The best work happens when you stop protecting and start partnering.
I’ve seen this again and again in my career. Generosity, not scarcity, is what creates better outcomes, better relationships, and better results for clients. And as we move into the holiday season, I’m reminded of how powerful that mindset really is.
I learned this early on. Back in my IBM days, I worked alongside people who were technically “competitors,” often pursuing the same clients or solving similar challenges. But instead of creating distance, those relationships opened doors. We shared ideas, we supported each other, and we built trust that outlasted roles, companies, and industries. It taught me that partnership isn’t just possible in competitive environments, it’s actually an advantage. And one of the quiet benefits? I still have many of those friendships years later.
There isn’t a week that goes by that I’m not speaking with someone, an organization or an individual, who does the same work we do. Every one of those conversations leaves me energized. They spark ideas. They open possibilities. And more often than not, I walk away thinking about how we might collaborate, not compete.
That mindset has shaped how Leaps&Bounds operates. We routinely receive referrals from firms that others might label as competitors. Sometimes it’s timing. Sometimes the scope aligns better with our strengths. And sometimes it’s simply because someone wants to give their client a different perspective. We also get very excited when we can refer a client to an individual or organization that we know delivers excellent work!
Over the years, I’ve learned that when people lead with integrity, collaboration becomes effortless. You don’t need to carve out territory or guard information. You show up, contribute your best, and trust that the work, and the relationship, will hold.
This is why we don’t worry about sharing who we work with. Clients aren’t possessions; they’re relationships grounded in service, accountability, and shared goals.
(Side note: I feel the same way about employees. When someone grows beyond us or chooses a different path, the right response is support, not ownership.)
When your business is anchored in generosity rather than fear, the focus shifts. What matters is the quality of the work, the clarity of communication, and the experience people have when they partner with you.
At Leaps&Bounds, that’s our focus. If something needs adjusting, we adjust, together. Not with extra fees, not with defensiveness, but with collaboration. Our work isn’t transactional; it’s personal.
And yes, at some point, a client may choose a different partner. That’s okay. The strongest relationships are built on choice, not obligation. If we’re not the right fit for their next chapter, I want them to find the person who is.
Years ago, a leader told me, “Don’t worry about your competition. Worry about delivering great service.” That advice has followed me through every chapter of my career. Staying aware of the market is wise; staying anxious about it is limiting. One keeps you learning, the other keeps you constrained.
We’re not perfect, but we strive for excellence every day. And as we enter a season that reminds us how connected we all are, I’m grateful for the partners, peers, and clients who make this work meaningful.
Because in the end, business is always about people. And when you lead with generosity and integrity, everything else has a way of taking care of itself.
