Behind the Scenes of Running an Embassy (VIDEO)

U.S. embassies around the world remain open during the federal government shutdown, but what does it take to run an embassy? How do you create a playbook for performing basic administrative functions around the world? How do you establish common procedures when every host country has its own rules? Kerry O'Connor, the State Department's innovation catalyst, answers these questions on this week's episode of "Conversations with Nicholas Kralev."

O'Connor, who also runs the department's internal Sounding Board focusing on the "how" of foreign policy, talks about the challenges of running an embassy, improving deeply rooted but inefficient policies, and changing a culture traditionally resistant to change. She discusses innovation jams and other ways to find more efficient processes.

Having joined the Foreign Service on Sept. 10, 2001, O'Connor served in Ghana and Morocco before converting to the Civil Service. She provides a behind-the-scenes look at embassy life, including issues like diplomatic immunities and mental health.

Watch the full episode

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