A Personal Board of Directors?
Yes, you heard that right. I’m not talking about a corporate boardroom full of lawyers and executives. I’m talking about a small group of people—seven at most—whom you deeply respect and would never want to disappoint. Think of them as the wise elders of your tribe: the ones you turn to when facing ethical dilemmas, life-changing decisions, or moments when you feel you might lose your way.
Building a business, leading a project, or simply living with purpose can overwhelm you to the point of losing sight of what truly matters.
In the midst of success, pressures, and opportunities, it’s easy to drift. A personal board reminds you who you are, what you value, and where you decided to go.
Sometimes their advice will be brutally honest; other times, it will be the clarity you need to avoid selling your principles for short-term gain.
A good personal board is not a group of flattering friends. They are people who:
- Tell you the truth, even when it hurts.
- Help you see beyond immediate pressure.
- Are not afraid to contradict you if they believe you’re straying from your values.
- Ask intelligent questions, not endless speeches.
They can come from any sector. In fact, it’s even better if they are not from your industry, so they can pull you out of the tunnel vision that comes from being surrounded only by “people like you.”
Ask yourself this:
If I left my profession tomorrow and dedicated myself to something completely different, would I still want this person on my board?
If the answer is yes, they’re a good candidate. The respect you have for them should be greater than emotional closeness. And above all, they must embody the values you want to live by.
The way to approach them should be mainly during key moments—not for every daily decision. You can even hold “imaginary meetings”: ask yourself what each one would say if they were sitting in front of you. Keep them informed about your progress, as if you were sending a personal annual report. This strengthens the bond and forces you to reflect on your own growth.
You’ll get a valuable return, and it’s not about money. The real return is giving back what you’ve received: mentorship, time, and guidance for others who are where you once were. In this way, your personal board not only pushes you to be a better entrepreneur or leader but also a better human being.
Self-actualization doesn’t happen by accident. Forming a personal board of directors is a conscious step to align your goals, values, and actions. When the noise of the world tries to pull you off course, they will be the mirror that reminds you who you are and what you believe in.
For these reasons—and many more—create your personal board of directors.
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