The Pulse of Politics

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to The Pulse of Politics
• 01:09 – Welcoming Ursula Nötzli
• 02:22 – Ursula’s transition from journalism to corporate communications
• 04:37 – What stays consistent across communications and public affairs
• 06:10 – Connecting communications, investor relations, public affairs, and sustainability
• 09:25 – How public affairs differs across finance, industry, and media
• 11:52 – Why communications and public affairs teams should collaborate
• 15:37 – Responding to politically sensitive and reputational issues
• 19:06 – Why emotional discussions cannot be won with rational arguments
• 21:24 – The value of an external consultant’s perspective
• 25:06 – How executive-board experience improves consulting
• 27:14 – Balancing relationships, data, and intuition in public affairs
• 29:27 – Identifying and prioritizing the right stakeholders
• 32:16 – Essential capabilities for communications and public affairs professionals
• 35:35 – Ethics and handling conflicts with an organization
• 37:09 – How Ursula uses AI in her daily work
• 39:52 – What should remain human-led when using AI
• 42:05 – How AI is changing consulting business models
• 45:29 – The changing importance of prompt engineering
• 46:36 – The future of political, media, and stakeholder management by 2030
• 49:15 – Advice for young communications and public affairs professionals
• 50:14 – Rapid-fire questions
• 52:09 – Closing thoughts and outro

About Ursula Nötzli

Ursula Nötzli is an Equity Partner at Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Konsulenten (HNS), with a career spanning journalism, corporate communications, public affairs and executive leadership. She previously served as Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer and Group Executive Board Member at TX Group, Head of Communications at ABB Switzerland, and Head of Group Strategic Content at Credit Suisse. She also co-directs two executive education programmes at HWZ University of Applied Sciences Zurich focused on strategic communications and AI.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Pulse of Politics, Silvan speaks with Ursula Nötzli about how communications and public affairs are converging, and why both need to be treated as strategic functions rather than service departments. They discuss how media and political work can align around shared issues while still requiring different approaches to stakeholders, and what leadership teams often get wrong when dealing with reputational crises.

The conversation also explores how AI is changing communications, public affairs and consulting, from research and scenario-building to monitoring and content production. Ursula explains where human judgment, ethics and relationship management remain essential, why sensitive situations require closer human involvement, and why the ability to curate, challenge and make sound strategic decisions is becoming more important as AI-generated content becomes easier to produce.

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Timestamps

• 01:35 — What Dr. Shechter PhD Revealed About Lobbying
• 03:30 — The Missing Methodology in Public Affairs
• 06:59 — Why Public Policy Should Learn From Marketing
• 10:54 — Building Better, Measurable Policy Objectives
• 18:43 — The Reality of Working With International Clients
• 21:07 — The 2019 Public Policy Innovation Experiment
• 24:30 — Rebuilding the Vision With AI
• 28:11 — What AI Can Actually Do for Policy Teams
• 32:23 — Why Corporate Culture Slows AI Adoption
• 34:13 — Never Outsource Responsibility to AI
• 42:40 — How AI Changes the Consultancy Business Model
• 46:09 — Human Verification Becomes a New Service
• 48:02 — The Future of Public Affairs as a Profession
• 50:05 — Who Is Most at Risk From AI?
• 51:53 — Why Everyone Should Start Experimenting With AI
• 53:02 — Rapid Fire

About Dr. Yoav Shechter

Dr. Yoav Shechter is an independent public-policy consultant working across Israel and international markets, with around three decades of experience spanning corporate public affairs, trade associations and consultancy. He has held senior policy roles at Merck and worked across APAC and EEMEA, while also developing policy innovation initiatives and AI-powered tools. His work focuses on bringing greater methodology, measurement and technological capability to public affairs.

