You Need a Board

They say it takes a village to raise a child. But what does it take for one to prosper?

To build a life that is abundant, purposeful, and true?

My friend Carlos told me about a conversation he had with one of his mentors, an older woman from the Deep South with an accent to match. A firecracker who helped set him on his current path.

She said:

You need a board.

He paused. What?

A board.

Blink.

A Board of Directors. Like nonprofits and corporations. People who help navigate big decisions, protect the mission, and ask the hard questions when it matters.

His mentor looked at him and asked:

Who’s on your board?

Everyone needs a board. Most already do, even if they don’t call it that.

I am the CEO of my life. I run it. But CEOs don’t run alone. Especially if they want to build something that lasts. The board exists to serve the mission, with love.

(I'm using bell hooks' definition of love: the will to extend oneself for the purpose of nurturing one's own or another's spiritual growth.)

Here's how I'm thinking about board seats: Board Chair

This person holds the vision. They remember what you said you wanted before life got loud. They question whether what you're being accountable to still makes sense. When the direction shifts, they call the question and hold the vision steady.

Vice Chair

They know you. The patterns, the tells, the things you don't say. They serve as a second lens on your decisions. When you can't show up, they can.

Treasurer

They follow the investment. Not just your money, your time, your energy, your attention. Where are you spending yourself, and does it match where you say you're going?

Communications Director

They manage perception. They think in scenarios, anticipate risk, and help you prepare for it. The person you call before you send the email or step into the room. They help you align your presence with your purpose.

Legal Counsel

They protect you. They read the fine print. The person you call before you say yes.

The Champion

They believe in you on the days you don't. They remind you what you've already built when you forget. Every board needs one.

The Realist

Grounded. Practical. They won't let you run off with a beautiful idea before it's been tested. Not a dream killer, a dream developer.

The Witness

They reflect how you are actually experienced. Not your intention, your impact. They give you a clear view of how the world receives you.

Chaplain

They hold the spiritual weight with you. They pray with you, pray for you, and remind you that you are not building alone. Like Beyoncé sings, you're part of something way bigger.

Prosperity is not built in a silo.

At some point, you need people who can see what you can't, say what others won't, and hold you to what you said you wanted.

So the question isn't whether you need a board.

It's who's sitting at your table, and where are you seated?

See you next week. 🥂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDYwAUAdCntGM&v=YwAUAdCntGM