The Patriot Act

Cari Guittard wants to bring back the days when the US was admired by the world. As the executive director of the nonpartisan, SF-based Business for Diplomatic Action (BDA), the Pacifica resident travels the globe figuring out ways the US business community—from college professors to CEOs to airport personnel—can improve America’s image. And as a former computer security specialist for the US State Department, she knows her audience.

When her work with the State Department took her to the Middle East, she occasionally had to cover herself head to toe according to Muslim tradition. “I’m always asked why I conformed to their standards. It was partly to show respect, but also, I was able to observe the culture from an authentic vantage point, instead of being a tourist bumping around in a Western outfit. Plus,” she adds, “I love being underestimated.”

Guittard’s future calling took root, surprisingly, at the 1991 Miss Teenage Texas pageant, which she won. “It felt so natural to talk to an audience of 10,000. From that point on, I’ve been giving speeches.” And the pants with “Texas” rhinestoned on the rear and the red cowboy boots? “All locked in a hope chest. Thank God that was before the Internet.”

This fall, Guittard helps launch a “crash course in diplomacy” for corporate execs called CultureSpan, along with a fellowship program for young Arab executives—which arose from BDA’s participation in the Clinton Global Initiative, an invitation-only collection of the world’s brightest minds working toward solving common problems. Looks like her days of being underestimated are over.

WEB EXCLUSIVE: Q&A

How did you meet your husband, Clark Guittard?
The week after 9/11, I was set up on a blind date with a guy from San Francisco. He brought a big block of chocolate, because his family are chocolate makers. But I’m allergic!

You worked with Colin Powell. What can you tell us about him?
The thing I love about Secretary Powell is that he truly believes in the power of diplomacy. George Shultz is that way as well. George Shultz likes to call it “tending your garden.” Every seed that you plant is important, and you’re constantly tending your garden. Powell was that way—no matter who you were, whether you were the ambassador from France or Lithuania, you were given the same amount of respect. There is a current trend in Washington right now that diplomacy and giving respect is a soft, unnecessary skill.

What’s the hottest thing about living in SF?
The fact that there are so many global citizens. There’s a consciousness here, not only this feeling that we’re connected to the rest of the world but also an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s such a young vibrant city.

You give a lot of speeches. Any particularly memorable ones?
The hardest speech I ever gave was to about 100 kindergarteners about foreign policy and international issues. They were all sitting on the floor and looking up at me. I asked them why they thought 9/11 happened, and it was fascinating seeing their little hands raise up. And there were a couple girls there from Iraq who had actually lived under Saddam, so they were telling what that was like. So here I am, talking with all these five-year-olds. They were so aware of what was going on.

How do you power through your days?
There is a method to my madness. A lot of caffeine. I can’t even imagine how much coffee I’ve consumed. I love dark coffee. I was addicted to Turkish coffee when I lived in the Middle East. Back then I could drink it before bed. And I really love a good martini.

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