The End of an Era

This will be my last regular newsletter.

In February 2010, I left the corporate world to embark on the unknown journey of becoming an independent alliance specialist. That same month, I published my first alliance-inspired newsletter. Last week, I wrote about alliance transformation, a theme that resonates not only with partnerships but also with companies and individuals. After 16 years of writing weekly, bi-weekly, and even daily at one point, it is now time for me to pivot. Thus, this will be the final alliance newsletter landing in your inbox.

I won’t disappear entirely but will enter an era of semi-retirement. How this unfolds remains to be seen. I intend to remain selectively available for coaching, advisory and non-executive director roles; positions where I can add value and where mutual respect and trust are foundational.

My 16 years of articles will remain accessible on my website, and I will continue to republish the alliance-focused episodes of the Collaborative Business Podcast. The books and papers I’ve written over the years are now available under a “Pay What You Want” model, inspired by the Donativo tradition on the Camino de Santiago. Donativo is not free; it is a way to make content, or, on the Camino, a bed for the night or a meal, available to everyone. What you pay is based on your own judgement and means.

If you’ve followed my work, you’ll know the Camino de Santiago often features in my reflections. It is a vital element in my life and a recurring metaphor in my work. As I once wrote:

“Both walking the Camino and establishing alliances can be seen as a journey with a preparation phase, an execution phase, and an arrival. But do you ever truly arrive? [...] Both the Camino and alliances leave a lasting impression and can change you forever.”

Soon, I will embark on another 800 km journey along the Camino. I am curious to see what lessons this pilgrimage will bring.

Enjoy your own alliance journey!