Your Circle of Fire

Reader,

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The last month has been a whirlwind of growth and connection. I hosted a retreat, attended conferences in NYC and Arizona, and participated in a coaching intensive in New Mexico.

Throughout, I've connected deeply with people who instantly felt like kindred spirits—some who will undoubtedly remain in my orbit for years to come.

It's Time to Build Relationship Grit

High achievers don't lack confidence.

We lack consistent support — the kind that has our backs when we're daring to dream bigger.

Too many of us stay small, not because we don't believe in ourselves… but because we fear being dismissed, judged, or isolated when we go after what we really want.

That ends now.

Find your tribe of believers — and walk away from those who don't clap when you win.

This requires Relationship Grit — the kind of fierce, loyal connection that fuels your ambition instead of draining it.

It's vital to surround yourself with people who lift you up, support your dreams, challenge you to be better, and to whom you can genuinely contribute.

Who's In Your Corner?

Look for the ones who:

Ask how your dream is going — and really want to know
Celebrate your bold ideas instead of warning you to be realistic
Text or call after your big launch, pitch, or leap
Say, "How can I help?" without being asked
Light up when you share good news — and don't change the subject
Listen to understand and not to respond with their news

Last week, one of my 'new' friends asked me a question that pierced straight to the heart of my dream. She asked: "When are you going to claim it?"

She heard me. She saw me. She offered me support.

She’s now in what I call my Circle of Fire.

Watch for the Shade

Let go of the shady who:

Change the subject when they become uncomfortable
Ghost your wins, but show up for your setbacks
Go quiet when you need support
Minimize your ideas
Keep score
Use sarcasm as a weapon
Refuse to share your wins publicly even if they’re quick to post others’.
Call you too much, too ambitious, or too driven

The quiet shade has a real impact.

You don't need shady critics in your circle. You need catalysts.

The Shalane Flanagan Effect

The impact of community support is immeasurable in creating success. Consider The Shalane Flanagan Effect. Shalane is an Olympic-distance runner who tried several times to win the NYC Marathon without success.

She asked a group of her competitors to come and train with her. Instead of training in isolation, she created a community of runners on the same mission.

Shalane finally won the NYC Marathon.

And every female athlete she trained with went on to reach the Olympics.

Rather than viewing teammates as competitors, she celebrated their successes, creating an environment where everyone could thrive and excel.

From Talking to Action

Statistics reveal that while many recognize the importance of networking, only 48% actively maintain their network, frequently citing time constraints as a barrier.

I know firsthand that during my corporate roles, I was perpetually head-down, convinced I had no time to network.

Years later, I clearly see the cost—lost relationships, opportunities, and a sense of belonging. The isolation I created suffocated my real desire for connection.

Building Your Circle of Fire

Since leaving corporate life, I've committed to building a strong community of women who both support me and whom I can support. This reciprocity has transformed not just my business prospects but personal growth.

If you're not networking and building community, ask yourself why.

Expansion

You are not here to shrink. You're here to expand.

And to do that, you need a support team who will hold the door and the mirror.

Don't wait for a job change or loss to begin networking. Connections must be established before you need them.

Find your circle of fire.

And if they don't cheer, they don't get a chair.

We don't succeed alone—we succeed within communities that challenge, support, and elevate us.

What step will you take this week to build yours?

Ready to redefine YOUR success story? Let's continue this conversation.

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