Tips for Navigating Challenging Situations

When Integrity Prevails: Lessons from an Unexpected Twist In leadership, unexpected challenges can test resilience and integrity. Recently, I had a client whose situation highlighted both. Her team was thriving, delivering beyond expectations. Yet, out of the blue, her boss urged her to resign, citing the CEO’s supposed request. Rather than accepting this without question, she decided to seek clarity directly from the CEO, only to uncover a startling reality: the CEO had been told by her boss that she wanted to leave, not the other way around. Once the truth came out, it was her boss who was dismissed, and she was promoted. This experience underscores several powerful lessons for professionals at any level: 1. Transparency is Key: When something seems off, seek clarity with those who matter. In this case, a direct conversation with the CEO revealed the truth. Transparency can quickly dissolve misunderstandings and reveal agendas. 2. Trust but Verify: Even senior leaders can have misaligned motives. When life-altering decisions hinge on someone’s word, it's wise to confirm critical details, especially if they significantly impact your career. 3. Speak Up Early: If something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Addressing concerns openly—sooner rather than later—can prevent larger issues from unfolding. By speaking up, my client preserved her career and reputation. 4. Maintain Senior Connections: Cultivating relationships with key executives fosters alignment and offers support in challenging situations. This network can be crucial, especially when intermediaries may misrepresent intentions. 5. Integrity Wins: Ultimately, her track record and ethical approach worked in her favor. This situation reinforces that consistent performance and integrity are the best safeguards against misrepresentation. In the corporate world, challenges like these can seem daunting. However, by staying true to our values, prioritizing transparency, and advocating for ourselves, we not only protect our careers but also model resilience for our teams. This story serves as a reminder: in the end, integrity has a way of winning out.

It’s 1am and my brain is vibrating at a very high frequency. The next few months are critical for businesses. We’re witnessing global wars, mass layoffs, and a post-AI world where rules are evolving very fast. Everything is shifting ... economies, industries, even identities. Sentiments are unpredictable. And evolution... it’s happening faster than we were ever warned. In moments like this, survival in business comes down to three things: 1. How resilient you are 2. How adaptable your business is 3. And then... pure, blind luck I’ve spent 14 years building through storms. Markets crashed. Partners walked away. Plans fell apart. Teams broke. But here we are ... still building, still dreaming, still growing. Every time we went through something major, I took notes. And today, I want to share the guide I wish I had during my hardest days, in the hope it helps someone out there who needs it now: 1. Embrace change and uncertainty It’s coming, whether you like it or not. Revenues will dip. People will disappoint. Strategies will collapse. Don’t fight the pain — walk with it. Let it sharpen your senses. It always has something to teach you. 2. Cut fast, but with empathy Speed saves lives in a crisis, but souls matter. When you make hard decisions — layoffs, pivots, shutdowns — do it with clarity, not cruelty. People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. 3. Stay uncomfortably close to your customer Your customers are evolving in real time. If you are not listening daily, you are falling behind. Talk to them. Watch them. Let their reality shape your decisions. 4. Don’t worship your past victories What worked last year might bury you this year. Ego is expensive in uncertain markets. Stay humble. Stay hungry. Let go of what no longer serves the future. 5. Focus on energy, not just strategy Your team mirrors your emotional state. If you panic, they will crumble. If you go numb, they will disengage. Be honest, be present, but above all, be steady. Energy is the invisible strategy that holds it all together. 6. Build faith in something bigger When numbers stop making sense and logic hits a wall, you need something deeper ... a belief, a cause, a reason to keep going. Call it purpose. Call it God. Call it madness. Just don’t run on empty. I don’t know how the next few months will unfold. No one does. But I do know this — the ones who feel deeply, move boldly, and love fiercely through the storm are the ones who build companies that outlive the chaos. My company stands more stable than ever today, but I haven’t forgotten the nights I sat up, just like this. So if you are awake at 1am too ... anxious, tired, and unsure — know this: we have lived through darkness to see the light, and you will too. Good days are around the corner. Let’s survive this. Let’s grow through this. Let’s make it mean something!

