ALUMNI/AE
I was also focused on hiring and wanted to build the strongest team possible. We pick talent, we pick the best. In the embassy, in my inner circle, it was all women. We had some great women— military planners and people who had our back. I also hired Yael Lempert, the deputy chief of mission, my direct report, a democrat who had experience in the Middle East but not in Europe. But she was smarter than the rest and had aspirations. She was a great diplomat and amazingly loyal. She’s probably in the most complicated spot now as the ambassador to Jordan.
What was it like living in the historic Winfield House? It’s the most magnificent place on 12 acres in central London next to The Regent’s Park. Hosting events was an incredible asset—everyone wanted to come to Winfield House, including the journalists and British politicians. Boris Johnson came over quite a bit to play tennis, and we developed good relations with those in the media following their visits to Winfield. Of course, most memorable was Queen Elizabeth’s visit. But first, I went to Buckingham Palace after etiquette and dance lessons at St. James’ Palace. When the moment happens, you make introductions, and then there’s a knock on the door. The door opens immediately, and I am eye-to-eye with the queen. And you forget everything you just learned! You go momentarily blank,
Back to Business in MetLife Stadium
but she had a way of relaxing you. She was the most unbelievable
How was it returning to business as usual?
person. I didn’t know what I was going to talk to her about, but
I was hoping to stay [in London], as my work touched on a little
we talked about my mother, who worked for the Navy in World
bit of everything—military, cultural affairs, and developing
War II, and she was a mechanic. Then I invited her to dinner at
relationships—and I didn’t get the chance to start until August
Winfield House, and she said, “I’d love to come.” Just like that.
of 2017. President Trump was elected in November and took
About a year later, she came, after an approval process that
office in January. But senate confirmations take time, and time
included confirmation by Parliament.
wastes resources.
We held two separate events for London’s black cab drivers. A lot of them were driving people to events at Winfield House, and we thought it would be special to have them
in for tea. I HAD SUCH AFFECTION FOR THEM, I would stop in many of their thirteen huts around London, where only the drivers can go. They invited me to join them at their horseshoe-shaped tables to talk about what it was like being a black cab driver. It’s brutal—a four-year process and you need a photographic memory. They drive every street in London for years before they take a grueling test.
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• SUMMER 2024