How does your circle shape you?

Choosing Your Tribe, Mentorship & Growth?

Imagine you’re in a room with the five people who inspire you the most. They’re not just friends or mentors; they’re your tribe. Their influence shapes how you think, feel, and grow every day. Now, ask yourself this question: does your tribe drive you forward, light you up, and spark that fire in your belly?

What will you do now if the answer is no…?

This week, I want to talk about the people we choose to surround ourselves with—our tribe, mentors, and communities who define the person we become. I’ve been reflecting on my journey so far, and I’ve come to the realisation that our environment really is the single most influential factor in our growth. Whether it’s family, friends, or mentors, it’s the people in our immediate circle that can either fuel our passion…or hold us back.

Over the years, I’ve made more intentional choices about who I want in my life—the people who hold me accountable, inspire me, and help me to see, not just who I am, but who I could become. Recently, I’ve had a spark rekindled during a conversation on the Purpose Made podcast. My companion is a long-time friend, and just by listening to him speak, I’ve gained a? fresh perspective on gaming and community—a world I thought that I’d left behind. His passion reignited something in me, reminding me of the excitement I first felt decades ago, something which is now shaping new plans for the future. You can listen to it here.

It made me think of other power duos: Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey—partnerships that didn’t just push each other forward but amplified each other’s impact. The truth is, we all need people in our corner who see our potential, even when we can’t.

So, who are those people for you? Who’s in your circle?

The power of our environment isn’t just about who is around us; it’s about how we allow them to influence us. Psychology backs this up too: the company we keep affects everything from our motivation to our sense of purpose. Our closest relationships shape our behaviour and aspirations, often without us realising. This influence is why finding the right mentors and friends can transform your journey—whether in business, parenthood, or personal growth.

Having intentional relationships is like setting your inner compass. They provide accountability, inspire confidence, and nudge you to keep moving, especially when things get tough. When I look at my own circle, I see people who not only challenge me but who also share their wisdom, their time, and sometimes a dose of tough love. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t a solo pursuit; it’s about being part of something larger. As the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This week, think about who’s beside you for the journey.

I’d really encourage you to take a read of this beautiful exchange between Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey.

How can you apply this in your life?

• Curate Your Circle: Be intentional about who you let into your life. Find people who encourage growth, share your values, and keep you grounded.
• Seek Out Mentors: Mentors don’t have to be in your industry or even older than you. Look for people who embody the qualities you admire and who are willing to guide and challenge you.
• Have a Reciprocal Mindset: The most enriching relationships aren’t one-sided. Bring value to your tribe. Show up for them as they show up for you. The more you give, the stronger the bond grows.
• Re-evaluate Regularly: Life changes, and so should your circle. Periodically reflect on who’s around you and ensure they align with where you’re headed. Growth sometimes means moving on from people who no longer serve your journey.

• Key Thought and Takeaway: Surround yourself with those who see not just who you are but who you could become. Real growth is nurtured in the presence of people who inspire, support, and challenge you. Who’s in your corner, pushing you toward your fullest potential?

Reflections for the Week:

Who in your life brings out the best in you, and how can you nurture that relationship?

If you could choose one person, alive or past, to mentor you, who would it be—and why?

Is there an old passion, a past path, that still holds value for you? What might revisiting it bring into your life?

This week, let’s embrace the power of community, mentorship, and self-awareness. As we step into the weekend, I encourage you to reach out to the people who inspire you and thank them. Let them know the impact they’ve had on your journey, as Dan, Matt, Paul, Duke, Adolf, Michelle, Alison, Andy, Marian, Thiago, Blake, Lisa, Rich, and Ken have had on mine.

Until next time—stay present, stay inspired, and keep building the circle that shapes you.

Warmly,

Pete