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When Partnerships Fall Apart: Why Some Business Collaborations Just Don’t Work
Episode Description
In this episode of The Holistic Accountant, Stuart and Mena dive into the complexities of business partnerships, why they’re formed, where they go wrong, and how to prevent them from falling apart. While many partnerships start with good intentions, complementary skills, and a shared vision, they can quickly unravel due to misaligned values, poor communication, unequal contributions, and a lack of role clarity.
Mena unpacks common reasons partnerships fail, including mismatched goals, blurred responsibilities, financial power struggles, and the absence of formal agreements. Stuart outlines early warning signs of trouble, such as disengagement, secrecy around finances, and passive-aggressive communication. They also explore how the initial “honeymoon” period can blind partners to potential incompatibilities until pressure mounts.
Most importantly, the episode offers practical advice for prevention: define roles early, align on values (not just vision), put legal structures in place, maintain scheduled communication, and agree on an exit plan while things are still amicable. Stuart and Mena stress that successful partnerships require more than good ideas; they need structure, self-awareness, and shared commitment. Whether you’re in a business partnership now or considering one in the future, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help protect both your business and your relationships.
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