Table of Contents
Introduction
What Diplomacy taught me about leadership and culture. When I first received my diplomatic posting, I had so many mixed feelings. My parents were, of course, super proud. My friends were excited. But I also received comments that made me pause. Some people asked questions like, “How are you able to go and just move abroad?” Others remarked that “it’s not normal for people to move away from what they’ve always known”, and I even had someone ask, “What are you going to do about getting married and having children?”.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand why people had such strong opinions. Opinions about my life that they are not living. But I’m so glad I followed through and moved to Morocco because the experience has changed me.
In this post, I want to reflect on what diplomacy has taught me, not just professionally, but for me personally. These lessons have helped me grow, adapt, given me thought leadership and have led me into ways that I couldn’t have imagined.
Related post – Moving Abroad? 7 Harsh Realities to Consider Before
This post reflects on a diplomatic posting and is part of my international work. All views are personal.
What Diplomacy Taught Me:
1. Adaptability is Everything
Moving abroad to represent your country means entering a completely new world, with new systems, people, and ways of working. I had to adjust quickly. And I mean quickly! I realised that I’m more adaptable than I ever gave myself credit for.
Being a diplomat has sharpened my ability to stay calm under pressure, read the room, and build trust across cultures, whether I was hosting delegations, briefing officials, or navigating a new city.
2. In-Person Connection Matters and Is Essential
Diplomacy is built on relationships. And while virtual calls are convenient, nothing compares to meeting people face-to-face.
Some of the most powerful bilateral progress I made came from informal conversations. Having lunch, during a walk, or at a side meeting. Trust me. I learnt quickly that it’s quicker and easier to get something done through WhatsApp than sending over an email. The human connection? It built trust, nuance, and understanding that Teams/Zoom just hasn’t been able to replicate.
3. Understanding Africa’s Regional Diversity
One of the greatest lessons I learned while working across African markets is just how incredibly diverse the continent is. I mean, I knew this through my travels to Senegal, Togo, South Africa, Nigeria and more. But I had not experienced it on this level at work.
On the same day, I could speak with a colleague in Mauritius in the morning on one specific subject, and another in Tunisia in the afternoon on another. Their needs, goals, objectives and perspectives are completely different, and I have had to adjust to that.
I’ve had to learn how to listen, adapt, and tailor my approach accordingly to who I’m speaking to or depending on the country, the institution, and the context. It took me a while, but I think I have finally got it!
4. Why Learning a New Language Builds Diplomatic Trust
Working across Africa, where I have had to deliver a number of projects, means I’m working with Francophone, Anglophone and Lusophone African countries. Not to mention living in an Islamic country where Arabic is the first language! It’s made me realise that the English language is not enough.
That’s one of the reasons I’ve been learning French with Preply because I want to connect more deeply, represent better, and grow personally and professionally.
5. Leadership Isn’t About Titles
I don’t have a traditional team or a defined structure. But I still have to lead, be innovative, be strategic and deliver.
I’ve had to take ownership of my portfolio, set the pace, manage stakeholders, and drive results with limited hand-holding. And in doing so, I’ve realised how much autonomy actually shapes me as a leader.
Final Views
I’m still processing my time in diplomacy. I am sure I have so much more to learn. I honestly don’t know all the answers. But I hope this has shared some key elements of what I’m learning. This is my first posting, but I hope to keep on sharing with you along the way. I’ll carry these lessons with me wherever I go, including into whatever comes next.
What have you learnt from your travels or your work recently? Has it taught you anything about culture, leadership or purpose?
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Speak soon and ‘Happy International Day of Diplomats’.
MBV x
