Public Affairs
Influence the narrative. Shape outcomes.
Our capabilities
Public affairs is no longer just about lobbying or press releases—it’s about shaping the narratives, coalitions, and outcomes that define markets, legislation, and public trust. At Firnal, we work at the intersection of data, strategy, and cultural insight to deliver tailored public affairs solutions for businesses, governments, coalitions, and NGOs operating in complex policy environments.
From shifting public opinion to building stakeholder alliances, from navigating political transitions to launching policy-backed campaigns—we build bespoke strategies that move audiences, influence outcomes, and put our clients at the center of the conversation.
Strategic policy positioning
Public affairs begins with clarity. Firnal helps clients define their policy stances with authority, precision, and credibility—before others define it for them. Whether you're advocating for new regulation, opposing harmful legislation, or navigating a politically sensitive issue, we help you craft a position that aligns with internal goals, external realities, and stakeholder expectations. This includes internal briefing documents, external messaging frameworks, public narratives, and coalition alignment materials. We don’t just write talking points—we help you build a position that persuades, unites, and drives outcomes.
Legislative & regulatory engagement
Engaging with lawmakers and regulatory bodies isn’t about volume—it’s about timing, targeting, and trusted messaging. Firnal helps clients navigate the complexity of policy influence through precise stakeholder mapping, relationship-building strategies, and legislative timing awareness. We support you through hearings, comment periods, advisory board opportunities, and regulatory shifts by crafting customized outreach materials, organizing briefing meetings, and developing co-authored policy content when appropriate. We build bridges between your team and the decision-makers shaping your environment, ensuring you’re not only informed—but included.
Crisis & reputation management
In moments of risk, every message matters. Whether it’s a policy misalignment, media attack, product controversy, or whistleblower leak, Firnal activates rapid-response communication plans that are calibrated for impact and reputation protection. We guide leadership through the narrative, develop holding statements, coordinate multi-stakeholder outreach, and manage news cycles in real time. Our focus is twofold: mitigating immediate fallout and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. We’ve helped clients not only survive reputational risk—but emerge stronger, more transparent, and more respected than before.
Coalition building & stakeholder mobilization
Policy victories are rarely won alone. Firnal helps clients build and lead coalitions that amplify voice, distribute risk, and broaden public and policymaker support. We identify high-value allies—trade associations, nonprofits, influencers, community leaders, academia—and work with you to define shared goals, design unifying messaging, and mobilize action through aligned campaigns. Whether you’re fighting a regulation or pushing for national reform, we ensure your cause is amplified by diverse, strategic voices that give it unstoppable momentum.
Culturally intelligent public campaigns
What moves people in New York doesn’t work the same in Nairobi or São Paulo. Firnal designs public affairs campaigns rooted in deep cultural intelligence and behavioral insight. We conduct message testing, emotional trigger analysis, and content creation tailored to regional norms, linguistic preferences, and historical context. Campaigns are deployed across earned, owned, and influencer media—building public understanding and enthusiasm around your issue, brand, or legislative ask. The goal: campaigns that connect deeply, spark action, and travel organically across social, political, and cultural lines.
Government transition & international relations support
Power transitions, political shifts, and global crises create immense uncertainty—but also opportunity. Firnal supports both multinational clients and international governments during these transitions by offering narrative repositioning, elite stakeholder engagement, and cross-border reputation guidance. We map the evolving policy landscape, identify new decision-makers, and help reframe your public role in ways that match the moment. Whether you're defending an existing footprint or entering a new regulatory environment, we ensure your story is relevant, credible, and aligned with changing political tides.
Client success stories
Turning public sentiment to win a controversial ballot initiative
A client facing heavy opposition on a state-level proposition brought Firnal in late in the campaign. We deployed demographic-specific messaging, leveraged culturally relevant storytelling, and seeded emotionally resonant narratives through micro-influencers and earned media. Public sentiment flipped 30+ points in under six weeks, and the proposition passed by a narrow but decisive margin.
Repositioning a multinational after a government change
When a major client operating in West Africa faced a political transition that threatened contracts and public goodwill, Firnal stepped in with a dual-track strategy. We advised on a localized repositioning narrative that emphasized economic partnership, built relationships with emerging decision-makers, and launched a grassroots goodwill campaign. The result: all contracts were preserved, public perception recovered, and the client was invited to sit on a national infrastructure advisory board.
Safeguarding a biotech firm through a regulatory scare
A U.S.-based biotech company was thrust into public scrutiny after a competitor triggered federal reviews of several research practices across the industry. Firnal deployed a proactive communications plan focused on transparency, scientific integrity, and community health outcomes. We worked with legal counsel, internal teams, and regional officials to ensure compliance while shaping the media narrative. The company saw no regulatory penalties, zero drop in investor confidence, and a 16% boost in brand favorability by the time the cycle ended.
By the numbers.
18%
average shift in public sentiment within six weeks of campaign launch
94%
retention rate for public affairs clients after first engagement
$240M+
in government contract value protected through Firnal-led advisory during regime transitions
4
continents where Firnal has launched public affairs or perception repositioning initiatives
Featured implementations
Rapid-response policy war room
Firnal helps organizations stand up fast-response teams that combine legal insight, public narrative strategy, digital listening, and targeted policymaker outreach. We provide messaging, spokesperson prep, social sentiment heatmaps, and contact strategies for key legislative offices—all within 48 hours. This implementation helps clients avoid panic, retain control, and shape the narrative in real time.
Cross-sector coalition for market access
Firnal builds broad, values-driven coalitions with NGOs, community leaders, academic institutions, and trade bodies that help clients gain social and political license to operate. These alliances become vehicles for both public legitimacy and private influence—creating a united front in the face of market skepticism or policy resistance.
Cultural narrative repositioning at the national level
Firnal develops messaging architectures and campaign strategies that rebrand institutions at the national level, earning back trust and global credibility. This includes stakeholder perception audits, narrative pillars, national media deployment, and diaspora engagement strategies. The goal: a coherent, future-facing identity that aligns with new values and wins both local and international buy-in.
