‘Corporate affairs no longer a support function; it’s a strategic business driver’

Corporate affairs has evolved far beyond government relations and corporate communications. Today, it sits at the intersection of business, policy, sustainability and stakeholder engagement, helping companies navigate increasingly complex operating environments.

With more than two decades of experience across industries, including energy, tobacco and agriculture, Mohammed Shahidul Islam has witnessed this transformation firsthand.

Currently serving as Director of Corporate Affairs and Business Sustainability at Syngenta Bangladesh Limited and Secretary General of the Corporate Affairs Forum of Bangladesh, he believes the profession is becoming a critical enabler of business growth and resilience.

In an interview with The Business Standard, Shahidul discusses the changing role of corporate affairs, the skills needed to succeed and why adaptability is becoming a defining leadership trait.

Many people believe corporate affairs is a profession reserved for those with powerful family connections. Is that true?

That's a myth. While networks help, they can be built through hard work and professionalism. I built my career on merit and relationship-building. What matters most are soft skills – patience, politeness, intelligence and humility. Strong negotiation skills and the courage to speak up are also essential. These qualities can be learned; they are not inherited.

You have worked in energy, tobacco and agriculture. How did you adapt each time you moved into a new industry?

Every industry has its own complexities, but the fundamentals of corporate affairs remain the same: understand the landscape, build trust and stay curious. Whenever I entered a new sector, I focused on listening first – engaging regulators, learning from internal teams and understanding stakeholder expectations.

Moving across industries did not weaken my expertise; it strengthened it. Each transition broadened my perspective and improved my ability to connect issues across sectors. In today's business environment, adaptability is a leadership necessity.

Why has corporate affairs become so important in recent years?

The world has changed dramatically. Social media has given everyone a voice, and a company's reputation can be affected instantly. Businesses need professionals who understand regulations, manage stakeholder expectations, anticipate risks and protect reputation while supporting growth. That is why demand for corporate affairs professionals has increased significantly.

You advise CEOs and boards. What makes an effective advisor?

Three things: expertise, courage and integrity.

You need deep knowledge of regulations, sustainability, trade and stakeholder management. But you also need the courage to tell leaders difficult truths, not just what they want to hear.

Most importantly, never compromise on ethics. Transparency builds trust, and trust is one of the most valuable assets any organisation can have.

Can you share examples of the impact corporate affairs can have on business performance?

Throughout my career, I have worked on removing trade barriers, supporting regulatory reforms and helping create new business opportunities. I have also been involved in integrating sustainability into business strategy.

My guiding principle is simple: create win-win solutions. Effective engagement with policymakers should serve the public interest while also enabling business growth.

You often describe yourself as an "outside-in agent." What does that mean?

Every business decision should consider external stakeholders. My role is to bring outside perspectives into company discussions. I ask questions such as: How will regulators react? What will communities think? Does this align with emerging policy trends?

This approach helps organisations avoid risks and identify opportunities before competitors do.

What is the biggest challenge facing corporate affairs professionals today?

Speed and complexity. Regulations change quickly, stakeholder expectations evolve constantly and global events can influence local business environments almost overnight.

In this environment, decisions cannot rely on instinct alone. Professionals need facts, data and a clear understanding of stakeholder perceptions, because stakeholders ultimately shape a company's operating environment.

What skills are essential for success in this field?

Technical knowledge of laws, regulations and public policy is critical. Professionals also need negotiation and persuasion skills, effective stakeholder management capabilities and the ability to remain calm during crises.

Equally important are analytical skills, logical thinking and the ability to anticipate future trends. I always encourage young professionals to start their day by reading the business pages of reputable newspapers.

How does sustainability fit into corporate affairs?

Sustainability is no longer optional; it is central to business strategy. Corporate affairs helps integrate sustainability into daily operations by working with boards, regulators, operational teams and communities.

When done properly, sustainability creates long-term value for both businesses and society.

As Secretary General of the Corporate Affairs Forum of Bangladesh, what is your vision?

I believe corporate affairs will continue evolving from a support role into a strategic business driver and revenue enabler through advocacy and engagement. As regulations become more complex and sustainability grows in importance, organisations will increasingly rely on corporate affairs leaders to guide them through uncertainty and create opportunities.

You recently won a national golf trophy. How does golf help you stay motivated?

Winning that trophy was a special moment for me. Golf gives me peace and helps me maintain both physical and mental resilience. It also strengthens relationships and encourages open dialogue—qualities that are equally important in corporate affairs leadership. In a demanding corporate environment, staying healthy and balanced is not a luxury; it is a responsibility.