Lobbying in DC | Lydia Borland

LYDIA BORLAND - Photography by Michael Vonal

Lydia Borland is the antithesis of what a lobbyist is supposed to be. She’s a woman, she’s attractive and not to mention good–hearted. She works as a lobbyist contractor representing the Republic of Turkey and commercial clients. Her previous clients include the Republic of Azerbaijan and other international firms. She spent most of her childhood and teenage years in Turkey with her parents because her father was an American expat working for an American company. Lydia returned back to the States to attend college while her parents stayed behind. On a chance encounter, she sat next to a Turkish Embassy employee on a flight back from Istanbul. Lydia’s command of Turkish language and culture was so impressive that the Consulate employee recommended her to be hired by the country’s lobbying contractor in Washington, D.C. The rest is history and we captured some of it in our conversation below.

When we think of a lobbyist, a picture of Jack Abramoff comes to our mind. Male, aggressive, part of the good old boy network of the ultimate cigar smoking insiders. How many female lobbyists do you know and do you smoke cigars?

No, I don’t smoke cigars. That image, of course, is a caricature, and does not represent the industry. I’m not sure how many female lobbyists there are, it probably depends on the sector, but lobbyists are basically advocates. They promote the issue they are working on, and aim to educate the Members of Congress and their staff on that particular issue.

Why do we need lobbyists? Also, why do foreign governments need lobbying in the US? Isn’t communicating their point of view the job of their respective Ambassadors or foreign ministers?

Most diplomats rotate out of Washington every 3-4 years. Our legislative process is quite complicated. By the time they are up to speed, it is time for them to move to their next assignment. It is helpful to have someone who has the long term perspective of what has been done in the past, and how to move ahead in the future. Lobbyists advise their clients and help maximize their message.

Your job is to be a well–networked person. You have to know people and be able to call on them when you need them. In the business world, life is pretty much the same way. How do you build your valuable network?

We don’t just call when we need them, we maintain contact to update members and staff on issues. Networks are built through meetings, events, conferences, and the like.

Lobbying is big business in D.C. and is growing every year. As special interest groups, political action committees and financial lobbyists all vie for influence, here’s a list of some of the biggest spenders in Washington. ActBlue -$51,124,846 AT&T Inc -$46,292,670 National Assn of Realtors – $38,721,441 Goldman Sachs – $33,387,252 American Assn for Justice – $33,143,279 Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers – $33,056,216 National Education Assn -$32,024,610 Laborers Union – $30,292,050 Teamsters Union – $29,319,982

Your personal brand and reputation must be one of the most valuable assets for a lobbyist. How did you build your brand and how do you continue to preserve it after 20 odd years of working as a lobbyist?

Reputation is something that is built over many years, and can be destroyed in less than a day. I proved to be an important resource for members of Congress and staff. I am easy to reach, reliable, accurate, and responsive. It is also important to be discreet and be able to keep secrets when others confide in you.

Is lobbying the biggest industry in Washington, D.C.? Explain the business of lobbying to us please? What is it like?

Lobbying is definitely an important industry in this city. There are more lobbyists in Washington DC than in any other city in the country. The job involves more than just communicating with decision makers. It includes formulating strategy, building coalitions, educating constituents, grass roots mobilization, analyzing and monitoring congressional actions, and making recommendations on bills and resolutions.

We know that you speak multiple languages. How many, exactly and how did you learn them? How does speaking multiple languages help you in your business?

I speak English, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, French, and Azerbaijani. My father is American, and my school was in English in Turkey. My mother is Italian and my grandmother who lived with us didn’t speak English, so I learned Italian to be able to communicate with her. I took Spanish in high school, taught myself French, and learned Azerbaijani by visiting the country and working with Azerbaijanis. Azerbaijani is very similar to Turkish.

Who is the most famous person you have met in Washington D.C.? What was impressive about them?

I have met Presidents, Vice Presidents, Speakers, and the like. What is most impressive is that unlike the reputation of public officials, most of them sincerely have a desire to serve their country. Most can be compensated at a much higher rate in the private sector, but they choose public service, which comes with a lot of sacrifices. They are in demand every day of the week, on weekends, and in the evenings.

In your years of lobbying in D.C. you have seen many personalities come and go. What are the common characteristics of the ones that exhibit longevity?

Ability to get along with a wide variety of personalities and diplomatic skills. Likeability is also important.

We can imagine that lobbying takes a lot of your time in a day. As a mom how do you balance your life at home and at work?

Although I do have an office, I can also work from home which provides me with invaluable flexibility. In addition to this, I also have an easy going daughter who accompanies me to evening events when necessary. I feel that it’s very important to maintain a sense of humor and a perspective of what is really important in life.

Want to find out more about Caspian Group? Visit them at www.caspiangroupconsulting.com

Photography by Michael Vonal