What to do when you ‘inherit’ partnerships
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Welcome to Partnership Wednesday #118 featuring ideas you can use to build partnerships faster, with less guesswork, and confidently close 6-figure deals.
Got a growth question? Send me an email.
A LESSON TO BUILD ON
In the mid-2000s, Apple was developing the original iPhone and needed a display cover glass that was thin, light, clear and tough enough for pocket-life. Apple contacted Corning and pushed them to resurrect an older chemically-strengthened glass technology (originally from Corning’s “Chemcor” line) and tailor it for consumer electronics. The partnership moved from supplier-to-supplier to co-developers of what has become almost a standard in mobile devices. Over time, Apple committed billions to on-shoring production and co-innovation with Corning.
Leadership Lesson: No matter how wonderful or big your product or service might be (to you), become preferred for something critical for a larger business. This is the path to leverage and resilience. Today’s mission is to identify how you can go from “nice to have” to “must-have” in a partner’s development chain.
AN ANSWER TO HELP YOU MOVE FASTER
“I’ve been asked to ‘take over partnerships’ by my manager… and I have no idea where to start. Help!”
I hear this at least twice a week.
Because building partnerships that actually deliver value can feel overwhelming.
You’re juggling conversations, chasing alignment, and trying to turn trust into results without a clear system to make it all work.
I created the Partnership Kickstart to fix that.
It’s a short, 5-part mini-course that takes less than an hour to complete and gives you a full framework to:
✅ Identify your best partnership opportunities
✅ Build genuine shared intent
✅ Turn early conversations into measurable wins
No jargon. No handwaving. Just a practical system you can apply immediately.
Plus, you’ll get access to two private AI assistants that help you accelerate your progress and apply what you learn to your business in real time.
If you’ve just inherited “partnerships” as part of your role or you’re ready to finally make them work, this is where to start.
THIS WEEK’S MOMENT
Ever had a deal stall at the finish line and thought what just happened?
In this 9-minute episode:
Discover how to gain a game-changing perspective with the “Negotiator’s Lens” and see past surface-level friction
Learn to apply the IDEAL+ framework to realign intent, build multi-stakeholder support, and land the mission-critical first win
Gain rehearsal strategies that help you deliver clarity under pressure when it matters most
Get every episode of the Partnership Playbook on your next commute or workout. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube!
KNOW PEOPLE WHO FEEL STUCK?
Want to share this issue of Partnership via text, social media or email?
https://philhsc.com/partnership/29-october-2025
Until next Wednesday,
Phil Hayes-St Clair
Executive Coach
When you're ready, there are three ways I can help you:
1. The Partnership Lab A 6-week experience for founders, CEOs, and GTM leaders who are done with slow growth and stalled conversations. Learn to rapidly qualify and prioritise high-value partners, Install a system that turns conversations into contracts and capture outsized returns from partnerships that scale. Apply to join the November cohort today!
2. Join a free masterclass: Each week I pull back the curtain on frameworks, tactics, and real-world partnership strategies you can put into play immediate. Invite your team and bring your questions. This is your time.
3. Leadership Events: From Cochlear and Lifeblood to military leaders, I have shared inspiring stories and practical frameworks and insights that shift how leaders leverage partnerships for growth. Book me to speak at your next conference, offsite, or leadership event.
Looking for something different? Send me an email.
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