Barbara A Leaf

Barbara A. Leaf is a distinguished U.S. diplomat and international affairs expert who has spent more than three decades shaping U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, Western Europe, and the Balkans. As a former U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (2015-2018) and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership in complex geopolitical environments. Beyond diplomacy, Barbara is a sought-after motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with her experiences in crisis management, leadership through change, and international diplomacy. She captivates listeners with her profound insights into global affairs, security challenges, and the power of resilient leadership.

Barbara’s career began with an academic foundation in government and foreign affairs, earning a B.A. from the College of William & Mary and an M.A. from the University of Virginia. Her early work at the U.S. Embassy in Paris (1996-2000) placed her at the centre of U.S. diplomatic efforts concerning Iraq, Iran, and counterterrorism. The aftermath of 9/11 saw her pivot towards security strategy, advising on medical and security programmes to protect U.S. diplomatic sites from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. Over the years, she took on increasingly influential roles, including as Political Counsellor in Bosnia-Herzegovina (2004-2006) and Director of the U.S. Provincial Reconstruction Team in Basrah, Iraq (2010-2011), demonstrating her ability to navigate complex, high-stakes environments.

More recently, Barbara has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in Middle Eastern policy, serving as the Ruth and Sid Lapidus Fellow at The Washington Institute (2018-2022) and leading the Geduld Program on Arab Politics. Her expertise was recognised at the highest levels of government when she was appointed National Security Council Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa (2021) and later nominated by President Biden as Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs (2022). Her work continues to influence U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, regional stability, and counter-terrorism.

Barbara is widely sought after as a speaker because of her extraordinary ability to translate complex international issues into relatable leadership lessons. Whether addressing business leaders, policymakers, or aspiring diplomats, she brings a wealth of experience in leading through uncertainty, forging alliances, and adapting to change. Her stories of navigating international diplomacy, securing strategic partnerships, and managing crises in some of the world’s most volatile regions make her an invaluable voice for those seeking inspiration in leadership and resilience.