In late summer 2023, a retail company contacted me: a large budget, clear objectives, and a tight deadline. At first glance, it seemed like an attractive project.
But during our initial conversation, it quickly became clear that the goal wasn’t sustainable development, but rather treating the symptoms. They wanted training as a short-term fix for the staff and middle management. There was no openness to change, no willingness to participate, and no trust in the employees.
I declined.
But not abruptly or condescendingly, because that’s also part of our approach: clarity with empathy.
I thanked them for their trust, openly explained my assessment, and made it transparent why we couldn’t take responsibility for the project in its current form.
Often, this leads to new ideas. Sometimes, the right project comes along later, on equal footing and with real impact. Because impact only happens where both sides take responsibility. Today, that former client is one of my highest-grossing and most loyal customers, and we have a fantastic, inspiring, and highly respectful working relationship.
At FinOptima, we only accept projects if at least the following three conditions are met:
1. Impact is desired, not just claimed:
Our clients don’t simply want a training course with a catchy title, but one that truly makes a difference.
2. Trust in the process:
We work in partnership. This means jointly defined goals, open communication, and a willingness to listen to and accept even uncomfortable truths.
3. Long-term focus:
We don’t deliver motivational events with a short shelf life, but rather development with substance in sales, leadership, and communication.
If these principles aren’t met, it sometimes means we have to say no, even if the fee is right and even if the project would be tempting in the short term. Because our brand is worth more than a quick contract, and our clients deserve genuine, lived development, not token solutions.
Those who work with FinOptima want results, not cosmetic changes, not control, but rather competence building that is sustainable and lasting.
That is our commitment. And that is precisely why companies in the gastronomy, hotel, automotive, financial, and high-end retail sectors trust us.
We don’t work for everyone, but for companies that genuinely want development and are ready to actively shape it.
Unleashing potential – celebrating success.
