The growing corp of the Pakistani Businessman-Diplomat

What does it mean to be a major corporate sector leader in today’s world? The men and women that lead major corporations, banks, manufacturing companies, charities and other big businesses are supposed to be the very best professionals in the world. They are expected to have a wide range of skills. They need to understand the business they are running from its finances to its operations and production.

Increasingly they are also expected to be diplomats. 

The role of the Businessman-Diplomat is nothing new. It was coined by Time Magazine in a 1959 article about Norman Kenneth Winston. One of the world’s largest real estate developers with hundreds of construction companies in his hand, Winston made a name for himself as a public figure by continuously from continent to continent as envoy extraordinaire of U.S. capitalism. In the heat of the Cold War, his efforts were instrumental in establishing initial business relations between the United States and the Soviet Union. 

Over the decades the intersection between big business and government has only grown. It makes sense. With globalisation, the business interests of many industrialists and entrepreneurs went far beyond borders. Businesses have always had to deal with the governments in their home countries, but the 20th century began the era of businessmen having to lobby, liaise, negotiate, and establish tie with foreign governments as well. 

Countless luminaries have benefitted from this relationship. Joseph Kennedy Sr, the father of President John Kennedy, began his career in the real estate and entertainment industries. His connections from his time in business led to his appointment as Ambassador to the United Kingdom which gave him the political pedigree to establish the Kennedy political dynasty.