How to write investor updates that keep expectations grounded
Write investor updates around comparable operating evidence, changed assumptions, and clear requests.
The journal
Articles
Essays on judgment, influence, and what happens when the stakes get personal.
How to discuss succession when family expectations collide
Discuss family-business succession by separating family hopes, role requirements, and evidence of readiness.
How to push back when investors expect unrealistic growth
Push back on an unsupported growth expectation by making the resource assumptions and operating consequences visible.
How to handle investors who want different things at once
Handle conflicting investor priorities by making each requested outcome, deadline, and resource tradeoff explicit. Bring incompatible expectations to the a...
How to separate family roles from business decision authority
Separate family relationships from business authority through role-based decisions, meetings, and escalation routes.
What to do when co-founders disagree about company direction
Address co-founder disagreement about company direction through a shared assumptions review and a bounded test where feasible.
How to discuss a co-founder’s exit without escalating conflict
Begin with the relationship and operating problem you need to address, then agree on counsel-led next steps. Avoid making promises about equity, valuation,...
How to discuss unequal effort with a business co-founder
Discuss unequal co-founder effort through visible commitments, work requirements, and each person’s account of contribution.
How to divide decision authority between company co-founders
Divide operating decisions by actual roles, name consultation requirements, and set a route for unresolved disagreements. Have counsel handle ownership rig...