Why a Red Stapler

As a junior banker, I often worked with a particular senior colleague on transactions. From the moment we met, we got along like oil and water.

I followed her instructions, which she dispensed enthusiastically. And somehow, despite our best efforts, the relationship got progressively worse.

Then one night, while we were both working late on a presentation, I raised a point with her that proved to be one provocation too many. She turned bright red, picked up a stapler, and hurled it at my head from close range.

Direct hit.

Nothing good came from that exchange. I lost respect for her, and she certainly didn't develop any affection for me. And while I may have had a legitimate point, I've often wondered: did I really need to push her to the breaking point? Could I have made the same point in a way that was more productive, and a lot less likely to involve office supplies?

There are plenty of talented executives in the world. But the ones who truly shine are usually the ones who have figured out how to turn their natural gifts into something greater: the most effective version of themselves. And, just as importantly, they've learned how to bring out the best in the people around them.

That's why I chose a stapler as my logo.

It's a reminder that my job as a coach isn't simply to admire someone's talents. It's to help them sharpen those talents, challenge their assumptions and push them to become the very best version of themselves.

It's also a reminder to me. Provoking a client can be useful. Sometimes, it's exactly what a coach is supposed to do. But successfully challenging someone without taking care of the approach is a pyrrhic victory. The goal is to make people better, not make them see red.

Because you never know what they're holding in their hands.