Episode Summary: 

In this episode of Pulls of Politics, Silvan speaks with Dr. Yoav Shechter about why public affairs needs a stronger professional methodology and marketing may hold the answer. They discuss measurable policy objectives, stakeholder mapping, legislative strategy, Shechter's early attempts to build AI-powered policy infrastructure, and how today's AI tools are changing consultancy economics. The conversation also explores the limits of AI, the importance of human verification, and what it takes for public-policy professionals to remain relevant.

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Timestamps

• 00:54 – Cynthia's Journey into Public Affairs
• 02:15 – Why Public Affairs Became Strategic
• 05:25 – Building Institutional Trust
• 07:45 – How China Has Changed
• 09:55 – Leadership Under Uncertainty
• 10:57 – Advice for CEOs
• 12:00 – From Boutique Consulting to Edelman
• 15:40 – Geopolitics Reshapes Business
• 18:00 – AI and Public Affairs
• 24:32 – The Future of Leadership
• 29:09 – Rapid Fire

About Cynthia Xing

Cynthia Xing is Managing Director and Head of Greater China of Public and Government Affairs at Edelman, where she advises multinational companies, boards, and investors on navigating one of the world's most consequential business environments. With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of business, policy, and geopolitics—including becoming the youngest-ever partner at Yuan Associates, one of China's pioneering public affairs consultancies - Cynthia helps organizations make better strategic decisions in an increasingly complex world.

Episode Summary:

China is no longer just a market—it's one of the forces shaping the global business environment.  In this episode, Cynthia Xing explores why public affairs has become a boardroom discipline, how leaders should think about geopolitical uncertainty, and why understanding China's evolving political, technological and commercial landscape is now essential for every multinational—not just those operating in China. She explains why judgement matters more than headlines, why long-term institutional understanding creates lasting competitive advantage, and how business leaders can make better decisions in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Timestamps

• 00:54 – Growing Up Around Politics
• 02:15 – 25 Years on Capitol Hill
• 03:25 – Discovering International Affairs
• 05:45 – Building Global Relationships
• 06:55 – Public vs Private Sector
• 08:57 – Why Leave Capitol Hill?
• 11:00 – Understanding Client Objectives
• 13:57 – Modern Lobbying Strategies
• 18:00 – Measuring ROI in Public Affairs
• 24:32 – What Great Lobbyists Do Differently
• 29:09 – Bipartisanship in Washington
• 33:56 – The Trump Era & Foreign Policy
• 37:21 – The Toolkit for Governments
• 40:21 – The World Cup & North America
• 42:06 – America at 250
• 45:52 – House of Cards vs Reality
• 49:12 – What's Next for Fred Turner?
• 50:33 – Rapid Fire

• About Fred Turner

  Fred Turner is Principal at BGR Group and leads international public affairs and trade engagements for governments and multinational organizations. Before joining BGR, he spent more than 25 years on Capitol Hill, including serving as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Staff Director of the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of diplomacy, international relations and public policy.

• Episode Summary:

  In this episode, Fred Turner shares lessons from more than two decades inside Washington's political system. He explains how lobbying really works, why relationships matter more than access, how governments navigate today's geopolitical landscape, and what has changed under the Trump administration. The conversation also explores bipartisan deal-making, international diplomacy, and the future of American institutions.

• 
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:05 – Introduction
• 00:47 – From National Security to Lobbying
• 02:15 – Inception of The Cabinet
• 04:20 – How Public Affairs Works in Israel
• 06:50 – Who Really Holds Power in Government
• 09:07 – Politics vs Professionalism
• 13:55 – OECD Standards & Transparency
• 18:04 – Measuring ROI in Lobbying
• 22:24 – Coalition Building & Associations
• 28:18 – Civil Society & Government Relations
• 31:37 – Public Affairs During War & Crisis
• 39:17 – AI and the Future of Lobbying
• 42:00 – Rapid Fire

• About Tzach Borovich

  Tzach Borovich is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of The Cabinet, one of Israel’s leading lobbying and government relations firms. Before entering the private sector, he worked at Israel’s National Security Council within the Prime Minister’s Office. Under his leadership, The Cabinet became the first lobbying firm in Israel to adopt OECD transparency principles and now advises leading Israeli and global companies on government affairs, regulation, and strategic public policy.

