It’s Bigger Than Work

Every now and then in professional life — if you’re lucky — you encounter a rare kind of person. Someone you work well with, enjoy working with, and know will remain part of your life no matter where your career takes you. These are the people who impact your life beyond the boundaries of a job title or corporate project. They are your allies, advocates, trusted confidants, and friends.

Maybe they’re on your team. Maybe they’re a colleague you cross paths with on a shared project. Maybe you meet them by pure chance in the break room. However they enter your orbit, they make an impression that sticks. You find yourself willingly spending time with them outside of work, inviting them to personal milestones, or sharing your social handles with them because you genuinely want to stay connected. Your relationship transcends work.

Today, we might call these people our “tribe,” or even our “professional soulmates.” They’re not just part of your network — they’re the core of it. You’d readily be their advocate, reference, or sponsor. You’d follow them to a new company or gladly welcome them into yours. These are your people. Special connections like these form the bedrock of any strong professional network, and their influence is immeasurable. It’s not just that they help your career; you help each other grow.

Here are five ways to recognize these extraordinary connections and keep them close:

• Shared Values: You share a similar outlook on work, life, and ethics. Your principles align, creating a natural rapport that strengthens over time.
• Mutual Support: You have each other’s backs — supporting each other's success and growth without hesitation.
• They Elevate You: Their presence and influence make you better, not just at work but as a person. They inspire, motivate, and uplift you to new heights.
• You Stay in Touch: You care about their well-being and make an effort to check in — even when it’s not required.
• Lasting Investment: You actively nurture the relationship, understanding that true bonds need care and attention to grow.

Finding these relationships isn’t always easy, but they’re worth every ounce of effort. Take the time to recognize these special allies, and when you find them, invest in those connections for life. Your tribe will become one of your greatest strengths, both personally and professionally.

Shout out to my tribe — people like Armand Alvarez , Christine Elliott , Mike Hinn , Danielle Krischik , Luke Shane , Adam Shoer , David Deacon , Kerri Warner , Latoya Bennett-Johnson , Jawanda Staber , Sabine Smith, CPCC, PCC, PMP , Donald Chesnut, MS , Alicia Simmons , Jill Cress , John Stepper , Sarah Gretczko , Lauren Ottulich , Gretchen S. , Lori Walters , Amir Sadiq , Natasha Townsend, PMP , Ashley Thomas , Avni Patel , Rebecca Kaufman , Alex Lambert , Ariel Knight , Joshua Boyce , Sara Mandel , Imani Solan , Anthony Venutolo , Marisa Grimes Galiber , Peter Scotland-Cudjoe , Carl Knitzer , Izabela Teixeira , Michael Lan , Bina Philip , Omobolanle (Bola) Hambolu , Gisele G. , Jamie Chiariello , Yudelkis Nunez , Eddie Chang , Avia Hawkins , Jimmy Chow , Tami Nelson , Alyssa D'Orazio , Corey O. , Winnie Appiah , and Lisa Kunze .

These are MY people. I’m lucky to have them, and they know they’ll always have me, too.

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About the Author

Arthur Baker is a seasoned communications professional with 20+ years of experience helping leaders and organizations build authentic connections that matter. Whether advising C-Suite executives or crafting narratives to drive employee engagement, he believes in the power of relationships as the foundation for success. Known for his storytelling and strategic insights, he’s passionate about creating workplace cultures where people feel valued and inspired to connect beyond the confines of their roles. From corporate comms to employee engagement, Arthur knows how to bring people together to build lasting legacies.