How do you build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, such as the CEO, board of directors, and other executives? What is your approach?

Question

Discover the key steps to building strong stakeholder relationships, guided by insights from industry experts. This article cuts through the noise to provide actionable strategies that prioritize transparency, trust, and tailored communication. Learn from the experiences of seasoned professionals to transform interactions and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Dee Coakley · Answer

As CEO of Boundless, I've found that strong stakeholder relationships hinge on three fundamental principles: transparency, strategic value alignment, and proactive communication. I make it a point to establish clear expectations with board members and executives from day one, defining not just what information they'll receive, but when and how they prefer to engage. Rather than overwhelming them with operational details, I focus our interactions on areas where their expertise can genuinely impact our strategic direction.
My approach centers on creating a "no surprises" culture - I share challenges early, before they become crises, which builds the trust necessary for difficult conversations. I've learned to tailor my communication style to each stakeholder's preferences, with some valuing detailed written analyses while others prefer concise verbal updates. 
Beyond formal meetings, I invest in understanding their personal motivations and priorities through informal connections.The most valuable lesson I've learned is that true relationship strength comes from demonstrating how our work directly advances their priorities and the company's mission, connecting HR compliance and global payroll excellence to business outcomes that matter to them.
When stakeholders see you as a strategic partner rather than just a functional leader, those relationships become resilient enough to weather any organizational challenge.

Spencer Romenco · Answer

Demonstrating accountability is what makes my relationships with executives and board members stay strong over time. I don't think it's about saying all the right things in a meeting or over-preparing presentations. What they really care about is whether you follow through. When something doesn't go as planned, they notice who owns it and who tries to bury it. I make a point of being the first one to bring it up, explain what happened, and walk through what I'm doing to fix it.
Last year, we tested a new UGC strategy for a brand we had just onboarded. I pushed for a rollout that I thought would scale fast, based on early data, but the initial results didn't match expectations. The conversion numbers looked good in isolation, but average order value dropped and returning customer rates slipped. I pulled that into a board meeting before anyone else raised it. I didn't sugarcoat the miss. I walked them through the numbers, what I misjudged, and how we adjusted creative direction and audience targeting within two weeks. That moment shifted how they engaged with me. After that, they didn't need polished slides to take me seriously. They trusted I'd show up with the truth, even if it was messy.

Ann Kuss · Answer

Over the years, I've learned that building strong relationships with stakeholders starts with understanding how they prefer to work -- not just how I prefer to update them. I always begin by asking a few simple but important questions: How hands-on do you want to be? What kind of updates help you make decisions faster? I've worked with board members who want a quick monthly call with three key numbers, and others who want to dive into weekly hiring metrics. Getting that alignment upfront saves time and avoids frustration on both sides.
I also make it a point to be direct, especially when something isn't going according to plan. I've seen trust erode quickly when problems are sugar-coated or buried in jargon. Instead, I use short executive summaries with clear KPIs, blockers, and proposed actions. It's not about impressing anyone with a polished report -- it's about giving them what they need to think clearly and support decisions. When you treat stakeholders as strategic partners, not just approvers, the relationship becomes a real asset.

Travis Hann · Answer

Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders--such as the CEO, board of directors, and other executives--requires a strategic and proactive approach. Here's how we ensure lasting and productive partnerships:
We begin by deeply understanding your organization's specific leadership needs, skill sets, and industry dynamics to ensure the perfect fit. We establish open lines of communication with stakeholders, ensuring regular updates on hiring progress, market insights, and candidate feedback. Tailoring our communication style to each executive's preference--whether through structured reports, brief check-ins, or in-depth strategy meetings--helps foster engagement and trust. We leverage data and industry insights to support our recommendations, providing stakeholders with evidence-based strategies for talent acquisition. This includes salary benchmarking, competitive analysis, and talent market trends to ensure informed decision-making.
Our approach is rooted in deep market insights, rigorous research, and a consultative process that ensures alignment with your organization's goals. We proactively nurture relationships through ongoing discussions, industry networking, and value-added services such as leadership development insights or succession planning support.
Ultimately, strong relationships are built on trust and results. We prioritize delivering high-caliber candidates who not only meet job requirements but also align with the company's culture and future growth. Post-placement follow-ups and retention tracking further demonstrate our commitment to long-term success.
Beyond recruitment, we position ourselves as strategic partners by advising on workforce planning, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and employer branding efforts. This holistic approach ensures we add value beyond just filling roles.
By consistently demonstrating industry expertise, reliability, and a commitment to their success, we earn the confidence of key stakeholders. This approach fosters long-term partnerships where we are seen not just as recruiters, but as trusted advisors in talent strategy.

Justin Abrams · Answer

This is about trust, communication, and alignment. Think of it like any strong personal relationship: consistency, honesty, and showing up when needed. If you can provide clear, honest updates and offer solutions before problems escalate, you'll gain their trust. When you understand the company's goals and speak their language, you're not just solving problems; you're helping them achieve what matters most. Take the time to connect your work to the bigger picture, whether it's market expansion or new strategies. This shows you're thinking long-term and adding value beyond the immediate. Ultimately, when you build credibility, your insights and advice become more influential. You'll not only be a reliable ally, but you'll also be seen as someone who can drive success, helping the company make better decisions. This leads to deeper impact on the business and a stronger role at the decision-making table.

Roy L. Kaufmann · Answer

In my work, I don't think of relationships with executives, board members, or other stakeholders as something that gets built through one-off meetings or polished presentations. It's more of a long-term rhythm. You stay in tune with what they care about, what keeps them up at night, and how your work connects to that. I try to keep things straightforward, not transactional. I don't go into conversations thinking I need to impress anyone. I just try to be honest, prepared, and mindful of their time and priorities.
One thing I pay close attention to is the tone and context of how and when I communicate. If a CEO or board member is under pressure or dealing with something sensitive, I don't flood them with legal jargon or worst-case scenarios. I give them what they need to know, without making them dig through anything extra. If they ask for more, I'll give it. If they don't, I don't push it. That kind of clarity tends to go a long way.
Over time, I've seen that consistency matters more than anything else. Showing up prepared, delivering what you say you will, keeping your word even on small things -- that's what people remember. And when you do that enough times, it builds trust without needing to say the word "trust" out loud.
I don't treat relationships as separate from the work. I just try to do the work well and bring the people into it -- not after the fact, but as it's unfolding. That way, there are no surprises, and everyone stays in sync. It's not about selling ideas or winning arguments. It's about keeping people in the loop and helping them make smart calls without turning everything into a legal bottleneck. That's what I aim for.

Kyle Sobko · Answer

I establish strong relationships with stakeholders by making them part of the win. At SonderCare, when we reach a milestone, whether it's a record sales month, a successful product rollout, or a breakthrough in market expansion, I make it a point to share that moment with the board and other executives in a very specific and visible way. I'll say things like, "We were able to achieve this growth because the board challenged us early on to refine the pricing strategy," or "That shift you recommended during Q2 planning gave us a head start." I don't generalize the praise. I connect their contribution to the exact outcome.
What that does is simple but powerful. It makes them feel they had a hand in the outcome, which they absolutely did. Once people see their fingerprints on a win, they're more likely to show up for the next one with the same energy. It keeps the momentum real. It becomes less about reporting results and more about moving forward as a unified group that knows its impact. Over time, that creates a rhythm where collaboration isn't just expected, it's part of how we operate day to day. And that keeps everyone invested.

Bennett Barrier · Answer

One of the most important things I've learned about building strong relationships with key stakeholders is showing them that you value their input. It's not just about presenting numbers or strategies, it's about building trust. I make sure to keep the lines of communication open with our board and executive team, allowing them to feel like active contributors to the company's direction. Being transparent about both successes and challenges goes a long way. I think what really helps is showing that I'm in the trenches with the team, not just calling the shots from afar. When you lead by example, people feel more connected to the overall mission.

Sahil Sachdeva · Answer

At Level Up PR, building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including the CEO, board of directors, and other executives, is centered around clear communication, transparency, and delivering consistent value.
Approach to Stakeholder Management:Effective Communication & Transparency - The company prioritizes open and honest communication with stakeholders, ensuring they are always informed about business progress, challenges, and opportunities. Regular check-ins and updates help build trust.
Understanding Stakeholder Needs - By actively listening to the goals and challenges of stakeholders, Level Up PR aligns its strategies with their expectations. This ensures that business decisions and initiatives are relevant and beneficial.
Delivering Consistent Results - The agency focuses on underpromising and overdelivering, which helps in establishing credibility. Exceeding expectations reinforces trust and strengthens long-term partnerships.
Proactive Problem-Solving - Instead of waiting for issues to arise, Level Up PR anticipates potential challenges and proactively addresses them. This proactive approach reassures stakeholders that the company is well-prepared.
Personalized Engagement & Relationship Building - The company invests in building personal connections with stakeholders through meetings, networking events, and thoughtful gestures like celebrating milestones.
This strategic approach ensures that Level Up PR maintains strong, trust-based relationships with executives and decision-makers, which is crucial for long-term success.

Paul DeMott · Answer

First, I try to really listen to what they need, both from a business and personal perspective. Everyone has different priorities, and understanding where they're coming from helps me figure out how I can best support them. I always make sure to communicate openly, whether it's about challenges or successes. Keeping them in the loop, especially with the projects I'm involved in, is essential. I think it's about building trust, which happens over time when you show you can be relied on.
On a personal level, I try to build a connection by engaging with them beyond work talk. Simple things like remembering important dates or acknowledging their personal achievements can go a long way. It shows that you're invested in the person, not just the role. I also focus on transparency. I never hide problems, and when there's a tough situation, I address it head-on with a clear plan of action. It's this kind of honesty that keeps the relationships strong, even when things aren't going perfectly. In my experience, it's about creating an environment where everyone feels heard and respected. That's how you get solid, long-lasting relationships with key stakeholders.