  
  

  Episode Summary:

  In this episode, Tzach Borovich breaks down how lobbying and public affairs actually work inside Israel’s political system. From coalition politics and bureaucratic influence to crisis management during war and COVID, he explains why modern lobbying is far more about strategy, data, and institutional understanding than political favors. The conversation also explores AI, regulation, transparency, and Israel’s evolving role in global business and geopolitics.

• 
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:05 – Introduction
• 00:47 – Early Career & Capitol Hill Lessons
• 04:08 – What Companies Get Wrong About Public Affairs
• 08:41 – Washington Then vs Now
• 11:00 – Social Media & Polarization
• 15:07 – Evolution of Political Ideologies
• 19:55 – Core Lessons from the Hill
• 27:04 – Crisis Communications Today
• 31:24 – The Post-Trust World
• 33:18 – Geopolitics & Trade Shifts
• 36:37 – America’s Global Role
• 40:17 – Future of Lobbying
• 41:34 – Politics = Policy
• 45:03 – AI & Public Affairs
• 49:10 – Human vs Machine
• 52:00 – Rapid Fire

• About Jessica Berk Ross

  Jessica Berk Ross is Managing Partner and Global Public Affairs Practice Leader at Finn Partners. Based in Washington DC, she advises global clients on policy, crisis communications, and geopolitical risk. With roots on Capitol Hill, she brings decades of experience navigating complex political environments. She is known for integrating public affairs with business strategy and ethical decision-making.

  
  

  Episode Summary:This episode explores how public affairs has evolved into a high-stakes, multidimensional discipline shaped by political polarization, AI, and global instability. Jessica Berk Ross shares insights from Capitol Hill to crisis war rooms, revealing why trust is declining, strategy is becoming risk-driven, and success now depends on adaptability.

• 
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:51 — Career Origin in Journalism

• 04:20 — The Turning Point: Media Reality

• 09:30 — Power vs Legitimation Framework

• 16:30 — Reputation & Social Signals

• 25:30 — Reputation in the Social Media Era

• 31:00 — Political Leadership Lessons

• 43:00 — Corporate World & Bureaucracy

• 52:08 — Building a Consulting Firm

• 59:48 — AI & the Future of Strategy

• 01:16:30 — Rapid Fire
• 
  

  About Victor Schmid

  ⁠Victor Schmid is one of the most experienced consultants for strategic communication, reputations and crisis management. With decades of experience navigating high-stakes corporate and political environments, he is recognized as a leading voice in reputation management across Switzerland and Germany. A PhD sociologist and former advisor to Swiss President Flavio Cotti, he leverages a formidable career background spanning from journalism to leading global communications. He is the co-founder of Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors AG, founder of Viscoma, and partner at CCounselors.

• Episode Summary:

  Summary
  In this episode, Victor Schmid breaks down the mechanics of power, legitimation, and reputation. He reveals how these forces shape leaders, companies, and entire societies. From his early discoveries in journalism to advising top executives and navigating political crises, he shares hard-earned lessons on authenticity, decision-making, and why AI will redefine but not replace strategic thinking.

  
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:51 — Career Origin

• 02:26 — Staying 13 Years in Consulting

• 04:20 — The AI Turning Point

• 06:18 — Why Build an Internal AI

• 09:59 — Client Pressure & Adoption

• 12:02 — Building the Chatbot

• 15:04 — Real Use Cases

• 19:00 — Human-in-the-Loop Philosophy

• 22:08 — Business Model Impact

• 24:48 — Pricing Pressure

• 27:15 — Training as Differentiator

• 36:33 — Advice for Graduates

• 38:08 — Rapid Fire
• 
  

  About Stefan Unger

  Stefan Unger is Managing Partner and COO at Miller & Meier Consulting, a leading public affairs consultancy in Germany and Europe. Within the company, he leads consulting services and the implementation of AI into the consulting portfolio. With a background in political science and international relations, he has spent over a decade shaping strategy at the intersection of policy, technology, and healthcare. He recently became President of the German Association of Political Consultants (de'ge'pol), focusing on AI, polarization, and the future of democracy.