Leading in uncertain times is a hot topic today in business as we face a compounding set of unknowns: tariffs, inflation, volatility in our financial markets, the ongoing climate crisis, supply chain disruptions, global conflicts, and the advent of AI to name just a few. Whether you are an operator, investor or board member, I wanted to share a few of my approaches to dealing with the reality we are facing, and I would love your thoughts in response: 1. First, for me, is to remain consistent and committed to our company values. At PSP Partners, we express ours as IDEALS--Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Alignment, Leadership and Service. Your teams want to know that during uncertainty you will make hard decisions that are grounded in your core values. 2. Radical honesty is critical. Bringing your leadership team to a point of embracing the reality of the landscape that your organization is facing is an essential foundation to then figuring out the vulnerabilities. 3. Ensuring that your balance sheet is strong to weather the difficult periods as well as to have the opportunity to play offense is more essential than ever. 4. Regular scenario planning and pressure testing various outcomes is essential to manage and mitigate risk; it is all the more important right now. This is also known as “red teaming” and it’s a critical thing to do. 5. Being curious about your blind spots and institutional biases will help create an environment where you and your team can safely challenge assumptions. 6. Overcommunicating with your management team and to your company as a whole have never been more needed. Remember it takes about 7 times for a message to break through. Don’t be afraid to repeat it over and over. 7. Embracing the idea that challenges also create unique and unexpected opportunities is so important. During uncertainty the best companies create extraordinary opportunity and returns for the long term. 8. A strong, innovative and resilient culture is always foundational and especially essential to navigating the current challenges. The CEO and your leadership team have to set the example.  

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙚'𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙎𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙈𝙮 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 (𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 2) Remember last week's promise to delve deeper into the power of networking? Buckle up, because today we're getting real. I recently coached a client facing a brutal reality: job loss, dwindling savings, and a month to find new employment. The pressure was immense, and opportunities in his Delaware field seemed nonexistent. Here's how we tackled this seemingly impossible situation: 1. Leverage Your Centers of Influence (Even if You Think You Don't Have Any): Forget "powerful people." These are simply individuals who've crossed your path and might offer guidance or introductions. Think past colleagues, former bosses, even clients you connected with! My client initially dismissed this, believing he lacked such connections. But we reframed it. Every interaction creates potential. 2. Craft a Compelling Script (Panic is NOT the Message): We created a message that conveyed urgency without desperation. It highlighted his skills, project-based options he was open to, and his desire for a brief call to explore leads. It wasn't about begging; it was about seeking valuable insights. 3. Aim for 25 Connections Daily (Rejection is Inevitable, Persistence is Key): We set a daily goal of contacting 25 individuals across various channels (phone, email, text). He practiced his script, focusing on a positive attitude despite potential rejections. Remember, not everyone responds immediately, and that's okay. 4. Have a Backup Plan (Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst): We discussed alternative scenarios if this approach didn't yield results within 7 days. It's crucial to have contingencies in place to avoid feeling lost and overwhelmed. The Result? My client landed a consulting gig within a week, thanks to a connection made through this process. It wasn't his dream job, but it bought him valuable time and kept him afloat. More importantly, he gained confidence in his ability to leverage his network and navigate challenging situations. Lessons learned: Nurture relationships throughout your career. Building genuine connections and staying in touch with former colleagues can make a world of difference when you need them most. Your Turn: What are your go-to resources when your back's against the wall? Share your experiences where networking proved invaluable in the comments! #resumewriter #careercoach #CommunityTopVoice The power of networking—photograph of Victoria Long and me creating a lasting and strong connection. Networking! It's FUN! Embrace it!!!

