1997: Dear Gayle Fuguitt, Here’s how to sell a risky idea

Dear Gayle,

Ideas are the evergreen, but the tradecraft of proving their merit and selling them is so particular to an idea’s circumstance and context.  Having an idea has never been my issue- honing them was my greatest opportunity.  

When I found myself in charge of a team with a potentially game changing, disruptive idea for a beloved and cautiously run business you were my secret weapon to actually get it sold.  Mind you, I’m not talking about the sell to the marketplace, I’m talking about the high hurdle of having our own leaders embrace the plan.  

Gayle, you were indispensable as a pioneer leader who built the brain trust of our library of insights and learning.  You were the guard rails to my run-away train of blind belief putting teeth, logic and finesse into a story that would change the course of a business and my career.

I know you put in many hard-fought years (often the only woman in the room) to develop and then teach the voice, language and timing of the conversations needed to persuade and plan for countless ideas… the lifeblood of our business.

Thank you for being a treasured expert and coach.  Luckily, I still get to benefit from your particular genius as a treasured, lifelong friend.

Gratefully,

Ann Simonds

aka Annie Hoagland