It Takes More Than A Village

There isn't a non-divergent manner to describe my journey in the context of the world as a creative entrepreneur and professional. I've always had my head in the sky while trying to keep my eyes on the next opportunity, the next book to engross my mind in, the next musical journey to be transported on. It is almost some kind of poetic justice, to be African, to be black, to be queer, advocating for neurodiversity, and to be ambitious all at once - especially in a world that has chosen violence, erasure, and dismissal for most of my life and the communities I represent.

Many of us find ourselves in places where life has continuously offered insurmountable challenges. Yet we choose effort, we choose triumph, and we learn that space can be created where there seems to be none

This week, I found myself particularly moved by a conversation from a few summers ago. A gentleman who made up for his height with his intellect shared a profound observation: "Every place needs a central point. History proves this, and more so geography and the sciences. People go where resources are, where they can be abundantly available." This thread, he insisted, is the throughline of our lives, whether we choose to see it or not, in all contexts: professional and personal.

At various points within my life, I have wrestled with dogmatic philosophies and hierarchical structures, finding myself at odds with the prescribed way of things. My childhood tussles with authority set the foundation, growing up as a queer child in a small town. These initial frustrations with identity and belonging would be fueled and egged on even in adulthood. However, it was my career and ambitions that thrust me into a different kind of surrender and submission.

Within this surrender came many lessons. I was exposed to the unwritten rules of work: emotional intelligence Olympics, meritocracy, the neurotic, the overly passionate and the not-so-passionate. But most importantly, I encountered what the corporate world has long perpetuated: the dangerous myth of the self-sufficient leader, the one-person powerhouse who can do it all.

‘The Myth of the Solo Genius’

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern work, the relationship between service providers and clients, employers and employees, remains a complex dance of power dynamics, expectations, and human connection. At the heart of this intricate web lies a truth that many leaders struggle to embrace: no one is an island, regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy.

This solo genius narrative continues to be a problem in the workplace. Many leaders, especially those who've fought hard to reach their positions, fall into what might be called the "competency trap" and the belief that their unique capabilities make them irreplaceable and, by extension, unable to delegate.

I've witnessed too many instances of managers who refuse to see beyond themselves, placing themselves as islands for a variety of reasons, job security, inherent meanness, the list is endless... And to an extent, in my experience I could empathise and understand where this may stem from in the economy of today. But the truth is, it's a reach. You might think you can do everything, sure, you're a multi-hyphenate creative with a gorgeous interior world, a theoretical warrior who has bared their soul for their many degrees and accomplishments. But let your ambitions not turn you into an isolationist. These kinds of leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs miss out on the magic of embracing the context within which they find themselves.

Over the years, I have watched so many professionals and creatives running at high speeds, losing their direction, completely derailing. The most painful sight is watching really talented individuals circling the drain, victims of their own inability to delegate and collaborate. While trusting yourself is important, you also need to harness the ability to trust others who have varying experiences within different parts of life. Becoming really good at what you do requires careful thought and consideration. Many professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs want to shy away from this truth, but eventually, everyone must face the music.

It’s important to also remember, as we navigate these relationships, that success isn't measured by how much we can do alone, but by how effectively we can work together. In the workplace, our greatest resource is each other's diverse capabilities and perspectives. When we can leverage one another's unique experiences and skills, we garner more strength and efficiency as a unit. The future of work demands leaders who can orchestrate rather than dominate, who can facilitate rather than control.?

In a world where "computers crash, people die, and relationships fall apart," our best strategy is to build resilient systems of collaboration that can weather any storm. The key lies not in perfect execution, but in creating spaces where diverse backgrounds, individuals, and minds can thrive together.

And what's more important is for us to remember that it takes more than a village as we all exist within this context of mutuality. If you have to choose this week, may you choose strength - and may you choose to share that strength through meaningful delegation and collaboration.