An epic journey with Christine Sadry
Summary
Christine Sadry discusses her memoir “Thirteen Years Lost” which chronicles her journey from leaving Poland at age nine to becoming a UN diplomat. She shares her experiences of early trauma, including losing her mother at five and a difficult adoption in America, followed by a thirteen-year separation from her family. The conversation explores her remarkable career at the UN, including working in war zones, learning to drive tanks, and meeting her husband in Mozambique. Throughout the interview, Sadry emphasizes the importance of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and the healing power of sharing one’s story.
Guests
- Christine Sadry - Former UN diplomat and award-winning author of “Thirteen Years Lost,” a memoir chronicling her journey from Polish orphan to international diplomat. Her story encompasses loss, resilience, and ultimate triumph as she navigated cultural transitions, career challenges, and personal transformation.
Topics discussed
- Immigration and cultural adaptation
- Overcoming childhood trauma
- Career development at the United Nations
- International diplomacy and peacekeeping
- Writing and publishing a memoir
- Taking risks and embracing opportunities
- Personal growth and transformation
- Family separation and reunion
- Travel and cultural experiences
- Finding love in unexpected places
Key Takeaways
- Taking calculated risks can lead to extraordinary life opportunities
- It’s never too late to heal from past trauma and share your story
- Travel and cultural exposure expand personal growth and understanding
- Writing can be both therapeutic and inspiring for others
- Success often requires stepping out of your comfort zone
- Personal stories can inspire others to make positive life changes
Notable Quotes
- “Take the risk because the rewards are great. The beginnings are painful, are scary, are beyond belief. But if you don’t take the risk, you don’t get the reward.” — Christine Sadry
- “Once you do it, you realize that you’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit.” — Christine Sadry
- “For women, we never think we’re good enough. Even no matter how strong and competent or brave or whatever.” — Christine Sadry
- “If this orphan who came from another country didn’t speak the language managed life… it’s possible. You can do it.” — Christine Sadry
Entities Mentioned
- United Nations
- Literary Titan Award
- Independent Book Publishers Award
- Circumnavigators Club
- Poland
Keywords
memoir, diplomacy, immigration, healing, transformation, resilience, international relations, peacekeeping, cultural adaptation, personal growth
Get the book
Experience an extraordinary journey of resilience and transformation through Christine Sadry’s award-winning memoir “Thirteen Years Lost.” From Polish orphan to UN diplomat, her story proves that with courage and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and create an extraordinary life. Let her inspiring journey motivate you to take those crucial risks that could transform your own life.
