Paul Afshar

Paul Afshar

As partner in Purposeful Business at FleishmanHillard, Paul Afshar supports the reputation management practice at FleishmanHillard Fishburn in London. He works with some of the world’s leading brands to shape their CSR and social investment strategies. He spent four years in China, where he ran an e-commerce start-up. Paul writes widely on global sustainability issues and UK-China business relations for the Huffington Post and the Independent.

Spin is dead: what millennials demand is purpose – in companies, in brands and in public relations.

Around 12 years ago, I was on a date in central London. The guy, who had bought the first round of drinks, turned to me and asked what I did.

Me: “I’m actually a lobbyist.”

Him: “Oh right. I’ve never met anyone who works in a hotel...