About the Guest:

Carolee Williamson swapped corporate finance at Ernst & Young for one of the world's toughest gigs—U.S. diplomacy in crisis zones. Over 15 years, she's navigated complex assignments across Kabul, Beirut, Jerusalem, Washington, Kuwait, and Ho Chi Minh City, leading teams through genuine life-or-death situations.

What makes Carolee's story compelling isn't just her diplomatic achievements—it's her advocacy for mental health and community building while serving American foreign policy interests in some of the planet's most challenging environments.

Key Takeaways:

Carolee Williamson emphasises the importance of intention and active choice in career progression, focusing on skills that are transferable globally.

Her transition from corporate finance to diplomacy was driven by a desire to make a global impact and contribute to meaningful change.

Carolee shares profound insights into building community and fostering inclusivity, especially while living abroad.

The conversation highlights the crucial role of language skills in immersion and understanding cultural nuances, enhancing diplomatic relations.

Carolee advocates for mental health awareness, emphasising personal care routines and institutional changes to support wellbeing in high-stress environments.

Notable Quotes:

"I like to make every day matter. Every day we're here, we're doing something, we're not just existing."

"When you move around so often, you really have to not be willing to say no to an invitation."

"It's important when you're doing that to still create a safe space for people."

"You've got to go out and try and meet people. You can't just sit in your house alone."

"You can't understand a culture unless you've at least understood a little bit of the language."

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