The following suggestions could be applicable to any number of relationships – colleagues, Board, etc.,–  but having just had a conversation with a client about a customer relationship of theirs that’s faltering, I’m writing in that context.

• If you know there’s a problem that will impact your customer, get out in front of it.
• Work to solve the problem that created the problem. Determine where things went wrong and fix it.  An immediate band-aid might stop the bleeding and prevent a wound from becoming infected, but it won’t prevent future lacerations.  And a customer who’s been let down will want to know that things have been remedied.
• When things get hot, step toward the fire, not away. Make yourself more available, not less.
• Communicate clearly that you not only understand the damage and its consequences but that you’re prepared to go the extra to make things right. When there is a breach of trust, re-establishing it is predicated on knowing that the party responsible for the injury understands its impact.  Taking ownership is integral to moving forward.
• Empathy and accountability are among your most powerful tools for repair. Use them genuinely.  And generously.
• Attend to the customer relationship with as much rigor and enthusiasm as you would if courting a new prospect.
• Have patience. Fractured trust takes time to restore.
• Do the right thing because it’s the right thing. People can feel that.
• Recognize that how you show up in the midst of the mess often determines the strength, quality, trust, and longevity of the relationship.

I work with CEOs, senior executives, and leadership teams to optimize and accelerate business outcomes.  For more on working together, see the programs below.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for, hit reply with your questions.  I read and answer all email personally.

Ways of Working Together:

Need to level-up and leverage a cohort of high-performing leaders?

Magnificent Leadership® Peer Learning Cohorts Inside Your Organization

One of the most cost-effective, high-return coaching programs for leveling up an entire group of leaders. 

• You select who participates
• Highly customized content and materials for your cohort that we plan together
• Once-monthly virtual meetings to save on time and travel costs
• Leverages my executive coaching with peer accountability and learning
• Some of the most common curriculum topics: delegation and getting out of the weeds, increasing speed of execution, removing obstacles, enterprise leadership and influence across the organization, improving anticipation and accountability, effectively coaching team members for greater performance, Building a Self-Correcting Team®…
• Practical tools and strategies for immediate use 
• For your superstars and seasoned leaders, alike
• Minimum 5 participants, Maximum 14
• Custom add-ons available that can include private coaching from me and individual development planning

Popular, Extremely Cost Effective, and Fully Customized.  To learn more, contact me here.
My next openings for new cohorts begin June 1 and have room for two more cohorts in 2026.

Looking for private, confidential, bespoke executive coaching?  For more on working with me directly, go here for consulting and coaching offerings.  If you’re preparing to move into a bigger, more visible role or have just landed in one, accelerating your success is one of my specialties.  For senior executives looking for strategic guidance with real-time access to me, this remains one of the most popular – and accessible – coaching programs.  The next openings for all executive coaching offerings begin June 15.  For a library of cost-free resources, including all of my articles for TFM magazine, go here.

If you are an executive wondering ‘what’s next’ after corporate, consider joining me and a small group of curated peers for the next Big Work Retreat on October 22+23 in Raleigh at a luxury property located 10 minutes from the airport.

One way to plan for life after corporate is to think about it in the margins, watch your runway grow ever shorter, and then try to find something(s) of interest after the door closes.

Another is to give yourself the gift of time to dream and explore and plan in an immersive program with a highly-curated group of peers who are asking similar questions about soul-nourishing work and creating fulfilling lives in the next chapter.

Come awaken dreams, stretch your thinking, get coaching directly from me tailored to your specific situation, find support and camaraderie among fellow travelers, enjoy gourmet meals, relax in beautiful surroundings, and, yes, make a plan.

To learn more and set up a conversation directly with me to apply, go here.

This highly customized program has only 6 openings and will sell out.

Want to Build a Self-Correcting Team®?  One that is accountable, communicates and collaborates, is high trust and high results, pivots accurately, and generally makes you darn proud?  Contact me here.  This is some of the most impactful work I’m invited to do with clients and is described as a game-changer.  My next openings are in late May.

Planning your annual conference or event?  From elite executive retreats, to senior leadership team off sites, to association conferences and corporate events, I’ve been honored to speak to thousands.
From Blue Cross and Blue Shield to Harvard, from Caterpillar to the Association of Financial Professionals, from Women in Cable Telecommunications to the American Bankers Association, audiences describe me as engaging, interactive, inspirational, and giving them the practical tools and strategies they need for real-time business implementation.

For a full list of topics and descriptions go here.

Meeting planner resources are here.

Customized packages can include: pre-interviews with select attendees, leading a panel discussion, and social media promotion of your event.
For booking information, contact me now.  1 spot remains for 2026.