At Growth By Design, we believe that intentional choices are the foundation of meaningful growth - whether you’re building a thriving organization or crafting a fulfilling life. The truth is, no one achieves lasting success alone. Every remarkable journey is shaped by the people you invite to walk alongside you.

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What if you assembled your own Personal Board of Directors – not for your business, but for your life? Picture a handpicked group of mentors, champions, advocates, and allies whom you deeply admire, each invested in your growth. These are the people who offer wisdom, challenge your assumptions, and celebrate your wins. With this level of accountability and encouragement, your goals become more attainable, your blind spots more visible, and your growth more intentional. This has been my experience, and I believe you’ll discover the same once you build your own Board.

Feedback, Not Just Support, Fuels Growth

Human nature leads us to judge ourselves by our intentions, while others judge us by our actions – a phenomenon known as “intention bias.” If you’re serious about growth, you need more than cheerleaders; you need truth-tellers.

Research supports this. Gallup found that employees who receive regular, candid feedback are 3.6 times more likely to be engaged at work. Harvard Business Review reports that leaders who actively seek feedback are rated significantly higher by their peers. To maximize your potential, surround yourself with people who see what you can’t – from your missteps to your untapped strengths – and who help you become the person capable of achieving any goal.

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“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.”

— Oprah Winfrey

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Everyone Needs Advisors

The world’s most successful individuals – from Warren Buffett to Oprah herself – rely on a circle of trusted advisors. These are the people who care enough to tell you the truth and are genuinely invested in your success. You don’t have to wait until you’ve “made it” to build your own circle; in fact, it’s this very circle that will help you get there. According to a 2023 LinkedIn survey, 82% of professionals with mentors or sponsors said those relationships were “critical” to their career advancement and personal well-being.

What Is a Personal Board of Directors Anyway?

No one achieves their dreams in isolation. Mentorship and coaching aren’t about fixing what’s broken – they’re about unlocking potential. Your Personal Board helps you see blind spots, set bigger goals, and stretch beyond your comfort zone. Here’s who might be on your Board:

• Radical Candor Partners: Those who care enough to tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear. Mistakes are tough, but unaddressed mistakes can quietly cost you progress.
• Mentors: Seasoned guides who’ve walked the path before you and can accelerate your learning. We stand on the shoulders of giants – seek out their wisdom.
• Champions: Advocates who speak up for you when you’re not in the room, and who are quick to highlight your strengths to others.
• Allies: Friends and colleagues who share your values and support your goals. They help you stay focused and resilient, especially when challenges compound.

A Few Tips for Building Your Board

Drawing from my own journey, here are a few strategies for assembling and nurturing your Personal Board of Directors:

• Diversify the Seats: Invite people from varied backgrounds, industries, and perspectives. My Board ranges from a PhD traffic engineer to a yogi – each brings unique insights that help me grow.
• Check In Regularly: Foster these relationships through intentional, ongoing conversations – not just when you need advice. The more connected your Board is to your life, the more effectively they can help you spot blind spots.
• Stay Open: Feedback is a gift, even when it’s uncomfortable. Let your Board know you value honesty and growth over comfort.
• Evolve Your Board: The Board you need today may not be the Board you need tomorrow. As you grow, your needs will change – be willing to outgrow your Board and fill new seats as needed.
• Reciprocate: Be a mentor, champion, or ally for others. You learn by teaching, and supporting others is a gift to both them and yourself.

Feedback Is Uncomfortable – But So is Stagnation

Letting people you admire see your flaws and challenge your thinking can be uncomfortable. But every time I’ve opened myself to radical candor and sought feedback from those I respect, I’ve grown in ways I never imagined. My Personal Board of Directors has helped me dream bigger, learn faster, and stay true to my values.

So friends, who’s on your Board? And whose Board are you sitting on?

Onward and upward!
Katie