Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

INTERVIEW

Ed in the Borneo Rainforest

Promoting the UK in Dubai with Gary Rhodes

Rugby was important to me while studying and has allowed me to maintain connections since.There is a lot of rugby in the UAE – I attended the Dubai Rugby 7s with David Wippell! There is also a group of OSE living and working in the UAE so it is nice to see familiar faces. I returned to School in March for the 1983-1993 reunion. I hadn’t been back for about 30 years and it was fantastic to see other OSE and teachers (especially Malcolm Oxley, who I reconnected with after the naming of the new Library) who were very special to me.

Apart from Abu Dhabi, which other countries have you lived in? Which was your favourite?

My career has mainly taken me to warmer climates such as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, and my first appointment in Havana. Malaysia has the best food in the world, but Havana is closest to my heart. I loved the atmosphere, especially the music and dance, and I was even able to find rugby in Cuba!

What advice would you give to aspiring diplomats and what key skills do you need?

You left Teddies in 1989.What is your fondest memory of St Edward’s?

In recruiting for international relations and diplomacy careers we do look for some specific aptitudes.You have to be able to deliver difficult messages appropriately and understand the perspectives of both UK and overseas governments. We don’t rely on CVs or a particular degree qualification – we look at potential more than knowledge. Languages are useful, but this isn't a barrier – we train recruits up in the languages needed. I love the variety – every day is different and I am involved in lots of different things. As an ambassador I work with lots of experts (for example on climate change, financial services or counter-terrorism) and have privileged access to significant global events like COP28 and some very senior and interesting people. Working alongside experts means you constantly develop new vocabulary. I had to brush up on my chemistry before climate change discussions! After leaving Teddies, you studied History at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Having since spent so much time abroad, do you still feel strong links to Oxford? I spend a lot of time with my family in London, but my son is currently studying at Oxford, which has allowed me to reconnect with the city which is really nice. Would you recommend a career in diplomacy to current pupils? What are the best parts of the job?

Fencing Team, 1988

Sixth Form was my highlight. I had fantastic teachers who treated us as adults - Malcolm Oxley and John Hughes taught me history, and Paul Kitovitz sparked my interest in economics and was my rugby coach.The maturity of other pupils, as well as having girls in the Sixth Form, made for a good environment.

What advice would you give to current pupils leaving Teddies?

Don’t worry if you have no idea what you want to do, and don’t put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out when you leave School.When I left, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer – I fortunately stumbled across the world of diplomacy during my year out!

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