124. Circle of Ten: Why Your Crew Determines Your Climb

Your climb is determined by your crew. This powerful truth stands at the heart of our conversation about creating a personal board of directors—those ten individuals who shape your trajectory more than any other factor in your life.

Many of us were raised to keep struggles private, handle problems internally, and avoid vulnerability at all costs. This mindset creates isolation that stifles growth and limits potential. We explore the paradigm shift required to build an intentional circle of trusted advisors who have permission to speak truth into your life.

Building meaningful relationships with people who will challenge you demands intentionality. It's far easier to drift into relationships of convenience than to cultivate connections with those who will call you higher. The most valuable people in your circle don't just offer accountability—they demonstrate love through honest feedback, even when it's uncomfortable.

We dive deep into the art of delivering hard truths with kindness, sharing personal struggles with directness versus empathy, and how different approaches affect implementation. The conversation reveals a crucial insight: consistent communication outside of crisis moments distinguishes authentic relationships from transactional ones. "Call those people when you don't need anything" emerges as perhaps the single most important practice for building your circle of ten.

When selecting who belongs in your inner circle, look beyond superficial factors like net worth or status. Instead, focus on character, values, and how they conduct their own relationships. Surround yourself with encouragers who model what they teach—people whose lives demonstrate the principles they espouse.

Take this challenge: Who among your closest relationships has permission to challenge your decisions when you're drifting? Your circle will either call you to greatness or quietly let it die. You weren't made to go it alone, and the quality of your journey depends on those walking alongside you.

Key Takeaways:

• The danger of isolated leadership vs. the strength found in a trusted circle.
• Why accountability thrives on consistency, not just during a crisis.
• Balancing hard truth with kindness builds lasting relationships.
• Reach out when you don’t need anything—that’s a real connection.
• Choose your inner circle for their character, not their status.
• How to evaluate whether your relationships push you forward or hold you back.
• When it’s time to release relationships that drain more than they give

Connect:

• Connect with ISI Brothers: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/
• Join the ISI Community: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-community
• Big A's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/
• Seth’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth