The Secret Lives of Diplomats: Joey Hood at TEDxDhahranHighSchool

Joey Hood, United States Consul General to the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, talks about how everything we think we know about diplomats is wrong.
Joey Hood, US Consul General in Dhahran, has served in numerous positions in many places across the world, including the States, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Yemen, Qatar. In the past he has helped establish the first sustained dialogue between the US and Iran in 30 years, apprised Washington of Eritrea's human rights abuses, and help establish the US-Qatari sister school program.
Filmed at TEDxDhahranHighSchool 2014
www.tedxdhahranhighschool.com
Dhahran High School: www.dahs.org
Dhahran Baccalaureate Centre: www.isgdbc.org
Event sponsored by Ali Zaid Al Quraishi & Co. Ltd.
www.alquraishi.com
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Milestonemonger]

We've been on the road for almost 40 years, first with the military then embassy duty and now a defense company. Our 2 children were born on the road (Botswana and Hawaii). This is home number 17, next month we move to Saud Arabia. It's a most exciting and adventurous life. I love it.

[@intanharis1396]

Hello, may I know what are you studying to be a diplomats? Because I'm interested to be an embassy

[@abigailblent1382]

How long did you spend in the military and foreign service may I ask? I'm thinking about taking a similar path

[@tlotlorasesia7971]

Greetings from Botswana

[@Panda4142]

Your kids love this type of life as well? Moving, finding new friends, adjusting over and over again to new cultures, etc ?

[@Milestonemonger]

@intanharis1396 Sorry for the delay in response. The notification just arrived. You can get a degree in anything just as long as you pass the foreign service exam afterward. Good luck.

[@cicinguyen1572]

Diplomats are great people. They work hard and sacrifice so much.

[@internationalpulse]

The hardest part, is giving your life and your family at high risk. Second, I think, is to keep moving to another country and adapt to the culture, society, laws, education, language, et al. (Harder, when you have family). You need God's favor!

[@heliosburn2shine]

Agree 100℅.

[@livendirect6977]

Amen

[@kamalaideed6240]

My future job. God willing, in another 10 years I'll be one. Ameen

[@fatxmaa9590]

Saaame...in the next 5-6 years Inshaallah

[@noorhk9285]

What should someone study to become a diplomat?

[@KyraBowlby]

@@noorhk9285 political science and international relations/ international studies

[@noorhk9285]

@@KyraBowlby thanks, I'm a third year international relations' student, I wanted to check.

[@icygirl97]

Inshallah

[@Megaseawolf]

That is so true! A diplomat's life might seem glamorous yet it is indeed really hard.

[@Megaseawolf]

it is actually about never settling down. Having to ease others’ pain while exhausted. A real noble job indeed 💪

[@gabrielag6307]

This is my future job.

[@Seethejoker]

Gaby G exactly

[@gabrielag6307]

Joker Gijjome Dang I said that 6 months ago, I had dreams. I don't even know what my future job will be now, I don't even know what I'll be doing next week.

[@aor6956]

This is sad. I have been in the same situation and frankly, I would suggest that you analyse your week completely on Sunday morning and think really hard: what part of the weekend did you really enjoy such that you were both being educated and productive doing it (it may be unintentional). If you can do this then I guarantee that you have taken the first step to success. If not then go on a 2-3 week hiatus from work, do anything sit in your home watch KZbin all day (what I did), go camping the mountains, live out of a trailer park, board a flight to some place and so on. Just stop giving priority to work and study for 2-3 weeks (you know you can do it if you have time to watch TEDx video). After the hiatus come back and ask yourself the same question I have mentioned above and you will find the answer. I am an Engineer pursuing my bachelor's in computer science and the day I realised I am interested in Foreign Relations, I wanted to be centrally involved in its intricacies. I enjoy my preparation every bit for it when I prepare for a life deciding task of becoming a Diplomat. It is not always rainbows and sunshine but the day you realise you genuinely want to do XYZ thing for 30+ years of your life, something wakes up inside you. This something is ready to wake early, work extra hours, meet new people, show everyone how great he/she is. It's great. Really.

[@yougetonthathorseyougottar6126]

Ashish indeed!!

[@abhijitsaste6706]

Gaby G go for it!!

[@SouravendraKrishnaDeb]

I could listen to this guy for hours. Good luck, Mr.Hood!

[@kigememugeni2267]

Joey Hood, you are a Man of strength character, smart and a genius........ Thank you again for mentioning Bujumbura, the capital city of my beautiful country Burundi 🇧🇮...... I am speechless for your knowledge because a lot of people don’t care about poor countries such as Burundi , what the forget is that we are humans and it is not our fault that we were born in such under developed country but it just because we were betrayed by the system of greed and corruption!!!!! Thank you again and may God Bless you and your family!

[@robertcao8484]

You are speaking the truthfully Mr. Joey, this is not for everyone. If you want to " travel the World" buy an airline ticket, if you want to be "star" make a youtube channel. God Bless!

[@angeladickey1231]

Thanks, Joey, for explaining in an accessible way what we do!

[@rasul407]

Lets not forget Anne Smedinghoff! True, passionate and brave young diplomat shall never be forgotten!

[@yveniemontilus6876]

I was moved by Mr. Joey's talk about the duties of diplomats. Thanks!

[@rugumayoroy40]

Great presentation. Hoping to be one soon. Can't wait to join the foreign service of my country.

[@PradeeshSivakumar]

Mindblowing Narrative!

[@GuiaShopaholic]

I am fascinated for diplomacy life style. I am sue it is not easy, but there is merit. All my respect and appreciation. Very good explanation 🌻☘️🙏🦋

[@KingJCJ]

Very glad to see this. So underrated in many ways.

[@AMile-rs2wd]

Very interesting! I've always wanted to become a diplomat as a child (then because of diplomatic immunity, now because of being able to help people and learn languages) and learning about the reality of the job even makes it more interesting for me (although I don't think any embassy would take me haha)

[@williamjames4031]

You have to apply in your country's ministry of foriegn affairs. For example, if you are from Azerbaijan you apply to the ministry of foreign affairs of Azerbajin, if you are from Japan, you apply to the ministry of foreign affairs of Japan. I hope you get it.

[@Aethelhadas]

@@williamjames4031 you seem so kind, thank you! i also needed that advice

[@williamjames4031]

@Æthelhadas Yes, I love helping people. I tried to apply for ministry of foreign Affairs Canada but I never got the job. Which country are you from?

[@Aethelhadas]

@@williamjames4031 Im from Malaysia. Are you still trying to apply for ministry of foreign affairs, or planning to in the future? I really hope you get more good opportunities.

[@williamjames4031]

@Aethelhadas Getting a job at Global Affairs Canada is extremely difficult. I do not know what to do about it. I would love ❤️ to be a diplomat but getting the job is extremely difficult.

[@msjswapnil]

Thank you for your service.

[@AvinashKumar-pm8tx]

Your address gave a deep insight into the life of a diplomat....A Bazillion Thanks, Sir!

[@lostleong]

I love this, this give me so much hope for what I want to do in the future. ❤

[@sophiapatriot112]

Wow! Amazing & encouraging field 🇺🇸

[@fuellessbrains9943]

This was so revealing and amazing ❤️❤️

[@toniareynolds5403]

Nice presentation, Joey! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@saabsabi8963]

Great presentation, very informative

[@schnioula]

Amazing Ted Talk! Greetings from Germany, Sir! 😊

[@luanapascoalini4117]

Awesome presentation! Definitely cleared my head on diplomacy and its meaning. Also, Joey is very charismatic :)

[@azizahsaffaa6443]

diplomats are charismatic :)

[@MaurizioAdamo]

Amazing talk. Thank you

[@timevampire83]

One of the more interesting ted talks

[@issacbreward]

Fascinating

[@doratheexplorer9375]

I’m studying to be a diplomat. 😨 I wish!

[@ralfnyberg3264]

@@musalmanmadarchodmodizinda7891 wtf man

[@eli-yy3rz]

ralf nyberg Issa Dora joke

[@aakashdeepkumar4157]

Best of luck

[@samvallathur3475]

Thank you Mr. Ambassador for the wonderful speech !! We are proud of the Great Country !! And of-course the Diplomatic staff of our Nation !!

[@phildunphy4723]

One of the best talks.

[@Makingdifference100]

What an excellent speech I love your presentation, ambassador.

[@indianacademyofclassicalho4207]

Its a beautiful teaching telling about work of diplomat.

[@amyisawesomex3]

A true star!

[@shinnysmilever7581]

I am now doing Trainersheep in The Embasy :) and have bachelor in internatinal relations and political science. So it very interessting topic for me

[@architecclp2647]

I wanted to study sinolgy and becoma a diplomate, but after asking about that kind of job, I think it'll be way too stressful TT so imma becoma an architect for the EU now

[@prakharkumarsingh9325]

Most Interesting.