  
  

  Episode Summary:

  In this episode, Stefan shares how AI is transforming public affairs from the inside out. He explains why his firm built its own compliant AI solution, how it delivers more value with fewer blind spots, and why human judgment remains the ultimate differentiator.

  
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:51 — Why History Still Shapes Power
• 03:12 — Lessons from Otto von Habsburg
• 05:34 — Policy, Cartels & Public Interest
• 09:59 — From Finance to Strategy
• 12:24 — Why Finance Moves Faster Than Politics
• 16:45 — Preparation as a Strategic Weapon
• 19:29 — Europe’s Place in a Shifting World
• 24:17 — Europe's Strategic Autonomy Explained
• 26:10 — Reform Before It’s Forced on You
• 29:03 — Rapid Fire: Curiosity, Mandela & Power

• About Peter Carlo Lehrell

  ⁠Peter-Carlo Lehrell is a European strategist whose career spans politics, finance, and public policy across continents. Shaped by a life lived between cultures, he has spent decades helping governments, investors, and global companies navigate moments of disruption with clarity, trust, and a long-term view. A founder, adviser, and consensus-builder, his work today focuses on climate, trade, regulation, and the practical realities of decision-making in an uncertain world.

  
  

  Episode Summary:

  In this episode of The Pulse of Politics, Peter Carlo Lehrell shares deep insights on how power truly shifts — from finance to politics, from West to East, and from institutions to adaptability.

  
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Timestamps

• 00:51 — Career Background
• 01:51 — Women in Public Affairs
• 03:10 — Why Public Affairs Matters
• 04:33 — What a Typical Day Looks Like
• 06:07 — Inside Lidl’s Public Affairs Process
• 08:24 — Cross-Organizational Collaboration
• 10:39 — Tools, Topic Mapping & Excel Reality
• 14:30 — The Human Knowledge Problem
• 17:31 — Coordinating a Small vs. Large PA Team
• 18:56 — Stakeholder Engagement Tactics
• 21:38 — Measuring Impact & KPIs
• 23:48 — Tools & Monitoring
• 25:13 — AI’s Role Today
• 27:04 — AI as a Sparring Partner
• 28:41 — Future Priorities
• 29:28 — Rapid-Fire Round

  
  

  About Jacqueline Fäs

  Jacqueline Fäs is the Head of Public Affairs at Lidl Switzerland, leading the company’s political strategy, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory positioning. With a background in communications and business administration, she brings a structured yet people-driven approach to political work. Her career spans years of navigating legislative processes, building long-term networks in Bern, and bridging internal and external perspectives. Jacqueline is known for combining deep policy expertise with practical organizational alignment.

  
  

  Episode Summary:

  In this episode, ⁠⁠⁠Jacqueline Fäs, Head of Public Affairs at Lidl Switzerland, takes us inside the real mechanics of public affairs at a major retailer. She explains how Lidl Switzerland structures political work, collaborates across the organization, manages ongoing issues, and navigates long regulatory cycles. We discuss internal processes, stakeholder engagement, AI’s emerging role in research and monitoring, and the realities of building trust inside and outside the company. Jacqueline also shares her views on measuring impact, staying aligned with leadership, and the misconceptions people often have about Public Affairs.

  
  

  Learn more about DELOS - ⁠⁠⁠www.delosanalytica.com⁠⁠⁠

  Don't forget to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ so you can always stay up-to-date with our latest initiatives.