How much do American values and behaviors at home impact our ability to lead overseas? 

Tune in to this episode of Ready, Set, Lead! Podcast as we welcome Former US Ambassador to Sweden and the UK, Matthew Barzun, to discuss his approach to foreign policy and how we, the planet, can be free together. 

Matthew shares his candid thoughts on the unique role of a US Ambassador, the dangers of fearing disagreement, and the power of nurturing relationships, especially with people who don’t agree with your political views. He also sheds light on the meaning behind his constellation theory of leadership, independence, and power, a concept he talks about in his book, The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go. 

Don’t miss the insightful words of wisdom Matthew offers to foreign policy professionals around the world!

“The magic of a constellation is that you can stand out as an individual, a star so to speak, and you can fit together with other stars to create something more useful, more powerful than you ever could on your own. And that I think is the best idea America has ever had.” - Matthew Barzun

Episode Timeline: What You’ll Learn & Questions Answered

00:00 Intro

00:34 Exploring Matthew Barzun’s background and ancestry

04:44 Matthew’s constellation theory of leadership

09:53 What was your first day like as an ambassador? 

12:53 Were there any foreign relationships you had overseas that surprised you?

16:15 In hindsight, was it a mistake for President Obama to weigh in on the Brexit vote?

19:17 Matthew’s thoughts on the Syrian chemical weapons issue

22:49 The reality of the United States’ relationship with the United Kingdom & His insight into the global covid-19 vaccine rollout.

26:39 How do the principals in your book lend themselves to America working with other nations to tackle issues like climate change?

30:39 The constellation theory in action & Do larger constellations become more attractive?

33:49 How much do American values and behaviors at home impact our ability to lead overseas?

27:21 Outro

About Matthew Barzun:

Matthew Barzun is the Former US Ambassador to Sweden and Former US. Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He’s also the author of The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go.

Buy his book: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602163/the-power-of-giving-away-power-by-matthew-barzun

This is the Ready, Set, Lead! Podcast of the United States Global Initiative. 

What is the United States Global Initiative? We are an apolitical, non-partisan not-for-profit organization dedicated to greater U.S. engagement around the World, with enlightened diplomacy;  stronger alliances of democratic nations;  a robust military;  and taking the lead in the fight against climate change.

To learn more about us, visit our website: www.unitedstatesglobalinitiative.org

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