The 4 Step Sequence of a âBig Askâ ... How to Gain Buy-In Without Pushing
One of the questions Iâm asked frequently, whether Iâm leading a mastermind cohort, working one on one with clients, or speaking from a stage, is this:
âWhat is the successful sequence of making a âbig askâ and receiving buy-in?â
And this applies internally ... asking for new scope, a title, compensation, or resources.
It also applies externally ... asking a client to commit, expand, renew, or say yes to a bigger engagement.
Most people think the ask is the moment that matters most.
Itâs not.
The âaskâ is the fourth step.
If you want buy-in, you need the right sequence ... because the sequence is what makes the ask feel like a solution, not a request for the other to give something up.
So, the next time you commit to making a big ask, consider the following:
Step 1: Build a Trust and Safety Runway
Before you ask for anything, itâs important to build a trust and safety runway.
Not trust that you can get something done or competence trust.
Explicit communication that demonstr...
Super Human Growth - an Interview with Shanna Goodell, Senior Director of Enterprise Learning & Talent Development at Druva
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shanna Goodell, Senior Director of Enterprise Learning and Talent Development at Druva, about her inspiring career journey and her vision for âsuperhuman growth.â
Shannaâs path was shaped by mentors who believed in her potential and opened doors that might otherwise have stayed closed. From her best friendâs parents encouraging her to pursue college, to mentors who introduced her to organizational psychology, to leaders who gave her early opportunities, Shanna embodies the ripple effect of empowerment.
Her career reflects resilience and innovationâespecially when she pioneered flexible work arrangements to balance motherhood with professional growth. At Druva, she now champions learning strategies that integrate cutting-edge AI with the human connection that truly drives growth. Shanna believes that curiosity, trust, and vision are the key ingredients for creating âsuperhuman teamsâ that achieve beyon...
Leading with Humility and Heart - an Interview with Kristyn Ramsey, Senior Director of Learning & Development at D. R. Horton
In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the privilege of speaking with Kristyn Ramsey, Senior Director of Learning & Development at D.R. Horton, about the power of humility, resilience, and lifelong learning in shaping fearless leadership. Kristynâs story is a reminder that authentic leadership starts with embracing rejection, choosing growth, and empowering others through trust and perspective.
Kristyn opened up about the early influence of her parentsâher fatherâs goal-setting rituals and her motherâs example of managing both work and home lifeâthat instilled a fierce work ethic and sense of vision. Her career was not without challenges. Twice rejected for roles she deeply wanted, she chose to learn and improve instead of stepping back. Her experience underscores a core truth: setbacks can shape the most powerful comebacks.
Leading with humility, Kristyn says, is not about shrinkingâitâs about shifting focus from self to service. Itâs a mindset that drives ROI thr...
Getting Up to Speed Fast in an Executive Role - an Interview with Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channels at Autodesk
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Rachel Tuller, Vice President Global Channel Sales at Autodesk. Rachel discusses her career journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and overcoming challenges. She highlights her non-linear career path, starting as a technical trainer and evolving through various roles. Rachel credits her success to leveraging transferable skills and the support of mentors like James Mundell. At Autodesk, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the company culture, building trust, and establishing executive relationships. Rachel advised new executives to create a stakeholder map, have a clear plan, and leverage available resources. She stresses the balance between collaboration and confidence in driving success.
Key takeaways from this interview:
- 0:01:15 Rachel's family history of professional women inspired her to be a "fearless female" and pursue impactful work that helps others.
- 0:02:40 Rachel's career path has been a "lattice, not a ladder ...
How to Build Authentic Trust and Boost Your Bottom Line - an Interview with Lindsay Jensen
I had the great fortune of speaking with Lindsay Jensen, Senior Director of Strategy and Growth at Impartner, on How to Build Authentic Trust and Boost Your Bottom Line.
In this insightful conversation, Lindsay shares her personal journey and professional insights on building authentic relationships in the technology industry.
Overcoming early life challenges, Lindsay learned the value of authenticity from her mother's example. She discusses the delicate balance between motherhood and career, the long-term approach to sales through trust and empathy, and the power of mentoring in empowering women in the workplace.
Her emphasis on strategic empathy, understanding client needs, and championing their success underscores the importance of genuine connections for sustainable business growth.
Lindsay's experiences offer valuable lessons for executive and leadership development, particularly for female leaders striving to build that authentic trust.
Key Takeaways:
Inspiration from Difficulties (00:...
1 Epic Formula to Manage Emotions When the Stakes Are High
(Scroll to the bottom to view the video.)
Being able to manage emotions is a tool that can come in handy during important events at school, at home or in competitive situations.
Since emotions drive behavior, this is an important skill to understand and master, so all your hard work can pay off. Once itâs game time, it is time to trust yourself. In other words, trust that your desired result will happen (even if you are not so sure!)
World-class athletes perform their best when they are calm, carefree (of the outcome) and focused (on the most important thing to do their best). In other words, they trust and believe in themselves. Not being able to manage emotions is distracting, and the consequences can be significant and frustrating.
Keep this formula in mind, and you too will be able to champion your best results:
Emotional Control + Trust = Success.
Hereâs how to get started with managing your emotions, especially when the stakes are high:
1.) Â Recognize when feeling nervou...
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