Nick Laitner’s route into public affairs began in a way that now feels increasingly out of reach. “A speculative letter resulting in an internship,” he says — a simple entry point into a boutique agency that would set the direction of his career. Looking back, he is clear how much the landscape has changed. “It’s tragic how unlikely that route is for a recent graduate in 2026.” That early experience has developed into a senior role within one of the most influential advisory firms in the sector. Teneo operates at the intersection of business, politics and communications, advising global clients on strategy, reputation and public affairs. Its work spans multiple sectors and jurisdictions, often at moments of high complexity or risk — where political, regulatory and commercial considerations converge. For Laitner, that variety is central to the appeal of agency work. “The overview you get from talking to business leaders across a range of sectors,” he says, combined with “the sheer variety of challenges that the day brings.” It is a role defined less by specialisation than by constant exposure to new problems — and the need to navigate them quickly. That breadth sits within a more challenging political environment. “Doing public affairs in an increasingly fragmented and populist political environment” is, he admits, one of the things that keeps him up at night — alongside more immediate concerns, including “my two-year-old” and “Liverpool FC’s squad balance.” His approach to the profession is grounded in experience rather than theory. The value of public affairs, he suggests, lies not in process but in judgement. On artificial intelligence, he is clear: “AI will be a hugely important tool,” but “it’s impossible to replicate insights and judgement based on experience and connectivity.” That, he argues, is where the real value sits. His leadership philosophy reflects that same pragmatism. “Hire good people and trust them to deliver.” It is a deliberately simple model — but one that places emphasis on recruitment and autonomy rather than structure.

One piece of advice has stayed with him throughout his career — and reflects a certain perspective on the profession. "The last thing you realise is how little time other people spend thinking about you"

His proudest achievement is similarly people-focused. “Hiring and mentoring some of the best people working in comms and politics today,” he says — a reminder that, in agency environments, success is often measured through teams as much as outcomes. One piece of advice has stayed with him throughout his career — and reflects a certain perspective on the profession. “The last thing you realise is how little time other people spend thinking about you.” It is both a corrective to overthinking and a reminder of where attention should be focused. His broader view of public affairs challenges another common assumption. “Money really doesn’t buy influence,” he says — pushing back against the idea that outcomes can be secured purely through resources rather than argument and engagement. Outside work, his interests are eclectic but consistent with his tone. “Reading a lot of books, eating a lot of food, watching the darts, arguing with my children,” he says — a mix of observation, indulgence and energy. His influences reflect a blend of politics and culture. Figures such as Robert F. Kennedy, Golda Meir and Kenny Dalglish stand out — alongside a strong interest in political biography. The Robert Caro books on Robert Moses and Lyndon B. Johnson, he says, offer “everything there is to know about power.” His view on politics itself is clear. “Absolutely not,” he says when asked about entering public life — despite “boundless respect” for those who do. The reason is straightforward: the “sheer volume of abuse that MPs face every day.”

Quick-fire Q&A How did you start in public affairs?“A speculative letter… leading to an internship.” What keeps you up at night?“My two-year-old… Liverpool FC… and fragmented politics.” What’s the appeal of agency advocacy?“Variety… and exposure to business leaders across sectors.” Proudest achievement?“Hiring and mentoring great people.” Best piece of advice?“How little time other people spend thinking about you.” View on AI?“A powerful tool… but it can’t replicate judgement.” Leadership philosophy?“Hire well and trust people.” What do people get wrong about public affairs?“Money doesn’t buy influence.” How do you unwind?“Books, food, darts, and family life.” Favourite TV?“Deadloch.” Big influence?“RFK, Golda Meir, Kenny Dalglish.” Recommended reading?“Robert Caro on Moses and LBJ.” Ever considered politics?“Absolutely not.”...