You exchange the relationship from boss to customer and business partner. You divide your customer facing work unto three categories: DELIVERY, MANAGEMENT, STEERING
The relationship must be strong and you must have a working relationship, can never be caustic. Make sure that you are making the customer shine, always. Be a trusted advisor when you can. Say yes a lot, but setting expectations and saying no is also okay and important.
Risk tolerance and thick skin is key. The financial reward is sky high.
At what point do you start to answer “to your customers” though?
This sometimes holds me back from rebelling. Exchanging 1 boss for a 100 customers that all have expectations.