last three feet"About Ambassador Susan StevensonAmbassador Susan N. Stevenson enjoyed a three-decade career as a diplomat, serving as Ambassador to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea and Chargé d'Affaires to Myanmar. Her career also included assignments in Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, and leadership positions within the U.S. Department of State. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, she worked in international business with the Kellogg Company.4 Things You'll LearnWhy diplomacy is one of the least understood but most important public services.How international relationships are built through trust rather than transactions.What leadership lessons diplomats learn from working across cultures.How diplomacy quietly influences security, trade, humanitarian response, and everyday life.

The World is More Alive Than We Think with Cynthia Kurtz

The surprising relationship between intention andemergence—and why understanding both may be one of the most important leadership skills of our time. #Unlocked #MadelynBlair #Resilience #Leadership #SystemsThinking #Complexity#OrganizationalDevelopment #Culture #ChangeManagement #AdaptiveLeadership#Learning

The Courage to Sing with Jolie Rocke

What it means to devote your life to a voice that exists only in the moment it is shared with Dr. Jolie Rocke. #Unlocked #MadelynBlair #Resilience #MusicEducation #Opera #ArtsEducation #Leadership #Creativity #PerformingArts #HBCU #VocalPerformance

Negotiating Love, Leadership, and Life with Angela Skurtu

What if the conversations we avoid most are the very ones that determine the quality of our relationships, leadership, and confidence? #Unlocked #MadelynBlair #Resilience #Leadership #Communication #Relationships#EmotionalIntelligence #Negotiation #SelfAwareness #HumanConnection

The Power of Saying Yes with KL Borges

Agatha Award–nominated author K.L. Borges talks aboutreinvention, mystery writing, dog rescue, and the unexpected journey from mathematics teacher to bestselling novelist. Also check out the 7 minute video of Kathy talking how she helps her students really learn math https://youtu.be/aouGqoQMfB0 #Unlocked #MadelynBlair #Resilience #RetirementReinvented #DogRescue #WomenWhoWrite