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At the Coalface
At the Coalface is a series of conversations hosted by Philippe Rose.
Philippe's guests share stories about their life beyond the headlines of international affairs. They look for lessons learned about making an impact in the world as practitioners in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism and the private sector.
Many of Philippe's guests are connected by their common experience of taking time away from work to attend graduate school at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University.
At the Coalface
Chris Salinas – To Lead, First Learn to Follow
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In this episode, I sit down with Chris Salinas, a former U.S. Coast Guard officer whose career has spanned international security, maritime cooperation, and technology.
Chris reflects on the experiences during his teenage years that first drew him toward a life of service, and how those early influences led him to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He shares how working alongside partners across cultures shaped his approach to leadership, trust, and international cooperation.
We talk about his years working across Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, exploring what successful international partnerships have in common, the lessons learned from operating in complex environments, and how those experiences changed his perspective on America's role in the world.
Recorded on 25 June 2026.
Connect with Chris on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissalinas/.
Instagram: @at.the.coalface
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