Hey leader—who’s in your support crew?

For a long time, leadership felt lonely to me.?

It felt like a big effort to reach out to people because leadership is always so busy. Meetings, priorities, events, showing up (even when you don’t want to). It felt heavy.?

But that changed when I deliberately put my support crew in place. My crew doesn’t formally come together as a team - in fact, most of them don’t even know they’re on it!?

This past week alone, I met with my mentor, had multiple check-ins with my Business Manager, met with my accountability group, discussed business direction with colleagues, trained with my personal trainer, talked strategy with my husband, shared a client challenge with my kids, and even downloaded a tough conversation to my mum.?

All of these people are part of my support crew.?

A support crew is a carefully assembled group of people you can turn to for different kinds of support. Some are clearly defined - engaged professionals like coaches or trainers. Others provide support more organically - family, friends, colleagues. Some relationships are structured, while others are spontaneous.?

But having a support crew is, in my mind, essential for any leader.?

I didn’t always know that. Back when I was an Executive in the corporate world, I didn’t think I needed one - and others didn’t either. A friend once told me I always seemed like I had my sh*t together. That one stung. It made me realize that if I looked like I didn’t need support, maybe no one would offer it when I did.?

So, I started looking for what I needed.?

I hired an Executive Coach and a Personal Trainer - paid professionals to elevate my performance. I leaned more on my husband, family, and colleagues. I opened up about challenges. And the most surprising thing happened - my support crew expanded. I met mentors, accountability partners, and peers in similar roles. I was supporting them, too. And because I was in a better place, it felt energising, not draining.?

Fast forward five years - I now run a leadership development practice with a small team. I move fast. Others may call it chaotic, but it works for me. There’s always something on, ideas to pursue, research to dig into, books to read, people to meet, places to go. And my support crew is more important than ever.?

I think of them as my Board of Personal Advisors. I’m raw and honest with them, which allows them to give me the right support at the right time.?

For me, my crew is balanced across business/career, health, relationships, and spirituality. Yours might look different - there’s no formula. Your needs shape your crew. And over time, that crew will evolve. Sometimes you outgrow support, sometimes you need different perspectives, and that’s okay.?

You can go through life without an extensive support crew. But I believe that without one, you’re short-changing yourself.?

So, take a moment to reflect:?

??? If you have a support crew, who’s in it??

??? How do they support you? Do they push you while also providing nurture??

??? If you don’t have one, what do you need??

??? Who would you bring into your crew??

??? And most importantly - how will having them help you become a more deliberate leader??