Discreet Diplomacy - Ambassador, Moderator & Peacemaker
Lessons from Decades in International Peacemaking are Equally Applicable in the Corporate Arena
Some argue that lawyers, particularly those with the letters LLB, LLM, and JD, are best equipped to resolve disputes. In the United Kingdom, the most prestigious among them are the gowned and wigged advocates known as King's Counsel - just known as KC's. However, in the realm of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and peacemaking, Mark Finlay's impressive track record suggests that the most pivotal three letters following your name should be 'QBE'—Qualified By Experience. With over 25 years of dedicated work in support of peace and post-conflict transformation across various conflict zones, Mark exemplifies the value of practical experience in this field.
Discreet efforts yield the best results
Much of Mark's work takes place behind the scenes—not because it is secretive, but because he prefers to create 'space' and 'time' free from undue pressure, allowing for 'critical conversations' to unfold.
The phrase "discretion is the better part of valor," famously spoken by William Shakespeare's Sir John Falstaff in King Henry IV, Part One, resonates with Mark's approach. His extensive experience in international peacemaking, reconciliation, and post-conflict transformation has clearly shown that discreet efforts typically yield the most successful outcomes.
Multi-Track Diplomacy
We offer Guiding Principles™ for Discreet Diplomacy—focused on private sector initiatives that support Track 2, Track 3, or Track 7 diplomatic efforts.
Mark Finlay has played an instrumental role in facilitating the release of detainees, repatriating nationals, and hosting private peer-group roundtable discussions. All gatherings hosted adhere to Red Book Diplomacy while prioritizing close protection security, anonymity, and the principles of Chatham House Rules.
The most powerful demonstrations of goodwill are to make yourself available, and to travel to see the other party
Travel has been an integral part of Mark Finlay's life since birth, thanks to his grandfather, one of "the incredibles" who accomplished the extraordinary feat of getting an aircraft 2½ times larger than any previous model off the ground. Juan Trippe, President of Pan Am, referred to their creation, the Boeing 747, as "a great weapon for peace, competing with intercontinental missiles for mankind's destiny." Mark's grandparents moved to Seattle, Washington, to bring this vision to life—exactly 4,463 miles from Belfast, where Mark lived with his parents.
As a result of a life spent traveling across oceans, Mark firmly believes that attending in-person meetings is the most powerful demonstration of intent and a true expression of goodwill.
Crisis and Calamity
There aren't too many people who can cite vast experience in city regeneration that has been forged in the fire of conflict or the aftermath of wars and terrorist attacks.
The ability to respond in the midst of challenging circumstances is the sign of a good leader. However, an even greater mark of distinction is when the leader has the foresight to prepare for crisis and calamity, and to establish business continuity plans, and to ensure they and their team are ready to respond.