I've written about this topic before, because I feel as though I'm often reminded…
Growing up, we had enough, but not much extra. “We can't afford it” was something I heard a lot.
When I look at my own kids, I feel incredibly grateful to give them every opportunity they could want. Whether that's paying for the right school, investing in sports camps and extracurricular activities, or visiting new countries, they get to experience what many don't.
Did you know that if you look at the factors that determine your future wealth, your zip code is one of the biggest?
Here's why: When you're surrounded by successful or wealthy people, it rubs off on you. You see what's possible. You believe you can achieve it.
In fact, our belief system about money and ‘success' is a bigger predictor than intelligence or raw talent. And so much of this belief system is shaped by the people you interact with.
Now to be clear, my zip code was not fancy! But the people I've surrounded myself with have been the single biggest factor in helping me shed my own limiting beliefs and step into my full potential.
My executive network was critical in helping me thrive as a VP and EVP. And today, I credit my entrepreneur network with helping me create the business I have. It's really that powerful!
That's why in today's newsletter, I want to share how you can find the groups of people you need to get to the next level – whatever that means for you.
But first, why is this SO important?
I mentioned the idea of exposure and proximity, which is very real. We see people doing the things we want to do, and start to recognize that if they can do it, we probably can too.
Our big dreams no longer feel so out of reach, because we have real-life examples right in front of us.
The second reason is that once you build these networks, you can actually get advice and mentorship from people who have the life and career you want! One of my favourite reminders for the women I work with is to stop feeling as though you need to reinvent the wheel and/or do it all on your own.
Other people are doing this stuff. Let's learn from them!
So what types of networks should you be building, and where can you start to find these people if you don't have a close network today?
Here are the 3 types of people/networks that have made the biggest difference for me personally:
1. Mentors
I was lucky early in my career to have mentors who would talk with me about business and money, and how to earn it. I discovered that in the start-up world, it was very possible to make more money than I had ever expected.
I went from believing in modest income gains that come from years of hard work to understanding just how possible it is to become a self-made millionaire, even when working for other people.
Having individuals in your life to have real conversations with and who normalize the idea of making money, becoming an executive or starting a business allows you to believe it's possible.
How to find these people:
If you don't have any mentors today, look to your manager or other leaders in your organization who have a career path you admire. Start by asking them for feedback or guidance on a specific topic, and work to build the relationship from there.
Or, if you want to look outside your organization, consider my Own Your Seat at the Table program, which kicks off next week! We still have 1 spot remaining, and it can be yours! That means you get me as your personal mentor for an entire year 🙂
2. Peer Groups
When I finally got to senior leadership, I realized something I hadn't expected. It was so lonely! I certainly wasn't going to tell my peers that sometimes I wasn't sure what I was doing or whether I belonged there, and the people in my home life didn't even understand what my job was!
What really changed the game for me was joining a peer group as an EVP, where our conversations were more intentional and the goal of the group was to support and help one another. When I needed advice on what to do work-wise, they mentored me. When I needed support because I was feeling lost or unsure, they supported me. And vice versa. I felt as though I belonged.
This had such a profound impact on me that I vowed to create these groups in the world.
How to find these groups:
You can try to create one on your own, getting together with other women at your level to share and provide advice. If you do, be sure to add enough structure so that it sticks!
For those of you who don't have this network already, my Own Your Seat at the Table program combines curriculum and coaching with a supportive network of women who actually get it! The women who I work with consistently tell me just how amazing it feels to have this container, and I can't help but agree!
3. Masterminds
I didn't discover masterminds until I became a business owner, and boy, do I wish I had invested in my development sooner.
Mentors helped me believe I could ride the wave of a great tech company and become an exec.
My peer group helped me know I wasn't alone and gave me tangible advice to be a better leader.
But masterminds completely shifted my thinking about what's possible for me and how successful I can ultimately be. Amazingly, my business has followed.
Because getting in rooms with people doing or who have done what you want to do shows you it's possible. Even better, you often realize that the ones living your dream are just regular people… so if they can do it, why can't you? Spoiler alert: you can.
Not only that, but the people in the room are willing to teach you what they did to get where they are today.
How to find these groups:
This option is typically best once you're at the level that your peers can deliver real value, mentorship and advice. If you're early in your career, you may want to try a peer group instead.
If you're working a 9-5, joining a business mastermind probably doesn't make sense (and the investment is usually in the multiple 5-figures), but for those of you at the VP and C- level, I'm creating the Women's Executive Mastermind, which will be a small group of women at your level, where you can talk about all things being a woman exec and get real advice and mentorship where it's needed. (Reply to this email to learn more if you're interested!!)
Here's the truth: creating these groups yourself or investing to get in the rooms you want to be in requires a commitment. But taking this intentional action to get where you want to go is a game-changer. I can't stress that enough.
So the question to ask yourself is this:
Do I want to stay in the cozy boundaries of the belief system I grew up with? Or do I want to stretch those boundaries to make room for something bigger?
I don't care if your parents made minimum wage or were multi-millionaires. If you want a seat at the table, you can get one. It's that simple.
So, to recap:
- You probably have some limiting beliefs around your success level based on how you grew up.
- Getting into rooms with the right people will help you change those beliefs.
- Only YOU get to decide the future that you want, and only YOU can make it happen.
There is only 1 spot left for the Own Your Seat at the Table program!! If you want it, grab it here.
Until next time friends… ✌️💜
Katy
