Episode 205 | Part 2: Leadership Lessons from 25 Years alongside General Colin Powell - Leslie Lautenslager

Send us Fan MailThis episode is Part 2 of my delightful conversation with Leslie Lautenslager. She gives more behind-the-scenes examples that show who General Powell was away from the spotlight. She shares insights on respect, trust, HUMOR (!), and the quiet moments that defined their working relationship.Leslie also reflects on fear, responsibility, and what it means to serve at the highest levels of leadership. She shares the moments that scared her, the lessons she learned by being “thrown into the deep end,” and why protocol work is never about being seen, but about making others feel respected and safe.Our conversation closes with reflections on General Powell’s friendships, legacy, and why Leslie ultimately felt called to write the book she once believed she never could.About Leslie Lautenslager:Leslie Lautenslager is a distinguished protocol expert with a career spanning over three decades of high-level diplomacy and international relations. Beginning her journey in 1986 at Blair House, she managed state visits and led presidential delegations before transitioning to the private sector as the event manager for General Colin L. Powell. She served as a trusted advisor and liaison to the General for 25 years, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of State, where she was the Assistant Chief of Protocol for Ceremonials. Beyond her government service, Lautenslager is a global leader in her field, having served as President of Protocol & Diplomacy – Protocol Officers Association from 2016 to 2020. An accomplished author and trainer, she penned the memoir "My Time with General Colin Powell" and has contributed to several academic texts on international etiquette. A graduate of the College of William & Mary, she is now an internationally recognized speaker who trains prestigious organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Peace Corps in the art of diplomatic and corporate relations.Connect with Leslie:WebsiteLinkedInInstagramFacebookWant to make more sales, grow your business, and stand out in a sea of sameness? Join me, Kay Miller, on the Uncopyable Women in Business podcast for conversations with successful women from all industries. You'll get real-world strategies, lessons, and tools you can use right now. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama” after becoming the top muffler salesperson in the world, and for 30+ years my husband Steve and I have built an 8-figure business. I’m also an author, speaker, consultant. My goal is to provide Uncopyable value. I want you to say, "Wow, I've never thought of it that way!" Ready to accelerate your sales and business growth with Uncopyable strategies? Learn more about my services and products:  https://www.beuncopyable.com/kayContact:[email protected]/in/millerkay