The Power of Coalitions: Unlocking Collective Strength in Business and Government

Building Coalitions

Introduction

Coalitions are often associated with politics, but they are equally essential in business. At their core, they are partnerships built on shared interests, designed to achieve goals that no single entity can reach alone. Whether in government or the private sector, coalitions amplify influence, expand resources, and create opportunities for lasting impact.

As someone who has served as Mayor of a U.S.-Mexico border city, led the Arizona Department of Commerce, and later became Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I’ve seen first-hand how coalitions transform possibilities. Today, as CEO of Intermestic Partners—an international business advisory firm founded in 2011 that specializes in cross-border trade and development—I continue to build coalitions that strengthen businesses and communities across North America.

Building Coalitions in Business

Business coalitions are strategic alliances where companies align around common objectives:

• Expand reach into new markets

• Pool resources for innovation

• Strengthen policy influence

• Share risks to reduce costs

The Sustainable Apparel Coalition is a prime example—it reshaped fashion supply chains through collective action.

Forming effective business coalitions requires:

1. Shared goals – the glue that holds the group together.

2. Right allies – partners with aligned values and complementary strengths.

3. Strategic plans – clear roles, resources, and accountability.

Building Coalitions in Government

Government coalitions follow the same principles but navigate more complex dynamics. Success starts with a shared vision, followed by recruiting partners—public, private, or NGOs—who bring capital, expertise, or influence. Finally, a roadmap defines contributions and measures success.

The Paris Agreement, signed by nearly every nation, stands as one of the largest coalitions in history—proving that even global-scale challenges can be tackled through shared vision.

Essential Skills

Strong coalitions require:

• Communication to align goals

• Negotiation to balance interests

• Leadership to inspire and guide

• Conflict management to resolve inevitable disagreements

These skills ensure that coalitions remain resilient when tensions rise.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Coalitions often face diverging priorities or fading engagement. Overcoming these challenges demands:

• Regular communication

• Reaffirmation of shared vision

• Open channels for feedback

• Recognition of each partner’s value

Measuring Success

Coalition success is best measured by:

• Achievement of shared goals

• Efficiency of collaboration

• Satisfaction of each partner

Regular reviews and transparent metrics keep momentum alive and allow continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Coalitions—whether business-driven or government-led—are indispensable tools for tackling complex challenges. They thrive on shared purpose, strong leadership, and the discipline to turn vision into action.

At Intermestic Partners, we have worked with top national and international companies to foster these alliances since 2011. By combining diverse strengths, we can unlock the full potential of cross-border collaboration and build a more resilient future together.

Call to Action: If you’re seeking to expand your reach or create meaningful partnerships, let’s explore how we can build a coalition that drives impact across borders.