Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Published: [Insert publish date here] Length: ~13 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center

In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) dive into one of the most critical elements of project success — stakeholder alignment and financial support.

Building on their earlier discussions about identifying projects and crafting strong business cases, they now share how to get everyone — from team members to leadership — formally on board. Their secret? A practical, repeatable Two-Meeting Approach that helps move projects forward smoothly, even when feedback is tough.

Whether your project is big or small, this episode offers clear strategies to engage stakeholders, manage risk, and secure the sign-offs and funding you need to deliver results.

1. Identify Stakeholders Early – Use a “cradle-to-grave” process map to visualize every department, internal and external, that touches your project.

2. Engage Both Levels – Include leadership and the team members doing the work. Both perspectives are essential for success.

3. The Two-Meeting Approach:

   • Meeting 1: The Feedback Session – Present your proposal, collect input, and note “likes, concerns, and suggestions.” Don’t defend or persuade — just listen.

   • Meeting 2: The Resolution Session – Return with responses and mitigations for the feedback you received. This shows you listened, builds trust, and keeps the project moving forward.

4. Formalize the Sign-Off – Use a written approval document or form to ensure everyone agrees on cost, scope, and responsibilities.

5. Communicate Constantly – Hold regular working meetings to track issues and progress, plus separate leadership updates to share successes, risks, and next steps.

👉 Action Item: Try the Two-Meeting Approach — even for a small project. Use it to gather feedback on a new process, tool, or idea, and then circle back with mitigations or updates. You’ll be amazed at how this approach builds buy-in and reenergizes stalled projects.

Then, share your experience in the Trade Geeks Community!

Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and tell Renee & Julie:

• Have you tried the Two-Meeting Approach?

• What challenges or wins did you experience?

• How do you get stakeholder buy-in for your projects?

Hosts:

• Renee Chiuchiarelli

• Julie Parks

Producer:

• Lalo Solorzano

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

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• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

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• Trade Geeks Community

💬 Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic? Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod