Our guest for this episode is Jennifer Upton - former British diplomat, now executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat
In this warm and deeply human conversation, Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge talk with Jen Upton - a former British diplomat who has been posted to some of the world’s toughest countries and now helps leaders and teams communicate, influence, and stay grounded when the pressure’s on.
As Jen says, she was “posted to places I wouldn’t get to see on holiday” - and some of those postings came with extraordinary challenges. She shares what it was like to evacuate twice with two small children and her husband, and to survive the Marriott Hotel bombing in Pakistan. These experiences gave her a powerful perspective on leadership, resilience, and how to stay composed when everything around you feels uncertain.
Now an executive coach and founder of How to Diplomat, Jen helps others learn the art of diplomacy in everyday life - connecting with empathy, handling pressure with grace, and leading through influence rather than authority.
Together, the trio explore:
If you want to work with Jen contact her by email: jennifer@howtodiplomat.com
If you want to follow her for more insights:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-s-upton
Diplomatic Dispatches newsletter:newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodiplomat/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@howtodiplomat
The views expressed in this episode are the personal reflections of our guest. They do not represent the official positions of the UK Foreign Office or any government.
Last week, Tom Bridge launched something new for us - the NVNG Top 3: three guiding principles or suggestions that help our guests when they’re facing new challenges or difficult situations.
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained is hosted by Rebecca Rees and Caroline Bridge.
Rebecca is an Executive Coach and Co-Founder of Peak 15 Coaching, passionate about how our brains work and helping people unlock possibility.
Caroline won BBC’s Race Across the World 2025 with her son Thomas - a series watched by over six million and shortlisted at the National Television Awards.
🎯 Our Mission: To help people pause, see beyond what holds them back, and discover new possibilities for greater happiness and wellbeing.
We’re rookie podcasters determined to keep going, keep improving, and share the adventure with you. Trying something new is rarely perfect - but it’s always real.
🎧 Creative Team : Angela Young – Podcast Production, Cambridge Podcasts, Zainab Uzair – Graphics, Logo & Cover Art, Gabriella Füzi – Portrait Photography
📩 Contact Us : We’d love to hear your questions, ideas, or stories of stepping outside your comfort zone: WhatsApp: https://wa.me/447375220027
Instagram @nothingventuredpodcast
👉 Please follow, share, and be part of the NVNG adventure — it all starts with daring to try.