Fact is often far stranger and more unpredictable than fiction. Former State Department official Jamie Atkinson built a career navigating global diplomacy while embracing unexpected cultural adventures.
Operating across 70 countries requires high adaptability, thick skin, and a willingness to step into unscripted scenarios. Jamie walks through the actual mechanics of soft diplomacy, from arranging impromptu blues tours in Bolivia to observing tense foreign elections. He outlines the operational friction of navigating cross-cultural communication and why stepping outside standard career tracks builds resilience.
For professionals navigating rigid career trajectories, this conversation provides a blueprint to increase your surface area of luck by leaning into unconventional opportunities. Subscribe and share this episode with a peer who needs a reminder to say yes to the unknown. Which of Jamie’s overseas experiences surprised you the most?
