Co-authored by Noam Levi, Founder & CEO of WiserSpread, and Mina Rozenshine, Managing Partner – Executive Recruiting and HR Consulting at DK Recruiting LLC.
As independent consultants, we often talk about the freedom to choose how we work. But with that freedom comes the responsibility to define and defend our non-negotiables—those boundaries that protect our energy, our time, and ultimately, the quality of work we deliver to clients.
Honest Conversations Only
For Mina, authenticity forms the core of her consulting practice. “A non-negotiable for me is working with people who are ready to go there,” she explains. “I don’t do performative HR, and I don’t stay in relationships where leaders aren’t open to real conversation or change.”
This commitment to honesty isn’t just a personal preference—it’s a business strategy.
Mina has learned that the impact of her work depends on mutual trust and honesty. She asks hard questions, challenges assumptions, and expects the same in return from her clients.
“Clients often tell me it’s refreshing—but it’s also what helps us move faster, with more clarity and less wasted motion,” she notes. “When everyone’s being real, we can actually get things done that matter.”
Choosing the Right Clients
Noam brings his characteristic humor when discussing his boundaries. “If you ask me about non-negotiables, I could say something important like ‘clear communication’ or ‘mutual respect’ — but honestly, let’s start with the real answer: naps,” he admits.
Yes, naps are non-negotiable. “A quick recharge in the middle of the day can be the difference between brilliant work and staring at my screen like I’m trying to solve quantum physics,” he adds. “Well-rested me is definitely a better consultant (and a much nicer human).”But if we’re talking seriously, the biggest non-negotiable Noam says he’s built into his work life is being intentional about which clients he takes on.
Early on, Noam used to say yes to every project. “If someone had a budget — any budget — I convinced myself I needed to take the job,” he reflects. “Even when I knew deep down that the client would be difficult, or the project had red flags, or the payment terms were sketchy, I ignored my gut. I told myself, ‘Work is work’ and ‘Money is money.’”
It took a toll. Noam was constantly stressed, working late nights to deal with messy projects, chasing payments, and carrying the emotional burden of difficult clients into his personal life. It was miserable — and it started affecting not just his work, but his family time and mental health.
With time (and a lot of support and wise advice from his wife), Noam realized that saying yes to the wrong clients was costing him way more than he was making.
Now, Noam says he has a non-negotiable: if it’s not a good fit — if he can see misalignment on values, expectations, or trust — he politely declines.
And funny enough, this benefits his clients too. It means that the ones Noam does work with get his best energy, full attention, and a true partnership — not someone half-drained because they’re juggling a bunch of bad-fit projects on the side. Everyone wins.
Your Non-Negotiables Create Your Reputation
What’s interesting about both our approaches is that our non-negotiables aren’t just personal preferences—they’re business strategies that directly impact the quality and impact of our work.
For Mina, insisting on honest engagement creates space for genuinely transformative in HR work and recruiting. For me, being selective about clients ensures I can bring my best self to each project.
In both cases, these boundaries don’t limit our businesses—they define them. They become part of our unique value propositions and help attract the right kinds of opportunities.
What are your non-negotiables as an independent consultant or business owner? How have they shaped your client relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Co-authored by Mina Rozenshine and Noam Levi
