A few years ago, I was called in to mediate a struggling partnership between a startup and an established company. At the outset, everything looked promising; each had what the other needed, and the enthusiasm was mutual. But as time went on, their differences in culture and pace began to create friction.
The startup moved fast, making decisions on the fly, while the corporate partner relied on structured processes and multiple approvals. Initially, strong communication helped bridge the gap, but as challenges arose, tensions escalated. The startup needed more funding; the corporate firm wanted tangible results.
Personal dynamics complicated things further. Founders within the startup lost alignment, and the corporate executive who championed the deal was more focused on his next career move than on fixing the alliance. Trust eroded, and soon, instead of talking to each other, they were talking about each other.
In one-to-one conversations, I kept hearing the same phrase from both sides: “They need to understand that…” The partnership had stalled. But with structured mediation, we cleared up misunderstandings, rebuilt trust, and created a new communication framework. The partners renegotiated and ultimately transformed their alliance into a success.
This situation could have been avoided entirely with open, ongoing communication from the start.
My work isn’t just about fixing broken partnerships, it’s about guiding alliance professionals to success. Even when you know where you’re going, having an experienced coach helps you get there faster, achieve better results, and avoid unnecessary roadblocks.
If this resonates, let’s talk. Email me at coach@petersimoons.com or schedule a call to explore how Alliance coaching could support your journey.
Looking forward to connecting!