When Deb started with Spitfire, we were having growing pains. We needed our senior staff to take more responsibility, and I, as the founder, needed to give them more autonomy. We wanted to create an environment of trust, where feedback was frequently shared and staff were supported in improving performance.
In the middle of this, there was some tension between me as president and my COO. Deb navigated that very difficult situation quite adeptly. She listened to us describe what we each believed we needed to do for the firm to be successful. Then she helped us understand how we could work together in a way that was more supportive and more likely to lead to better outcomes for the firm. I admit there were days that I almost threw my hands up in despair. Through it all, Deb remained a wise counselor. She gave me and my COO a new set of skills for managing our growing firm. She would often break through our various managerial knots with what we took to calling her “magic napkin.” She would whip out a small piece of paper and draw a deceptively simple-looking diagram. Then she would describe a management tool or trick or way of being that completely blew our minds. These quick sessions always changed how we worked for the better.
Spitfire is now on very solid ground. We continue to attract top-notch clients and staff. While I know some of this is because of the work we do, I also believe it is because the firm is well run, and the people who work here are motivated and high-performing.
Deb, Spitfire owes you a debt of gratitude. You took a startup and helped us successfully reach middle age. I know we are poised to do great things. Thank you so much for all your guidance, patience, wisdom, and humor. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Kristen Grimm
Founder and President
Spitfire Strategies, Inc.
Washington, DC
