56 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL so many books about public speaking, executive presence, and body language that they all began to repeat one another. But what would it feel like as a career? A friend introduced me to the leader of a large think tank. I offered several free sessions and left them walking on air. My participants were asking for more. The think tank gave me invaluable testimonials to use when I started my business—and became my first paying client. Launch There’s so much to do to get started. There’s the nitty-gritty of incorporating, setting up your bank account, taxpayer ID, and local and state registrations. There are wonderful resources now to help with your branding, logo, and website (see sidebar). You also might want to invest in some training. I know—this doesn’t feel like the time to spend money. I waited a couple of years into my new venture before joining a business development program and realized I should have done it at the beginning. It covered the arc of starting and building a business, including marketing and sales training. These skills were so removed from what made me successful in government that I didn’t even know I didn’t have them. I also took public relations training so I could replace my expensive PR company with my own sweat equity. When it comes to clients, go big early. Landing the large think tank as a client gave me credibility. Ask your network for introductions in your new field. Even the smallest job with a known entity can make a difference. My client list now includes some of the biggest names in banking, commerce, publishing, and sports. Don’t start too small. This isn’t easy. Expect your new business to be a slow build. Give yourself breaks. You won’t do your best work if you do a full court press like you did in your diplomatic career. Build in time to take care of yourself so you can show up at your best to your new clients. You’ve already built stronger partnerships, saved lives, created strategic alliances, and wrangled the interagency. Starting your own business is different, and it can be lonely. It’s also the beginning of a wonderful new adventure. n
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODIyMDU=