Inside PodiatryMeetings.com: Confessions of the Chief Everything Officer

I’m not usually one to kiss and tell…

But I felt led to share this story. After all, I said I’m all about being more transparent, right? This article is a living example of what that looks like in action.

I know that for every tough decision I make, someone else is out there wrestling with the same one.

Consider this a little professional confessional, written in the hope that it gives you the courage and clarity you might be looking for.

Sharing this story makes me incredibly nervous because I hope it doesn’t change how you see me. My goal is to always be real, not reckless or rooted in drama…

We all talk a lot about growth: yes to opportunities, yes to partnerships, yes to visibility. But sometimes the most important lesson is knowing when to say no.

Recently, I had to make that call.

I was gearing up for a webinar with one of my long-time sponsors. The webpage was ready, Zoom settings were set, promotions were in place.

Then I noticed a small issue of non-compliance. No big deal. I reached out to the sponsor to let them know.

Things got… messy. The sponsor’s marketing director cut me out of the registration process, disregarded me as the host, and undermined my decisions and processes.

After repeated efforts to collaborate professionally throughout this year, it was clear this wasn't just a logistical misunderstanding, it was a boundary being tested, and not for the first time. I’ve had a front-row seat to this particular director’s playbook before.

You see, this individual is also my former business partner. Our working relationship ended last year after a breakdown in trust.

When the sponsor wanted to renew this year, I made the choice to approach the opportunity with grace in the hope that professionalism would prevail.

As we got further and further into this year, the same patterns emerged from the marketing director: misaligned expectations, breakdowns in communication, ghosting, and a lack of cooperation.

Last week I remembered my non-negotiables: trust, transparency, mutual respect.

This wasn’t about a webinar. It was about refusing to let money or pressure compromise the integrity of my brand and the seamless experience you expect from me.

So, I canceled the webinar and the remainder of the sponsorship.

After I drafted the email notifying the sponsor, I was terrified to hit send. What will they think of me? What will they say about me?

Guess what? As soon as I sent the email I immediately felt better. Lighter. No regrets.

If you’ve ever felt like saying ‘no' would make you look difficult, ungrateful, or dramatic, let me assure you: saying no is how you make space for the right yes.

Say no to anything that steals your light.

Say no to anything that compromises your credibility.

Collaborate and compromise without BEING compromised.

-Ann Dosen