This is Part I of a two-part series reflecting on time well-spent while building a career in diplomacy. In Part II, Senior Foreign Service Officer Conrad Turner will share considerations about returns on time investment and key takeaways for those new the field.

Moira Whelan's piece for the Soft Power 30 report looked at how President Trump's rhetoric hurt America.

In his piece for the Soft Power 30 report, Joel Day looks at how the City of San Diego is working to create a global brand.

Nicholas J. Cull advises that contrary to President Trump's rhetoric, failure can be an asset in public diplomacy.

Paweł Surowiec unpacks the role of soft power statecraft amidst Poland's recent legislation about WWII narratives.

Tara Ornstein shares the method of engaging leaders via public-facing campaigns in the fight to end tuberculosis.

Philip Seib reflects on the U.S secretary of state's relatively short tenure, surveys the damage from his departure and offers some advice to his successor.

Katarzyna Rybka-Iwańska highlights Finland's global reputation as a result of the country prioritizing early childhood education and wellness.