Your personal board of directors - Who’s advising you to greatness?

Hey Reader,

Ever wonder who’s really got your back as you chase your dreams? Some people see success as a one-person show. But the most successful individuals rarely go it alone. You can see it as a Personal Dream Team. The people in your corner, guiding your next big move.

Most people stumble because they rely on their limited perspective or surround themselves with those who keep them comfortable.

Today, we’ll explore the value of having a mastermind that holds you accountable.

🗯️ A Board of Your Own

When Steve Jobs was starting Apple, he didn’t do it alone. A crucial figure in his early success was Mike Markkula - a mentor and advisor. Markkula was a successful entrepreneur and investor who believed in Jobs and his vision. He helped Jobs push through the early days of Apple by offering not just financial support but strategic advice and business acumen.

Even after breaking through, you can bet Jobs still surrounded himself with the likes of Mike and more. But you don’t have to be a tech mogul to have a personal board. Your network doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. It’s about finding people who complement your skills and aren’t afraid to give you honest feedback.

🧠 Do You Have a Board of Your Own?

Picture this: You’re running a million-dollar company. All alone.

No advisors, no accountability partner, no one to bounce ideas off. Scary, right? The best companies rely on diverse board for guidance, strategy, and growth. Each member brings a unique perspective. Challenging the status quo to push the organization forward.

Now, think of yourself as a company. Are you running you on your own?

Do you have a circle that holds you accountable? It’s easy to think you can do it alone given the great things you’ve achieved on your own. But you can get stuck on a new level. You may find yourself repeating the same mistakes, feeling like an impostor, or losing sight of what truly matters. While it’s good to trust your instincts, you will greatly benefit from diverse perspectives.

Tap into a day in the life of someone who has hit the milestone you aim for. And you’ll hit double the milestone.

❤️ Who’s On Your Board?

A support crew is great, but not the kind that keeps you stagnant. It’s easy to choose comfort. To keep people around who say, “You’re doing great!” even when you’re not. Real growth comes from those who care enough to challenge you. Because comfort zones isn’t where greatness happens. Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to give you a loving push when you need it.

If your “board” isn’t making you slightly uncomfortable, you might not have the right people around you. The right ones don’t just echo back what you want to hear. They are experienced enough to help you map out your next audacious goals with fresh insights.

🤲 Vet Your Inner Circle

If you’re unsure of the network that should fit into your crew, don’t sweat it. Over the years, I have benefited (still benefiting) from great support groups. I use what I call the 4 P’s of Elite Mastermind to evaluate my inner circle, and it’s been an amazing ride.

Happy to share them with you:

1. Pull - they have walked the path you aspire. They leverage their experiences to help you overcome and even prevent avoidable mistakes. They do not relent in telling you what you do not want to hear to help you handle things better.

2. Push - they challenge your assumption, motivate you to take on big goals, and make you see obstacles as stepping stones for greatness.

3. Persist - they bring you out of your comfort zone, and help you stay disciplined to the standards you’ve set for yourself. They hold you accountable, even when it’s tough, and see that you are committed to achieving your dreams.

4. Promote - they are advocates of your vision. They bring diverse skills and perspectives that help you visualize the map to your goals clearly.

📈 Great People Shape Your Strategy, Others Repeat After You

Look around you. Who’s on your board? Who’s influencing your decision? Even the most ambitious can lose direction when they’re alone or in the company of people that just go with the flow. If your support group doesn’t motivate you to push through your limits, you may want to re-evaluate. The goal is to keep moving.

And to keep moving, you need someone that can tell you not to stop when you feel like stopping. Not people that’ll support your excuse to stop. In the words of Oprah Winfrey “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”

Take 5 minutes today to reflect on the circle in your personal and professional journey.

With appreciation,
Huw

P.S.: If you’re interested in joining a group of elite entrepreneurs, I have a community of resilient people who are chasing bold goals. While the #75Hard program brought us together, it’s a growing network of CEOs who push and support each other. Shoot me an email if you’ll like to join us.