Bill Coletti on the Circuit of Success

Join Brett Gilliland with Bill Coletti as they talk about communication and a new mindset for reputation management. Bill is the founder of Kith, a nimble firm of battle-tested crisis experts who defend corporate reputations. He is also the author of the book “Critical Moments.” In this episode, Bill goes over their process of dealing with crisis to keep a company’s reputation intact and grow reputation resilience.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

It is absolutely critical to have a global perspective, according to Bill. His logic behind this is because it makes us understand the reasons for a lot of different things. From that, there is a cultural understanding of the self and of how things are done. Bill’s point of view is rooted in his experience working in Bulgaria for five years. Having learned from the events he took part in abroad, it was an eye-opener for him to discover that it’s not only the US that got it figured out. Bill became knowledgeable of the Bulgarian culture from which he took lessons to add to what he already knew. Applied in the business world, Bill is undoubtedly well-equipped with a global perspective. By looking at the bigger picture, he was able to run his corporate consulting career globally.

Become the Trusted Advisor

Bill recalls from the book “The Trusted Advisor” by David Maister that to become a trusted advisor begins with being clear and honest about yourself. He expounds that one needs to understand their limitations due to the fact that trusted advisors convince and talk themselves out of giving excellent advice often. Bill continues that the Maister Model is built over self-awareness, trust, and credibility. Another thing is intimacy, for they want to be transparent and honest. Trusted advisors are willing to be vulnerable and connect with people at a human level. When all combined, it all boils down to having a deeper understanding of yourself.

About Bill Coletti:

Bill Coletti is a reputation management, crisis communications, and professional development expert. Additionally, he is a keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal Risk & Compliance panelist, and best-selling author of Critical Moments, The New Mindset of Reputation Management. He has more than 25 years of global experience managing high-stakes crises, issues management, and media relations challenges for both Fortune 500 companies and winning global political campaigns.

Bill has provided senior counsel in crisis management, corporate communications, and reputation defense to numerous clients including AT&T, Target Corporation, American Airlines, The Home Depot, Xerox, Nuclear Energy Institute, Cargill, as well as major universities and global NGOs. Previously, Bill served in the Republic of Bulgaria as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister,

Council of Ministers, and the Labor Minister. He was the first Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria.

Outline of the Episode:

[03:42] Exposure to a foreign culture that became a learning experience

[05:31] Importance of communication and being a trusted advisor

[09:50] Daily and weekly habits to stay sharp and on top

[14:12] A walkthrough of how great leaders can lead and challenge simultaneously

[20:33] Get through tough days from a mindset and an emotional standpoint

[27:39] Advice for a struggling leader trying to get to the top

[33:40] Why a coach is essential to go to that next level

[35:42] Slow down to take time, enjoy the journey, and make the most out of it

[38:10] What the book “Critical Moments” is all about

[40:56] Bill’s book recommendations besides his book and the bible