We often think opportunities come from long presentations or perfect timing – but sometimes, they begin with a single, unexpected question.

What if one article could do the job?

What if one proposition could land the project?

What if one question could unlock the door to the cooperation that changes your life?

A few weeks ago I met with the managing partner of a global law firm.

I had asked to meet him after successfully completing a project for a common client; not to sell, but to reconnect and explore whether there might be new ground to cover together.

After the courtesies and a short exchange about what’s happening in Cyprus these days — including the latest wave of tax restructuring — he leaned back and asked, quite directly:

“So, Philippos, what can we do for you?”

For a brief moment I froze.

For a split second I wasn’t sure whether to treat it as a test, an opening, or a courtesy.

Usually the question goes the other way around: “What can you do for us?”

“Here’s where the rubber hits the road,” I thought.

And that old line drifted through my mind: “Ask and you shall receive.”

I took a breath, explained what I do and how law firms benefit from my programmes, and within minutes he had copied in his HR team to arrange a seminar for all their lawyers in early 2026.

That exchange stayed with me. There was something quietly powerful about it — the way a simple question can invert the dynamic of a conversation and instantly create mutual respect.

It reminded me how rarely we allow the other side to ask specifically as to what they want from us – we often hesitate to ask them directly what they want.

Perhaps we worry that the answer will be something we can’t deliver, or something we’d rather not do.

But with a bit of experience, knowledge and grace, we can always respond appropriately — by clarifying, reframing, or pointing the other person to someone who can help instead.

And who knows — perhaps next time, the question will lead somewhere unexpected.

So if you’ve been following my content and this newsletter, and have a sense of what I do, let me now pass that question on to you:

👉 What can I do for you?

You can share your thoughts in the comments, send a DM, or drop me a note at info@philarist.com.

Have a marvellous week ahead,

Philippos