I’ll tell you his name in a while.

But first, let me take you back to that unforgettable day, my first High level meeting. I had just begun my career in trade negotiations. With childlike excitement and adult-like anticipation, I dressed for the moment, stepping into a room of seasoned trade professionals. Men and women clad in tailored suits spoke with so much excitement. The moment was like that of long lost high school friends catching up on every detail. It was beautiful. It wasn’t about titles, it was about friendships grown from days of negotiation, days of consultations.

Flags adorned the long tables, symbolizing sovereignty and power. It was majestic and intimidating.

For a moment, I felt so small. My voice hidden, my hands scribbling notes I wasn’t sure would make a high profile report. The atmosphere was thick with authority and yet my boss walked in like he belonged to the place. In fact, he did. With warm familiarity, he greeted each delegate as though they were lifelong friends. His posture radiated confidence.

I sat behind him, quietly learning. The meeting dragged on for hours. I didn’t know that people actually stepped out to refresh. I didn’t even know that you could call for a time to consult back home. But what I saw that day planted seeds I didn’t know I needed.

When it was Uganda’s turn to speak, my boss stood tall. He defended our country’s interests with as much fervor as if he were protecting his only meal for the week. Some thought him too complicated. But I saw boldness and strategy. He dissected every phrase, demanded clarity on every clause.

And when allies began to withdraw their support, when flags slowly lowered in subtle retreat, the Uganda flag still stood. It didn’t matter who agreed or didn’t. He stood his ground until Uganda’s position was recorded: not for applause, but for legacy.

That was the moment something shifted in me. I realized that confidence isn’t always about being loud. Sometimes it’s about staying when others leave. Speaking when it’s easier to stay silent. Defending the interest of your people when no one else will.

Years later, when I became a head of delegation myself, I remembered him : his poise, his preparation, his boldness.

That was the boss who ignited my negotiation confidence.
His name? I’ll tell you in the next post as I tell of my moment as Head of Delegation.

Have you ever seen someone stand firm for what mattered even when others backed down? What did it spark in you?

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Think of a moment where you shrank back in the face of intimidation. This week, revisit it. Write down how you would show up differently today. Consider the confidence and conviction you’ve grown into.

Elizabeth. K