Uncertainty and change at work is hard. That feeling of ‘not knowing’ can really stress people out and the energy and brainspace needed to maintain commitment and productivity can feel scarce. But it doesn’t have to feel so gloomy. If we can lean into that uncertainty and find connection with peers, ones team and isolate that ‘why’ for why we work where we work, or do what we do, it makes a huge difference. Plus, doing so is what separates high performing leaders and organizations from the rest. I’ve been focused on this lately and here are my observations: 📌 Start with understanding what people want. For many it’s an environment where people are heard, understood, and valued. A place where they can learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution and impact. Ask them, and listen. 📌 Now reflect on your style and your ability to adapt your style to changing situations. You must be adaptable. Versatility and your ability to tailor your role to immediate needs is really important. 📌 Adjust your perspective. Put yourself in your team’s shoes and look at problems from different points of view. Be open and prepared to adjust your approach in order to make points of connection. 📌 Focus on your team values, they’re core to the foundation of trust you’ve built with your team. They’re the glue that binds. 📌 Act with compassion and check in with your team. Uncertainty and disruption means your team is dealing with a lot that they’re not unaccustomed to. New obstacles and challenges must be taken into account. 📌 Create paths for communication the way your team likes to engage, meet them where they are at. Create simple pathways to ask questions and encourage feedback that will allow you all to navigate change positively. 📌 Lead with resilience which demands a growth mindset and positive thinking on your part. Things are moving fast, it’s important that you are self aware with your thoughts and emotions as you encounter stress so you can best show up for your team. No matter what uncertainty and disruption brings let’s always remember that teams are made of people with strengths, weaknesses, fears, goals and dreams. Treat your people as you’d like to be treated and you’ll find yourselves coming together and navigating the world of work together. I took this picture at LinkedIn NYC Headquarters a few weeks ago inspired by the many ways they bring their culture to life throughout their offices. A favorite quote comes to mind ⤵️ “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” ~ Maya Angelou How do you deal with the unknown or too much change? Please share in comments so we can all learn together. #Career #leadership #FutureOfWork #mindset

A few years ago I retired my position as a Chief DEI officer for a top 20 global lifesciences organization. I remain a lifelong practitioner and now executive coach. I find it’s my time to help the broader community. I hope you find this post useful? Navigating the Frustration of Executive Orders can be trying. Uncertainty is exhausting. The rapid shifts in policies and executive orders leave many leaders and employees questioning their next steps. For those responsible for driving strategy and supporting teams, the frustration is real—plans are disrupted, priorities shift overnight, and ambiguity feels like the only constant. Yet, in times of uncertainty, true leadership emerges. We don’t always control the decisions handed down to us, but we do control how we respond. Here’s what I’ve been encouraging my clients to focus on: 🔹 Stay Anchored in Your Values Policies change, but your leadership principles don’t have to. What do you stand for? Whether it’s integrity, inclusion, or innovation, let your values guide your decision-making in the face of uncertainty. 🔹 Acknowledge Frustration—Then Refocus It’s okay to feel frustrated, but staying in that space isn’t productive. Acknowledge the challenges, then shift your energy toward problem-solving. What is within your control? Where can you create impact despite the roadblocks? 🔹 Communicate with Transparency People are looking to leaders for direction, even when answers aren’t clear. Be honest about what you know, what you don’t, and what steps you’re taking to navigate the situation. Transparency builds trust, even when uncertainty persists. 🔹 Build a Resilient Network You’re not in this alone. Surround yourself with peers, mentors, and allies who can help you see challenges from new perspectives and provide support when the weight of change feels overwhelming. 🔹 Remember the Long Game Today’s executive orders may shift, but your long-term vision remains. Stay adaptable but grounded—great leaders know how to pivot while keeping their eyes on the bigger picture. If you’re feeling frustrated or uncertain, you’re not alone. This is a time for leaders at all levels to show up with courage, clarity, and compassion. What’s been helping you navigate these challenges? Let’s support each other in the comments. I’m here to support and advise. #Leadership #Resilience #Uncertainty #ExecutiveOrders #Nevergiveup. #hireacoach