They say hindsight is 20/20….and I think there is a good bit of wisdom in that saying. As I look back over my life there are things I would have done differently and better, and also things I would do the same as they were pretty successful.

I’m at a point in life where I like to share what I’ve learned in an effort to help people avoid the mistakes I’ve made as well as maximize the successful things I’ve done. Under the right circumstances, I’ll be happy to consider speaking individually or to groups. Fill out the form below or drop my assistant a note and let me know what you’re thinking or looking for: Mitchell@mghindsightforward.com

Serving businesses and political campaigns.

I’ve tried to show a comprehensive listing of how I might use my experiences, good and bad and in-between, to best help you in your business or political career. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please ask. As an example, a potential client asked how they would or could bring in an experienced superstar to their creative team without making the current team feel threatened and consequently resign. I’ve done that in different areas over the years, and frankly enjoy it.  Building enthusiastic, committed teams is one of life’s most satisfying journeys.

Root of the problem OR opportunity

Whether you are a business owner, PE firm, bank or CEO, if your business or campaign is in trouble or not performing to peak, on a very basic level, you must find the root of the problem or opportunity.  I’m a digger.  I get beneath the surface.  Too many times the people you entrust to solve your problems, to do an audit or ‘look under the hood’ of a business, simply don’t know where to look…where all the nooks and crannies are.

Human assets….or liabilities

When I was 28 years old, I was working at Bloomingdale’s and landed the position to head up all 4300 non-executive staff for the NY 59^th St Store and Warehouses. I had a big spot of gray hair on the top front so looked older. The SVP thought I was older and didn’t learn my age until I was well into the job. Too late to take back the promotion….fortunately. It was an enormous learning experience that I cherish as I got to work with a union as well as the executives in the stores and warehouses.

While I regret some of my bad hires over my career, I now better understand why they happened. But I am prouder of some of my great hires that enabled me in different companies to have successful departments and or businesses.

Over the years and especially with the recent destruction of the business Bob Williams and I spent 30 years building, I’ve fine-tuned my hindsight to take a good, critical look at the good, bad and ugly of hiring….and terminating. I’m particularly focused on taking more time for

• ‘Critical strategies’ of a business that new hires sign onto. What do we all agree are top priorities and top skills your new hire must understand and have? Put them in writing. This is beyond a job description. Or using a job description that is a check list and referred to frequently during the interviewing process.
• in depth vetting of references, and when to do them
• team building….especially with new, more highly skilled team members coming on board
• team building with ‘talent councils.’
• Saving underperforming people > turning them into stars > or helping them understand why it might be best to move to another assignment or even another company (aka smoothest terminations).
• Engaging the right search firm. Working most effectively with them.
• Employee contracts that make sense for successes and failures.

Creating Meaningful Conversations or Meetings

Too much time is wasted by rushing or not being prepared for important meetings. These can be large meetings or simply a one-on-one meeting. Teaching a dog to walk nicely on a leash starts in the home before going outside. One of the most important parts of effective exercising is learning how to use your core. Same is true for meetings.  They start with prep and ‘centering yourself’ to be most effective. Over time, I got better and better at this until it became second nature.

It is also important to create the best environment for creativity AND integrity.

Difficult Conversations

So often you might be communicating, and the other person is not hearing you even though they are listening. Could be with a subordinate or a superior (like PE owners), banker, supplier or even legislator/politician.  I can help be your translator.  I can help with difficult, uncomfortable conversations….with negotiations.

Understanding Public Relations in todays world

This is in my DNA. Not sure why, but from a very early age….like in high school….I understood the value of positive editorial coverage. I can tell you success stories for days.  If you have the desire AND newsworthy efforts, chances are I can help. This includes actual media training for speaking skills and most effective preparation for interviews to accomplish your goals. Also of note, this has changed over the years to where getting editorial coverage requires some ‘pay to play.’ Challenge is how to maximize investment.

Making the right connection

Over my many decades, I’ve built a reputation and rolodex that I’ve handled very carefully and judiciously. If appropriate, I can introduce you to people you need to know.

Also, if I don’t know them, I often can get to them because they know my name and reputation.

Business Therapy

Sometimes you just need someone to talk with. Someone who’s been down your road. Someone who at least knows questions to ask or where to look for answers. These can easily be done virtually, over meals or constructing retreats.

Expanding your business

Making acquisitions can fall apart without proper preparation and strategy of how to integrate into your current flow, and an organized approach can ensure success in the near and long term.

I’ve also helped clients find suppliers to fill their retail stores or ones to make OEM products to create more sales with complimenting categories.  For example, a dining chair manufacturer for a client that makes world class dining tables.  Or a client that needed to quickly travel to the International Furniture Market in High Point to transition their store from a single brand to a multi-brand environment.

Political strategy, messaging, and marketing investments

Geared to politicians running or in office, focused on faith-based messaging and strategies, including media presentations. The focus here is on faith-based strategy that is very different from the past.