On March 26, 2023, Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., the former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, delivered a compelling lecture titled “Strategic Leadership in the 21st Century: How You Can Shape the Emerging Global Order” at Florida State University (FSU). Addressing students, faculty, and staff, Shannon shared insights from his nearly 35-year diplomatic career, including his tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. He discussed the transformative global era and the increasing importance of societies and cultures in shaping international relations. Shannon urged students to recognize their potential impact on the world, stating, “We are capable of changing the world around us.” He emphasized that technology will play a crucial role in future political dialogues, with successful leaders and nations needing to empower societies and individuals. Following the lecture, Shannon participated in a Q&A session with Mark Schlakman, the senior program director for the FSU Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, where he elaborated on the United States' evolving role in global affairs. His message was clear: this is a pivotal time for young leaders to engage and influence the future.