[@azizahsaffaa6443]

To be honest I was graduated from Arabic Literature because I have been dreaming to become diplomat since I was 10 yo. But after graduated, I feel lost. And once I heard Joey, I felt I should came back again to my dream job- a diplomat. I am ready for diplomat's lifestyle as I really love it. This is underrated explanation. I love it so much. Diplomat is a noble job.

[@charliechalk]

Do it!

[@abundant224]

Loud applause for this guy!!!

[@notmarie9080]

Claiming that I'll be able to achieve this career in the future.

[@potatointheraw8268]

This sounds awesome like even some of the negatives of are kind of cool to me and the funny part is the « glamorous stuff » is what kind of makes consider not doing it, not that I wouldn’t enjoy those things but I just wouldn’t want to have to do what is thought of when you think diplomats

[@salilmahadik9396]

Excellent speech

[@mohamednofal5256]

worst audience ever, they are very irresponsive

[@eli-yy3rz]

Mohamed Nofal he made like a million jokes, no laugh. They’re assholes lol

[@grantpaisley9012]

Different locations offer different audiences. It might be a matter of respect to refrain from emoting as much as we do in America.

[@someaveragehuman5284]

I didn't hear any faint of sound....I don't think they even exist.

[@mohamednofal5256]

@@grantpaisley9012 yeah, maybe they did not know that they could laugh if they heard a joke.

[@mrAZcardinal]

I'm very interested in becoming a diplomat aka FSO. But I'm confused why they continually move and switch diplomats around every 2 years or so. Wouldn't it be ideal to keep a diplomat in one place as they'd get the language, culture , city and government down and be more effective with time? Moving them just as they get good with the area seems counterproductive

[@lexie169]

i belive it is to prevent corruption, especially with the more important states like USA, in Slovakia diplomats change countries every 4/5 years I think.

[@dostonjonravshanov3068]

thank you

[@dianes.canonigo6861]

This is my dream job~

[@Camila-iq4zr]

Raise your hand if you are here in 2021 thinking that someday it's going to be you in a Tedtalk

[@anik8559]

Now i know a lot better about diplomats, hope i join this career in few years.

[@r.mercado9737]

The description you have provided, although, dim, is CLEARLY meaningful. In fact, it sounds like the life of a Marine Corps Chaplain. It really does. The behind the scenes force multiplier that no one knows and really cares! Why? Their interest is glamour and glory, not so for a Marine Chaplain. Where do I sign? Semper Fi

[@tamesagamble-adiamo6541]

Still interested 1st choice out of 7

[@dryice0v030]

From Paris with love 🤔

[@younesskhader1150]

My dad is a High Ranking Diplomat at the Yemeni Embassy in London, he made the job look glamorous with the new cars and benefits he got with job, that's when I took interest in the job. Hopefully I'll work as a diplomat then work my way up to an ambassador, I have a few questions though, is being an ambassador the same as being a diplomat, just with different aspects? And is it hard to be promoted?

[@usernamefarabi5482]

We are very similar, my father is also a former diplomat and Ambassador and the former Permanent Representation /Ambassador to the U.N. and i too, aspire to be a diplomat myself. Yes, an Ambassador is the same as a diplomat. It is the highest diplomatic ranking in a mission/high commission/ embassy. They have much more exposure to the Head of state/government etc.

[@younesskhader1150]

Fetus Abuser First time meeting someone with the same lifestyle and have the same desire online. Thank you for clearing that up and wish you all the best on fulfilling your goal!

[@usernamefarabi5482]

+Youness Khader Same here, brother.

[@georgebennett8114]

Why not just ask your dad?

[@younesskhader1150]

He hates talking about his work, no idea why. Whenever I ask him, he all ways changes the subject.

[@bhspringer]

thanks for mentioning tehran . It meant so much

[@destroya3303]

This guy seems like a class act. He reminds me of the old elite in this country.

[@Walterdecarvalh0100]

Why? Because he seems cultured and well spoken?

[@memegod4433]

@@Walterdecarvalh0100 well that's rare in America so

[@shortishperson]

Wow. The comments section of this video is filled with either 1) I want to be a diplomat in the future... or 2) my dad is a diplomat and he said... LOL

[@CharlesMcKinneyIV]

Now we have The Diplomat drama on Netflix!

[@kamarsamara3017]

I am 13 yrs and going to 8th grade next year gonna be 14 but me and my bff are gonna learn to be a diplomats and we have high hopes which is all I need and our families are encouraging us

[@robertcao8484]

True Answer!

