(This episode originally aired on November 21, 2025.)

In case you missed it: July 18th, 2026 marks Nelson Mandela’s 108th birthday and International Nelson Mandela Day. Aaron Williams headed USAID in South Africa, where he worked directly with Nelson Mandela and his administration as the country underwent democratic transformation. Williams served as the Peace Corps Director from 2009 to 2012. He is currently a Senior Advisor at RTI International. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is on the board of directors of the Ron Brown Scholarship program and Child Fund International; he is also on the board for George Washington University’s Elliot School. Rediscover his episode of Softower/FulStories, celebrating how a lifetime of public service can transform the world around you.

'SoftPower/FulStories' uses first-person stories to explore why U.S. engagement in the world matters. Through conversations with diplomats, aid workers, Peace Corps volunteers, authors and artists, influencers, businesspeople, and more, SP/FS highlights how soft power and foreign aid and assistance strengthen America's security, prosperity, and global standing. But forget politics, policy, or punditry; this is all about the stories.