Business Diplomat: Informed and Convincing

Two core courses on political risk and trade governance, and practice until knowledge becomes the student’s own: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva sets out what a young business diplomat certificate should add. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Protocol, negotiation and intercultural communication are the standard ingredients of diplomatic training. In this part of its interview series, Business Diplomat presents an assessment by Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva on what a certificate programme should add to them.

Two courses

First observation: two courses
She proposes two core courses: Geoeconomics & Political Risk Analysis, and Global Trade Governance. Together, she says, they cover “the forces that make or break deals: sanctions, trade wars, elections, the WTO and investment treaties.” She states the consequence directly: “Without them, a business diplomat can speak well but cannot advise well.”

The problem with recital

Second observation: the problem with recital
Knowledge alone is not enough. “I have met many professionals with excellent credentials who still sound as if they are reciting from memory.” She does not describe a lack of information. The graduates she has in mind know the material, but it has not become theirs.

Practice until it is owned

Third observation: practice until it is owned
Her answer is to make experience central: “public speaking, debate and community volunteering projects, practiced until the knowledge becomes the student’s own.” The intended result is stated clearly: “Graduates should leave not only informed but convincing and that is what will make the program widely known among government institutions.”

The logic of the assessment

The logic of the assessment
The assessment sets two gaps. The first is between speaking and advising: protocol and negotiation make a person articulate, while risk analysis and trade governance make them useful. The second is between knowing and convincing: a graduate who recites will not persuade a minister or an investor. The first gap is closed by two courses and the second by practice.

The role of Business Diplomat

The role of Business Diplomat
For a platform that aims to give young people experience, bring a diplomatic order to the business world, and benefit states by revitalising the economy, this sets a standard. A certificate matters if its holders can advise and persuade, and government institutions will notice graduates who do.

Conclusion
A business diplomat who can only speak well is half trained. Tulanboyeva asks for two more courses and a great deal of practice, so that graduates are both informed and convincing.