Bernadette Smith 3/5/25 Bernadette Smith 3/5/25

How to Get to Know a Client Personally—Without Making It Weird

Personal rapport matters—but assumptions kill trust. Here’s how to connect without crossing a line.

Bernadette Smith 2/28/25 Bernadette Smith 2/28/25

5 Things / Strategic Play

I'm competing in an LGBTQ pickleball tournament today and slowly finding a queer pickleball community here in Chicago. I played five times this week; I had plenty of time with no keynotes on the schedule. Entrepreneurship brings uncertainty but it also brings the privilege of freedom – if we accept it.

Bernadette Smith 2/27/25 Bernadette Smith 2/27/25

Beyond Small Talk: Building Cross-Cultural Client Relationships That Actually Stick

Skip the small talk. Build trust across cultures with questions that connect, not just fill silence.

Bernadette Smith 2/21/25 Bernadette Smith 2/21/25

5 Things / Sticky

I had a sales call this week that reminded me exactly why I built the Inclusive 360 assessment – and why I keep showing up. This fintech company isn’t backing off from DEI — they’re all in.

Bernadette Smith 2/20/25 Bernadette Smith 2/20/25

How to Build Trust with New Clients Across Cultures Without Making It Weird

Building rapport across cultures starts with curiosity, not comfort. Here’s how to get it right.