Reclaiming Your Agency
Why Every Woman Needs a Personal Board of Directors
In the world of business, no CEO is expected to have all the answers. They have a Board of Directors—a group of seasoned experts who provide oversight, fill in the gaps of the leader’s knowledge, and offer a steady hand during a crisis.
Why don’t we treat our personal lives with the same level of intentionality?
A few years ago, I sat down and got brutally honest with myself. I realized that if my life were a startup, I was trying to be the head of legal, the CFO, the spiritual advisor, and the lead strategist all at once. The result? Burnout and a lot of blind spots.
I decided to stop "winging it" and started assembling my own Personal Board of Directors. Here is how you can build yours.
1. Conduct a Radical Audit
The first step isn't looking outward; it’s looking inward. I had to analyze where I was actually struggling. I looked at three specific pillars:
Psychological: Where is my mindset failing me?
Physical/Logistical: What tangible skills am I missing?
Educational: What do I need to learn to get to the next level?
I realized I needed mental counseling, better financial literacy, and a "nonjudgmental friend" who could be a safe harbor when things got messy.
2. Define the "Seats"
Once you know your gaps, you define the roles. You might not need a marketing expert, but you might need:
The Financial Sage: To help you handle money with wisdom rather than fear.
The Spiritual Anchor: To keep you grounded in your values.
The Truth-Teller: That friend who loves you enough to tell you when you’re wrong.
The Strategic Mentor: Someone further along the path who can help with the "legal" and "technical" parts of your career or life.
3. Recruit Your Board (Even the Ones You Haven’t Met)
Here is the secret: Your board members don’t all have to sit in a room with you.
I filled my board with people I knew personally, but I also "hired" experts I had access to through books, podcasts, and videos. If a specific author’s teachings have reshaped your philosophy on health, they are on your board. If a certain podcaster gives you the best career advice you’ve ever heard, they’ve earned a seat at the table.
4. Lean into the Intention
As I defined these needs, I set a clear intention to find these people. And something incredible happened: I started seeing them everywhere. When you know exactly what kind of help you’re looking for, you stop missing the opportunities to connect with it.
The Ever-Evolving Table
Your life will change, and so will your needs. I still use this tactic today. When a new challenge arises—whether it’s a career pivot or a personal hurdle—I look at my table and ask: “Is there an empty seat here? Who do I need to recruit to help me navigate this?”
Don’t try to be the hero of your own story without a support team. Build your board, lean on their wisdom, and watch how much faster you grow when you aren't the only one invested in your success.
