I’m about to publicly test a dangerous assumption

Author

Ken Krell
May 18, 2026

This Wednesday, I’m presenting Alex the Sherpa live during Mini Shark Tank.

And honestly, I think the most valuable part may be the question I’m bringing into the room.

Here’s the dangerous assumption:

Most people think sales conversations succeed or fail because of:

  • the pitch

  • the offer

  • the objection handling

  • the close

But after analyzing real conversations, I’ve become convinced that deals often start falling apart much earlier — in subtle moments involving trust, connection, momentum, listening, emotional tension, and conversational awareness.

That’s why I built Sherpa.

But now comes the bigger business question:

Is this actually just a “sales tool”…

Or is it something much broader?

Because we’re already seeing possible applications beyond traditional sales:

  • consultants

  • coaches

  • leadership teams

  • fundraising

  • partnerships

  • client retention

  • high-stakes business conversations in general

So on Wednesday, I’m going to pressure-test that assumption live with a room full of experienced entrepreneurs and business owners.

Not a polished webinar.
Not a canned pitch.

A real business discussion (and YOU get to participate!).

If you’d like to join us live (they don’t post recordings):

Wednesday, May 20
10:50am–12:30pm ET

Ken