It was Monica Crowley, the poised, camera-ready Chief of Protocol who managed to charm the famously stony Russian leader on the tarmac at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

With a handshake and a smile, Crowley not only sent Vladimir Putin off with grace, but reminded the world that behind every historic handshake, there’s a woman making sure every flag, every step, and every second is perfectly in place.

From Fox News to foreign affairs
Before she was managing protocol for summits between world powers, Monica Crowley was better known for sharp political analysis and her bestselling books on President Nixon.

As Chief of Protocol, Crowley’s job isn’t glamorous, but it’s powerful. She oversees every detail of visits like Putin’s: coordinating with ambassadors and embassies, arranging official meetings, and ensuring protocol details such as flags and seating are correct.