Writing in NLJ this week, Ryan McSharry, head of crisis (UK) at international PR firm Infinite, examines how partnerships unravel and what leaders can do before confidence evaporates.
Using Weil, Gotshal & Manges’ proposed wind-down and British firm failures as warnings, he describes a spiral in which departures reduce the rewards of staying, encouraging further exits. People and clients can move quickly; leases and other commitments remain.
Reassurance must answer practical questions about who will handle clients’ matters and which specialists remain. ‘Business as usual’ offers little comfort without specifics.
McSharry urges firms to rehearse major departures alongside other crises, testing decision-making, financial information and communications. AI investment also demands scrutiny where costs arrive before savings.
Preparation can protect relationships, but communications cannot make an unaffordable business viable or replace adequate capital and credible strategy.
