Decision Work
Some decisions are difficult not because information is missing, but because too much of it is competing for attention.
The real issue may cross strategy, identity, relationships, capital, culture, and responsibility. Different people may see different parts of the problem. Immediate pressure can make it difficult to distinguish what matters from what is merely urgent.
Alongside the Journal, I work privately with founders, owners, and leaders facing a consequential decision or complicated situation.
When This Work May Be Useful
This work may be helpful when:
• A real decision is clear but is difficult to name.
• Different people, interests, or desired outcomes are pulling in different directions.
• A founder or leader needs a trusted outside perspective with real experience and no bias.
• A decision may materially affect relationships, identity, capital, culture, or long-term direction.
• There is plenty of information available but very little clarity.
• The right people, ideas, or opportunities need to be connected.
What I Do
I listen, ask questions, identify patterns, surface contradictions, clarify trade-offs, and help determine the next responsible move.
My role is never to manufacture certainty, it is to help make the actual decision visible and understandable enough to act upon.
The Decision Intensive
A Decision Intensive is built around one specific, consequential decision.
It includes:
• A short written intake before we meet.
• One or two extended working conversations of approximately two to four hours.
• A concisely written Decision Brief that identifies the central decision, relevant tension or friction, available options, trade-offs, risks, the opportunity cost and recommended next steps.
• One follow-up conversation.
The fee for a standard Decision Intensive is $2,500.
Boundaries
This is not coaching, therapy, outsourced management, or open-ended brainstorming. It really is a focused, guided approach to solving a specific problem.
I currently do not accept commission-only work, any kind of speculative projects, or compensation dependent on future introductions or outcomes.
Reflections
“Ryan helped me name problems and opportunities I couldn't quite see on my own. His honest feedback brought clarity and direction at moments when I felt stuck.”
- Camryn Novak, Co-Founder, TIES
“Our conversations shifted me from reacting to urgency toward acting from conviction. I began making fewer defensive decisions and more intentional ones, especially when pressure or noise was high.”
- Chris Jackson, President, Savant Software
Begin With the Decision
If you are facing a specific decision and believe my perspective may be useful, email me with a few sentences explaining the situation.