Ambassador Julianne Smith

Former US Ambassador to NATO (2021-2024), President & Co-Founder of Clarion Strategies, and Distinguished National Security Expert

Ambassador Julianne Smith

Former US Ambassador to NATO (2021-2024), President & Co-Founder of Clarion Strategies, and Distinguished National Security Expert

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Biography

Ambassador Julianne Smith is a distinguished national security expert with more than two decades of experience in U.S. and European defense policy, transatlantic relations, and geostrategic risk. She has held senior leadership roles at the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Department of State, where she has strengthened U.S.-European economic and military partnerships and addressed global security challenges involving China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia.

Smith served as the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO from 2021–2024, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the Alliance’s response to the war in Ukraine, securing Allied support, coordinating intelligence sharing, and helping finalize Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. She also led efforts to integrate China into NATO’s Strategic Concept.

In her current role as President and Co-Founder of Clarion Strategies, Smith brings that same depth of experience to advising organizations navigating an increasingly complex global landscape. Co-founded with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Clarion is grounded in a commitment to integrity, candor, discretion, and the highest quality of work. The firm’s mission is to equip clients with the knowledge, foresight, and networks needed to anticipate risk, seize opportunity, and make resilient decisions in a time of profound global uncertainty.

During the Obama administration, Smith served as Acting National Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor to Vice President Joseph Biden. Prior to that role, she served as the Principal Director for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Her career spans influential roles at think tanks such as the German Marshall Fund, the Center for a New American Security, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where she published extensively on grand strategy, Russia, counterterrorism, and China’s deepening relationships in Europe.

Smith has been honored with multiple awards, including the Order of the Polar Star of Sweden, the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Award, the Sue M. Cobb Award for Diplomatic Excellence, and the Cross of the Order of Merit of Germany. Fluent in French and German, she has conducted extensive research in Europe, including fellowships at the Robert Bosch Academy and the American Academy in Berlin.

A sought-after speaker, Ambassador Julianne Smith addresses corporations, universities, government agencies, and global organizations on geopolitics, transatlantic relations, global risk, and national security. She provides clear, strategic insight into the evolving international landscape and helps audiences understand how global developments impact policy, business, and decision-making. Ambassador Julianne Smith works in partnership with APB Speakers for speaking engagements worldwide.

Speaker Videos

“Immense Sense of Pride and Accomplishment” – Ambassador Julianne Smith on her historic NATO tenure

Julianne Smith's Hot Takes on Historic Decision Making, Representing the US, and Meeting the Moment

Preserving Peace and Stability

Speech Topics

What’s Ahead: NATO, U.S.–Europe Relations & the Impact on Global Business

What happens in global security doesn’t stay in diplomacy—it shapes markets, supply chains, and the future of business. Julianne Smith, former U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving dynamics between the United States and its European allies at a pivotal moment for the transatlantic relationship. Drawing on her leadership during the war in Ukraine, Smith unpacks the key security challenges facing NATO—from emerging threats and defense spending to shifting policies toward Russia. She examines how changing political priorities on both sides of the Atlantic are influencing the alliance’s direction and long-term stability. With clarity and real-world insight, she connects these developments to what they mean for global business, investment, and risk. This talk equips leaders with the context needed to navigate uncertainty and make informed strategic decisions.

Audiences will learn:

The key security threats shaping NATO and their impact on business and global markets
How evolving U.S.–Europe dynamics influence trade, investment, and partnerships
What shifts in policy and defense priorities signal for global stability and strategy

Navigating the New World Order: Geopolitics, Economics & Your Business

In a world where geopolitical shifts can reshape markets overnight, how prepared is your organization to respond? Julianne Smith brings a sharp and strategic lens to the forces redefining the global landscape. Drawing on her experience at the highest levels of international diplomacy, she unpacks the intersection of security, economics, and policy—and how these dynamics are directly impacting business operations, trade, and investment. From evolving global threats to shifting alliances and economic uncertainty, Smith provides clarity on what leaders need to watch and why it matters. She translates complex geopolitical trends into actionable insight, helping organizations anticipate risk and identify opportunity. This talk equips audiences with the perspective and strategies needed to navigate an increasingly unpredictable world.

