Mastering High-Stakes Discussions: Lessons from the U.S.-Saudi Arabia Meeting

In any high-stakes conversation, the biggest challenge often lies in making sure the right voices are at the table. If we look at the recent U.S.-Saudi Arabia meeting, one crucial stakeholder was missing: Ukraine. Their absence is a reminder of just how damaging it can be when key voices are left out of the conversation.

The Risk of Overlooking Key Stakeholders

When you leave a key stakeholder out of the equation—whether it’s a business partner, department head, or in this case, a nation—the consequences can be far-reaching. Let’s be clear: if people feel excluded from important conversations, it’s not just a missed opportunity. It can damage trust, erode relationships, and tarnish your reputation as a leader.

And it doesn’t stop there. The ripple effect is real. When a key voice is left out, you end up doing extra work. You might have to go back, redo discussions, or address missed concerns. That costs you time, focus, and resources—things you can’t afford to waste.

This isn't just a global issue; it’s something every leader at any level needs to be mindful of. In the corporate world, whether you’re running a large organization or a small business, missing out on an important stakeholder can throw your entire operation off course.

How to Avoid This Pitfall in Your Own Organization

The first step in preventing this? Know who your key stakeholders are. In big companies, audits and reviews can help identify missed opportunities or gaps in collaboration. In smaller businesses, you might just need to take a step back and double-check your processes. Either way, the goal is the same: you need the right people in the room, every time.

How to Approach Stakeholder Engagement

Once you’ve figured out who needs to be there, the next step is knowing how to communicate with each person. Every stakeholder is different—different needs, different priorities, different communication styles. As a leader, it’s your job to understand these differences and engage them appropriately, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.

Finally, your leadership process matters. Keeping your "A-game" on means constantly checking in with yourself and your approach. It’s easy to get sidetracked by the noise, but the most successful leaders are the ones who stay sharp, focused, and in control of the conversation, no matter how high the stakes.

In Review

The absence of key stakeholders—like Ukraine in the U.S.-Saudi Arabia meeting—serves as a reminder that inclusion is key to effective leadership. Overlooking the right voices can damage your reputation, waste time, and create unnecessary work. Whether you’re leading a small business or managing a large organization, make sure your leadership team has the right people at the table, and engage them with intention.

By doing this, you’re setting yourself—and your organization—up for success, making sure you stay on track, focus on what matters, and avoid costly missteps along the way.

About the Author

LaDawn Townsend is a storytelling keynote speaker and executive coach recognized as a leading authority on influential storytelling. With a reputation for transforming how organizations communicate, LaDawn has worked with top companies including Amazon, NASA, Abbott Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. Congressional Bipartisan Group, and a variety of nonprofits. Featured in Inc. Magazine and Fortune, she has coached high-performing brands, executives, and politicians to lead with purpose, craft compelling narratives, and create meaningful connections with their audiences. Through her dynamic approach, LaDawn empowers leaders to use storytelling as a tool for influence and impact.

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