The managing director was unwilling to see situation as a relationship that was dying and he wasn’t interested in “throwing anymore money at it”. Long story short, within six months half of key staff had left and company only had one remaining account to sustain business, so much for another year of million dollar profits.

I wondered if it would have saved company if I had pointed out that director was at center of entire fiasco, fanning flames actually. I saw enough of his personality drama to understand tension I sensed from everyone working with him.

This was a lesson to me about what is at stake if I pretend not see what is glaringly obvious. If client doesn’t see it, then that explains why they hire me.

I needed a change after that, so I decided to offer my services to people who were truly in need, but unlikely to get kind help I thought I could offer.

I accepted privilege of assisting women with children as they transitioned from homelessness. I was a part of a mentor team. It started out as personal coaching mostly because it became clear very quickly that a little help could go along way for someone who has never been encouraged.

Out of those coaching relationships several entrepreneurs were born. Empowered to seize their destinies rather than merely being manipulated by choices of those around them, I witnessed how relationship with oneself can heal a life.

I was privileged to benefit from experience of others and I realized how much relationships could mean during times of uncertainty. This is as true when our professional life is negatively impacted, as it is when our personal life seems devastated.

It has been my honor to work with a number of talented, highly motivated and inspiring people. As we come to end of this tête-à-tête, I encourage you to remain aware of importance of relationships in reaching or staying on top and value in beginning with one you have with yourself.