In the previous post we talked about embracing the uncomfortable and letting that lead us towards growth. On our journey it is important to identify the people that can help us achieve our goals both personally and professionally and that is what we are going to dig into today.
In both life and leadership, we are guaranteed one thing—change. Whether it’s a personal curveball or a professional pivot, resilience isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. But resilience doesn’t flourish in isolation. It grows in community, especially when we surround ourselves with people who support, challenge, and champion us. That’s why building a personal support network—intentionally and authentically—is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your growth.
What Is a Support Network?
Think of your support network as your personal board of directors. These are the people who advocate for you when you’re not in the room, who protect your reputation, and who speak your name in spaces you’ve yet to enter. They help you bounce back from setbacks, and they remind you who you are when self-doubt creeps in.
Your support network should be multi-dimensional—both personal and professional—because your growth doesn’t happen in silos. It includes the trusted friend who listens without judgment, the colleague who gives honest feedback, the mentor who sees your potential, and even the rising star you’re mentoring in return.
Why It Matters for Resilience
As I shared in my Building Resilience series, navigating life’s curveballs takes more than grit. It takes connection. True resilience is the ability not just to withstand hardship but to adapt, learn, and thrive—and it’s much easier to do that when you’re not doing it alone.
When things get hard—and they will—your support network becomes a lifeline:
- They offer perspective when you feel stuck.
- They remind you of your strengths.
- They help you realign with your values.
- They challenge you to keep moving, especially when you want to retreat.
And just like your journey, your network should evolve.
Let Your Network Grow With You
You are not the same person you were five years ago—and your support network shouldn’t be either. As your goals change, your needs will shift. It’s okay (and necessary) to continually assess who’s in your corner:
- Who truly sees and supports you?
- Who helps you grow without judgment?
- Who challenges you to stay aligned with your values?
Just as important: Are you that person for someone else?
How to Build Your Network—Authentically
Start with intention:
- Learn about yourself. Know your values, your strengths, and your growth areas. Self-awareness is the foundation of strong relationships.
- Embrace the uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. Attend the event. Introduce yourself. Reach out for coffee. Keep showing up.
- Participate with purpose. Join ERGs (Employee Resource Groups), mentoring programs, or community initiatives that align with your passions and goals.
- Stay consistent. Your reputation is built by how you show up—consistently, authentically, and with integrity.
- Offer value. Support networks are reciprocal. Be the kind of advocate you hope to find.
Final Thought: Resilience Is Relational
At Authentic Evolution, we believe becoming your authentic self is a journey of both inner and outer work. Building and maintaining a strong support network is an act of resilient leadership, whether you’re navigating personal growth, a career shift, or something unexpected.
Let your people grow with you. Let yourself outgrow what no longer fits. And remember: resilience doesn’t mean going it alone. It means having the courage to reach out—and the wisdom to let others in.
Authentic Evolution Journey 