There is an African proverb that has been hanging on the wall in my office for 15 years which reads, “You are the connections you weave.”
As someone who values connection, it’s been a personal mantra of mine.
The tales of suffering and joy or tragedy and triumph bring about potential connection to others.
They reveal our humanity.
When shared at the right time and in the right context, they can be powerful gateways that open the doors to unseen opportunities.
One of the pillars in my 7 Pillars of Leadership is to “Build Powerful Partnerships.”
Partnership begins with connection, making connection the business equivalent to using a lever in physics.
With less effort, you achieve bigger results.
The single characteristic shared by all of the successful people I’ve met in my life is their ability to connect and authentically build powerful partnerships, seeking to create a world where everyone wins.
Now, these aren’t necessarily formal partnerships; they are connections that lead to opportunities, influence, and impact.
And it’s something I taught in-depth at the Upside Summit.
Three years ago, I said “YES!” to my friend Alan Belcher's invitation to sponsor his Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship debut.
It came after prayerful discernment. I meditated and pendulum tested – and was clear this was mine to do.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have envisioned it was ultimately a Leadership Vision Quest expedition filled with countless blessings along the way.
From booking the flight to the conversation with several of the guys who were attending before the event to dinner before the event to the fight night at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center to watching the undercard fights to witnessing Alan’s commitment to designing his destiny – and securing a big W to the flight back home, there were more serendipitous moments where God was ever-present than I can count.
Back to that proverb, “You are the connections you weave.”
Who you choose to do life with matters.
Remember, leadership is about inspiring, guiding, and directing others to their Highest and Best good and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum.
The best leaders understand they need others to reflect back to them who they are and to steady them, providing connection and inspiration.
~ What connections are you weaving?
~ What do your connections say about who you are?
The world needs you and your brilliance.
Now more than ever. Go shine your light.
ACTION: The Upside Challenge is to reach out to someone in your network you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Send a message, schedule a call, or reconnect over coffee.
The right connections don’t just happen, they’re cultivated with intention.
You never know what opportunities, insights, or inspiration could come from a single conversation.
Who’s on your heart right now? Reach out today.