[@Darrellthewriter]

I'm actually writing a script about yawl now and there are shows like Madam Secretary that touch bases on what you do....

[@divyanichakole5553]

There should be a movie on us really !!!!

[@professorsoliva3896]

I want to be a diplomat cause the experience of serving you're country not in a military but in a diplomat way.

[@deflyplaise4608]

Im in college to be one now. Trust me that sounded like everything and more of what i want to do.

[@unknownjeanbrice1695]

Hi! I'm a freshman in high school and I would like to get into this field. Can I ask what your majoring in and what type of classes your taking. Sorry for bothering you

[@deflyplaise4608]

im_a_black_barbie 25 I am majoring in international relations. I have taken state and local government, international relations, intro to political science. Are just a few, but I’m also trying to take classes in Korean an Japanese because my focus is the Korean Peninsula. And as crazy as it seems, anime was a huge motivation.

[@user-po2ne6io4j]

I cheer you from Japan

[@Javiertorres06]

Defly Plaise how’s the journey so far, I am an incoming sophomore in college and am studying political science is that good ? I am still thinking of changing majors but idk foreign service sounds cool but I would love to just live in one country Mexico tbh.

[@deflyplaise4608]

Accurate Entertainment that’s perfect. I would try to see if your institution teaches a class on Mexican history or any of the politics of the region. With a political science degree, a minor in anything that has to do with Mexico would really help also. But so far sounds like your on the right path.

[@lizetebarretosoaresdecalva8660]

I hope 10 years later I have become a diplomat according to expectations amennnn

[@afterdarkmarco]

patriotism through my throat

[@makossojunior987]

I wonder how foreign service selection works because they say that it's harder to get into the Foreign Service, than it is to get into Harvard.

[@js-hk6xs]

no its not how about you google it like a normal person

[@gavinleighton]

Why don't you be more diplomatic and speak to people you don't know with more respect. If you pride yourself on being intelligent, why don't you use that intelligence towards being a respectful human being...like a normal person.

[@js-hk6xs]

Gavin Leighton umm what kind of dumbest asks question like that. If I'm interested I Google it and find out information. That's how normal people work this person's brains is obviously broken.

[@js-hk6xs]

Justin Ngome Paul you question is I wonder how foreign selection works? That was you exact question. A normal person literally Google it finds out there a test you have to take. This test is very hard etc.. All found on the first website after you Google the word foreign service. Then you continue and do extensive research on Google or other sources. And you call me a dumb ass lol my friend this is how stupid you are.

[@js-hk6xs]

Justin Ngome Paul again as I stated you question was exactly how does the foreign selection process work. This question is easily answered by Googling . The first site tells you have to take a test. It lays the process out for you. Yes of course you need a Profesional network connections are important in any field. But that's not what we're talking about. You question was exactly this how does the foreign selection process work. And the answer is easily answered by Googling. I'm just surprised how dumb you are doing everything to avoid what I'm saying and yes I'm American if that concerns that much. But that's not what iam here to discuss. It's that you asked a question that you can literally Google I'm trying to fix you brain apparently you can't type into Google and do research. As part of my life it is to educate the young men and shape them to be smart individuals for the future. You can't even Google so you have a long way to go trying to help not be a ass hole but you question is literally how does the selection process work did you brain not work to google the position like really.

[@athalaparlambang50]

No arrogance but My dad is a diplomat from Indonesia,and he told me not To be one when i grow up because of this

[@Nihal-wx3th]

because of what ?

[@williamjames4031]

Same here my father was a diplomat and I spend my time in various countries.

[@rashmomin4563]

Fuck yourself

[@stanbtskz4190]

hi an indonesian here, i think i want to be a diplomat.... im really interested in international relations

It's actually a very hard and sacrificed carrer, but is yours not your parent's careers, so follow your dreams.

[@yideyeget]

❤you remind my diplomatic journies A lots of ups and downs including giving my blood at my early 20s to save Ethiopian delegation who were attacked by armed robery

[@maxwilliamson6215]

Odd reference to Ukraine at 3:00.

[@mayanlogos92]

How is now your friend? Hope he is fine❤

[@yjgarukim]

That's also very typical outfit (the suit with rather unflattering cut lol) for a US diplomat! I

[@brandologandosaladin3093]

Is he a public diplomat or a consulate?

[@joetomp]

When he said “with what’s going on in Ukraine right now,” I immediately forgot this was made 9 years ago

[@josealbertoiglesias9131]

😍😍

[@zacharycampbell4425]

I’m by nyc china find me if you can transmit on my behalf

[@haniaawan3807]

❤

[@melissasuarez5957]

Dream Job

[@jrigebilinski5605]

did he just said bujumbura?

