WAC Houston

Join us for a conversation with Nadia Bollinger, Vice President and General Manager of Managed Services at HP. Nadia shares her unique journey from Fort McMurray, Canada, to leading a global team at HP. She discusses the challenges and rewards of her role, the impact of AI on IT services, and how the hybrid workforce is reshaping customer expectations. Nadia also reflects on her career growth and the importance of setting ambitious goals.  

In this episode, we delve into the transformative shift towards sustainable energy solutions, spotlighting the potential of geothermal energy and carbon sequestration. Join us as we explore how these innovative sectors are reshaping the energy landscape, offering promising alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. Discover the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the quest for a cleaner, greener future. Understand also what the day of a government affairs VP at a global company is like!

Join us for a conversation with Angela Hucles Mangano, a former US Women's National Team midfielder and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Angela shares her journey from a young athlete with boundless energy to a leader in women's soccer, now serving as President and Chief Soccer Officer at the Houston Dash. Discover how her experiences on the field have shaped her leadership style and her passion for transforming club culture. Angela's story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the power of sports to bridge cultures and inspire change. Tune in to hear her insights on balancing sports and academics, and her advice for aspiring sports management professionals.

In this timely episode, Ambassador Michael Pelletier unpacks the enduring tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan. He explores the legacy of partition, the paradox of economic ties amid political hostility, China’s growing regional influence, and the challenges for U.S. diplomacy in navigating one of the world’s most volatile rivalries. With firsthand experience in the region and decades of diplomatic insight, Ambassador Pelletier brings clarity to a complex and urgent issue. Whether you're a student of international affairs or simply want to understand what’s at stake when global powers collide, this conversation offers a great context and expertise.

Presented by the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston In this episode, James M. Lindsay — Senior Vice President at the Council on Foreign Relations — offers a sharp analysis of the early trajectory and defining foreign policy decisions of the current U.S. administration. Drawing on his decades of experience in international affairs, Dr. Lindsay explores key issues reshaping America’s global role, including shifts in trade strategy, evolving alliances, and the ripple effects of new tariff measures. He provides an in-depth look at how the administration is navigating the escalating Iran-Israel conflict — balancing nuclear diplomacy with Tehran while recalibrating U.S. support for Israeli military action — and what this reveals about broader Middle East strategy. Dr. Lindsay also discusses the long-term implications of these early decisions for America’s standing with allies and adversaries alike. Guest: James M. Lindsay is the Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy and Director of Fellowship Affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations. He is the host of The President’s Inbox and author of The Empty Throne and America Unbound.  Learn more at wachouston.org  Subscribe and share for more global conversations.

In this inspiring conversation, journalist Loren Grush and pioneering astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher reflect on the historic journey of NASA’s first six female astronauts, chronicled in Grush’s acclaimed book The Six. From media scrutiny to spacewalks and satellite rescues, they share the challenges and triumphs that helped redefine what it means to have the right stuff.

Khaled Elgindy, former advisor to the Palestinian leadership and expert on U.S.–Palestinian relations, offers a sobering look at the future of Gaza, the West Bank, and the broader region following the devastation of October 7 and its aftermath. With decades of peace efforts faltering, Elgindy explores what realistic paths—if any—exist for Palestinians, Israelis, and international actors amid political dysfunction, displacement, and deepening crisis.

Mark Clifford tells the extraordinary story of Jimmy Lai—a self-made billionaire turned fearless pro-democracy activist in Hong Kong—whose bold defiance of the Chinese Communist Party led to his arrest and possible life sentence. From escaping famine in mainland China to founding Apple Daily and challenging authoritarian power, Lai’s life is a powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and the high cost of dissent.

In this thought-provoking episode, Malcolm Gladwell explores the dark side of contagious phenomena—from the rise of social engineering to the unexpected forces behind epidemics like COVID and the opioid crisis—through gripping stories and sharp social analysis. With his signature blend of storytelling and science, Gladwell challenges us to rethink tipping points and the hidden dynamics shaping our world.

Elliott Abrams, one of the foremost architects of Republican foreign policy across multiple administrations, offers a powerful analysis of what Trump’s second-term foreign policy could look like—from Iran and Venezuela to China, Russia, Israel, and beyond. Drawing on decades of high-level experience, Abrams explores how Trump may reshape U.S. alliances, global conflicts, and America's role on the world stage.

Weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Ambassador John J. Sullivan warned it was coming. When the attack began, he received a prearranged code—history was unfolding. In this episode, Sullivan shares firsthand insights on U.S.-Russia relations, the war’s impact, and the future of diplomacy. Stay tuned for Part 2!