Travis Rieken · Answer

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders involves trust, communication, and a shared vision. I prioritize staying aligned with the CEO, board, and executives by ensuring that product decisions are always tied to the company's broader goals. That means having regular, candid conversations--not just presenting updates, but actively listening to concerns, gathering insights, and understanding what success looks like from their perspective.
Transparency is key. I don't just share wins; I highlight challenges, roadblocks, and the thought process behind critical decisions. That builds confidence because stakeholders don't feel like they're getting a sales pitch--they're getting the whole picture. I also focus on data-driven storytelling. Executives want to see how product initiatives translate into growth, customer retention, or operational efficiency, so I make sure to connect product strategy with tangible business outcomes.
Beyond meetings and reports, I invest in relationships on a personal level. Understanding what motivates each stakeholder, how they prefer to engage, and what pressures they face helps build stronger partnerships. It's about showing that product management isn't just about features--it's about driving the business forward together.

Sharon Koifman · Answer

You build strong relationships with stakeholders the same way you build trust in remote teams--through radical transparency and consistent follow-through. I don't show up just to report progress; I show up with clarity, context, and solutions. Whether I'm talking to a CTO, a board member, or a fellow executive, my approach is simple: keep them in the loop, make it actionable, and speak their language.
Also, I listen. A lot. Stakeholders want to know you understand their vision and concerns--not just your KPIs. When you take time to understand what matters to them and align your actions accordingly, you stop being a department head and start being a strategic partner. That's how you build real influence, remotely or otherwise.

Travis Lindemoen · Answer

To build strong relationships with C-suite executives, get to know them, understand their needs, and provide value. Communicate frequently, catering to their preferences: phone calls or face-to-face meetings over coffee or lunch. Demonstrate understanding through tailored insights and recommendations. This approach led to quicker and stronger partnerships, improving team communication and delivery speeds.
I successfully highlighted HR analytics solutions to senior management, resulting in agreement and implementation of policies based on research findings. This significantly improved employee retention rates and boosted returns on technology investments.

Sovic Chakrabarti · Answer

I nurture and develop relationships with stakeholders that matter by prioritizing open and appealing communication. I set regular sessions with members of the board, executives, and other significant affiliates. These meetings are scheduled in advance, which guarantees each meeting has a specific goal and agenda.
To interact virtually, I use Zoom and Google Meet. I use these tools to communicate during business meetings, discuss strategic plans, and provide insights. Consistent communication builds confidence and ensures everyone works toward the same company objectives.
I also use Trello and Slack to upload relevant files and share progress reports. This ensures that information is available, and actions are taken with accurate, up-to-date information. Effective file-sharing prevents miscommunication and enhances efficiency in decision-making.
I follow up on conversations with actionable items, and I am committed to providing feedback and hearing everyone's input. This strategy not only addresses issues that might arise but also leads to business development opportunities.
Finally, I pay particular attention to transparency and accountability in every interaction. My team and stakeholders understand our goals, and I am always open to useful discussions that may require us to modify our plans.
This commitment to fostering open communication has created a strong leadership team in terms of cohesion, which propels our small business forward.

Robbin Schuchmann · Answer

I establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders by asking for their input. People at the executive level have years of experience, and their views help form smarter decisions. Rather than assuming I know what they want, I ask. This demonstrates respect for their expertise and makes collaboration much more efficient.
When we were expanding EOR Overview to include more providers, I reached out to several CEOs and board members in our network. I wanted to know what they looked for in an Employer of Record and what challenges they faced in global hiring. Their feedback shaped the way we structured our platform, making it easier for companies to compare providers based on the factors that mattered most.
These conversations strengthened our relationships because they were not just about business. They showed we were listening and willing to act on their advice. When stakeholders see their input reflected in decisions, they engage more and become long-term supporters. Keeping them involved makes discussions more productive and helps build a sense of partnership instead of just another transaction.

Eunice Arauz · Answer

I build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders through transparent communication and aligning goals. When we launched a new product line at Pets Avenue, I made sure to keep the CEO and board informed at every step. Regular check-ins allowed me to address concerns early and make adjustments based on feedback. For example, one concern from the board was ensuring the product's pricing strategy aligned with market expectations. I worked closely with our finance team to revise our pricing model, which improved their confidence in the product. This process strengthened trust and kept everyone focused on the shared goal of the product's success. Maintaining consistency in communication and being adaptable to feedback has been key to keeping these relationships strong.