[@rookiej5587]

I want to be a diplomat but don't think my introverted ass would be able to attend parties and dance and socialise with other people. 😪

[@wayupnorth9420]

There are a ton of parties you are expected to attend, but you don’t have to dance. In fact I only remember a few over a 3 year timeframe that I danced at an embassy party.

[@rookiej5587]

@@wayupnorth9420 Oh Thank you for your comment. Can you please tell me what are the qualities sought in a diplomat? I wanna be one but I always think that me being an introvert would cause a problem, not only for me but for my country as well?

[@wayupnorth9420]

@@rookiej5587 truthfully,I was only with the State Department for 3 years. While serving in the military, I along with any member of the Armed Services working at an Embassy or consulate of the US is taken under the wing of the State Department. There are many ways to get involved with diplomatic work. The best is probably by graduating college and going on to the federal government web site for hiring. Different office s and departments have different websites of course. I suppose browsing through their sites and looking at career opportunities there may give you an idea of what you are looking for. The other option is to join one of the branches of military and try to get an MOS/job that would take you to the foreign service. This is the most difficult since there are a limited number of openings for Military Personnel. As far as you being an introvert, well, there are many jobs in the State Department and most require interacting with others, but if this is where you wish to be, you may have to adapt a bit. It’s no big deal being shy, in many situations we can adapt without giving up our personal space. Keep your chin up, don’t change for others sake just adapt to the situation, and do what you believe is best for your happiness and well being. Good Luck.

[@rookiej5587]

@@wayupnorth9420 This was helpful. Appreciate it. I'm in college right now and i'd try to build my social skills. Thank you so much!

[@wayupnorth9420]

@@rookiej5587 of course, just keep checking those government sites, and do well.

[@dimikostadinovskitar7773]

Embargo is it political role

[@teodytrinidad9497]

All items display in Serendra are free and Super Market

[@nidhiraj3705]

I love my job !

[@Psyren556]

i am an inyrovert,if i could ever make as a diplomats ?

[@kempsanders6573]

This guy only really talked about consular assistance / services.

[@brycetomecek5065]

I would borderline kill to be a diplomat or ambassador.

[@aislingdraconicus825]

How about take the FSOTs? It's the equivalent of killing yourself, and you'll get to be a diplomat if you work hard enough

[@TeaWolfff]

So basically, He's Takeshi Kovacs. Minus the temperament.

[@Megaseawolf]

00:31 Snake? Was he a diplomat as well? Oh my 😅 The US is absolutely so thorough when it comes to screening diplomats 🔥

[@markdunne7583]

What about American diplomat that kills dose not get deported

[@Megaseawolf]

@@markdunne7583 It was a joke about MGS (a game). And I am not American. So chill!

[@vanesser.0]

there is a tv show now, its called the diplomat

[@venetiantiger1890]

this guy talking about giving this woman a fate she didn't deserve which is a visa is the most inhumane thing I heard today ,

[@hassanqureshi1441]

The only way to become a diplomat in Pakistan is to clear CSS Exams which is very tough

[@jeonjungkook5565]

what do you think about the life of a women being diplomat

[@seanwarren9357]

I don't understand why you're talking about glamor... Anyone worth any amount of salt knows that hard work is its own reward... I don't know, I guess I mentioned it because your speech could maybe use a little revision. That is to say I would have learned a lot more if you would have just leaned in to the things that aren't glamorous a little harder and left out the weird contradictory focus on glorious moments by your recollections and estimations and then playing them down like they are mounting to Glory. If you're trying to come off as humble I can understand the motive but it's just not coming across well. That said, thank you for sharing and my best wishes to you and your family as you serve overseas.

[@maxiberlincom]

he is so American

[@lanceroark6386]

“…in Ukraine right now….” Circa 2014.

[@tetotets]

LOL.....you are ONLY getting those calls on weekend INDEED.

[@markdunne7583]

Well there is one American diplomat who killed in another country. Jumped back plane back America and not getting deported one rule for others ah

[@abhinavkumar1742]

Not so secret anymore 😁

[@SathishSathish-yv8qh]

This is us way of doing things, in India it is dominated by Malayali brahmins especially ottapalam brahmins (indian foreign service)who from 1947 are single handedly dominating matters and desiding the fate of India's foreign relations on their interest and not with India's interest.

[@icebear4186]

i wanna be that

[@lancesay]

diplomat passport is above the law...