Audiences will learn:

The key geopolitical and economic trends shaping today’s global environment
How global instability impacts business strategy, supply chains, and investment
Practical ways to anticipate risk and adapt in a rapidly changing world

Why Alliances Matter in Business: Lessons from the Global Stage

In a world where no organization succeeds alone, the strength of your partnerships can determine your future. Julianne Smith draws on her experience at the center of global diplomacy to reveal how the principles behind international alliances translate directly to business success. From the frontlines of NATO, she shares how trust, shared purpose, and resilience are built—and why they matter when navigating complexity and uncertainty. Smith connects these lessons to organizations, showing how strong partnerships drive innovation, adaptability, and long-term growth. She challenges leaders to rethink competition and instead focus on collaboration as a strategic advantage. This talk offers a clear and timely blueprint for building alliances that strengthen both organizations and the broader systems they operate within.

Audiences will learn:

Why trust and shared purpose are essential to effective partnerships
How strategic alliances drive innovation, adaptability, and growth
Ways to build collaboration across teams, sectors, and cultures for long-term success

Redefining Women in Leadership

What does it take to lead—and lead authentically—in spaces where you were never expected to belong? Julianne Smith shares her journey navigating a career in national security, often as one of the few women in the room. Drawing from her experience at the highest levels of diplomacy, she reflects on the challenges women face in male-dominated fields—and the strategies required to overcome them without compromising who you are. Smith goes beyond surface-level advice, offering a candid look at resilience, self-belief, and the importance of staying grounded in your values. She challenges audiences to rethink traditional models of leadership and embrace a more inclusive, authentic approach. This talk empowers individuals to step into leadership with confidence and purpose while contributing to a more equitable future.

Audiences will learn:

How to navigate and succeed in traditionally male-dominated environments
Strategies for leading with authenticity, confidence, and resilience
Ways to challenge norms and help shape a more inclusive leadership landscape

A Call to Serve: A Guide to Public Service Careers

What does it mean to build a career that shapes not just your future—but your country’s? Julianne Smith offers an inside look at the world of public service, drawing on her experience at the highest levels of government and diplomacy. She shares what led her to a life of service and unpacks the wide range of opportunities available to those interested in making an impact—both in the United States and abroad. Through candid insights and real-world examples, Smith demystifies what it means to work in government and represent your country on the global stage. She highlights both the challenges and the deep sense of purpose that come with public service. This talk inspires audiences to see service not just as a career path, but as a way to contribute meaningfully to the future.

Audiences will learn:

What it’s like to build a career in public service and government
The different pathways and opportunities available in the U.S. and internationally
What it means to serve as a diplomat and represent your country abroad

Testimonials

“Ambassador Julianne Smith was exceptional, and it was a privilege to host her on campus. Despite the cold and rainy Commencement day, Ambassador Smith delivered a remarkable address that resonated deeply with attendees. We received enthusiastic feedback from students, families, and Trustees, all of whom greatly appreciated her presence and the meaningful message she shared.”

- Colgate University

“Everything ran seamlessly with Ambassador Julianne Smith. Ambassador Smith was exceptionally engaging and insightful, and her presence added tremendous value to the event. We received outstanding feedback from attendees, and it was a pleasure working with her and the team throughout the process.”

- Mastercard

“Ambassador Julianne Smith delivered an outstanding keynote speech at the Sustain Tomorrow conference in Copenhagen in September 2025. As the former US Ambassador to NATO, she brought invaluable insights into the transatlantic relationship, expertly analyzing the evolving geopolitical landscape and its impact on businesses across the globe. Her presentation was articulate, engaging, and highly relevant, offering practical advice to Nordic business leaders navigating these complex challenges. It was a privilege to work with such a thoughtful and professional speaker.”

- Danske Bank