Bram Louwers · Answer

I prioritize trust, transparency, and value. Consistent communication is key--I keep stakeholders informed with concise updates that highlight impact, not just activity. I focus on their priorities, aligning my goals with theirs to drive mutual success. Active listening matters--I seek their insights, anticipate concerns, and offer solutions before problems arise. Most importantly, I deliver results--credibility comes from execution, not just conversation.

Oliver Morrisey · Answer

Maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders is crucial, especially when working with clients who are also decision-makers. My approach has always been to prioritize clear and consistent communication and ensure that everyone feels involved in important decisions.
With CEOs, board members, or executives, I make sure to establish regular check-ins where we can talk openly about goals, expectations, and potential challenges. In my experience, having these discussions every 4-6 weeks keeps everyone aligned and ensures there are no surprises down the line. Transparency is key.
Another aspect I focus on is listening actively. I've found that asking the right questions and really listening to the answers helps build trust and rapport. When the board was considering a major investment in a new legal technology, I took the time to understand their concerns, addressed their questions, and offered detailed insights on how the decision would impact the firm. This helped us move forward with a unanimous decision.
Finally, I think showing genuine appreciation for their contributions goes a long way. Whether it's a quick thank-you note after a meeting or acknowledging their support in a significant project, it builds mutual respect and strengthens long-term partnerships.

Reilly James Renwick · Answer

Building strong relationships with key stakeholders is one of the most important aspects of growing a business. For me, it's all about trust and transparency, and I don't just mean sharing positive news. It's about keeping your stakeholders informed even when the news isn't so great.
My approach is regular touchpoints and open dialogue. I make sure to set up quarterly strategy sessions with the CEO and board, not only to discuss the big wins but also to address challenges and roadblocks. This level of honesty builds credibility and keeps everyone aligned. And here's something I don't think enough leaders talk about, be human. Sometimes, it's as simple as a personal check-in with key stakeholders to build rapport, especially when times are tough.
Building trust isn't just about business, it's about connection. When you keep the channels open, you make better decisions and build stronger partnerships.

Tracie Crites · Answer

Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders like the CEO, board of directors, and other executives is crucial for ensuring alignment and achieving business goals. Over the years, I've found that open communication and trust are the cornerstones of these relationships.
One of the strategies I use is to consistently provide value through clear, actionable insights. For example, when presenting marketing strategies or results, I make sure to frame my updates in a way that directly ties back to business objectives. By aligning marketing goals with broader company targets, I've seen that it strengthens credibility. In one quarter, after presenting a detailed strategy that tied marketing efforts to revenue growth, we saw a 17.8% increase in board engagement during follow-up discussions.
I also prioritize regular check-ins. Whether it's a quick weekly update or a more in-depth monthly review, maintaining visibility helps ensure that everyone stays informed and aligned. These check-ins foster a sense of collaboration and allow me to address any concerns early on. I find that this proactive approach often leads to more meaningful conversations and reduces the number of issues that arise unexpectedly. For example, after implementing biweekly updates with the CEO, we noticed a 12.3% improvement in project turnaround times.
Lastly, actively listening and understanding their priorities is essential. Every stakeholder has different goals, and it's important to make sure I'm addressing their concerns and aligning my work with their strategic vision. This not only helps build rapport but also strengthens mutual respect, which ultimately leads to better collaboration.

Doug Crawford · Answer

Back when I was in executive roles, especially as CFO, I built strong relationships by being straightforward with people and following through on what I said I'd do. I never tried to impress the board or the CEO with fluff; I just focused on being dependable and keeping communication clear and consistent. I made sure I understood what each person was dealing with, asked questions, and offered honest input without wasting their time. That kind of consistency and respect helped me earn trust and maintain those relationships solidly over the years.

21 Steps to Build Strong Relationships With Key Stakeholders

21 Steps to Build Strong Relationships With Key Stakeholders

Foster Trust Through Transparency and Alignment

Own Mistakes to Build Credibility

Tailor Communication to Stakeholder Preferences

Deliver Value as a Strategic Partner

Cultivate Trust Through Consistent Performance

Involve Stakeholders in Celebrating Successes

Lead by Example to Connect with Stakeholders

Prioritize Clear Communication and Problem-Solving

Build Personal Connections Beyond Work

Connect Product Decisions to Business Goals

Practice Radical Transparency and Follow-Through

Provide Tailored Insights to C-Suite Executives

Leverage Technology for Effective Communication

Seek Input to Strengthen Collaborative Relationships

Align Goals Through Transparent Communication

Focus on Impact-Driven Updates

Establish Regular Check-Ins for Alignment

Maintain Open Dialogue and Personal Connection

Frame Insights to Match Business Objectives

Earn Trust Through Dependability and Clarity

Prioritize Transparency in All Interactions