We tend to overlook the persistent and powerful role of friendship in our professional lives. Sometimes we even take it for granted. Throughout my career, I’ve found that my network of friends has been my most valuable resource—not just for emotional support, but for practical advice, fresh perspectives, and new directions to explore. I have had to cope with numerous changes and challenges in my professional life, not least having to give up a successful career as a medical doctor because of an auto-immune disease that threatens my sight. My friends have supported me emotionally, helped me to identify opportunities, and offered honest feedback. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping my career, sometimes in ways I didn’t anticipate at the time but deeply appreciate today.
How my friends support my career:
1. They are my Emotional Anchors in Storms
Career paths are rarely smooth, and during moments of doubt, change, or challenge, and there have been many, my friends have been the ones who helped me stay grounded. When big decisions were intimidating, or when imposter syndrome reared its head, my friends offered the reassurance and clarity I needed. Knowing someone believes in you can be the boost you need to persevere.
When I found myself cast adrift, after more than a decade of training, followed by two decades of working as a medical doctor, my friends not only reassured me but also helped me reframe the challenge as an opportunity for growth. Their support allowed me to move forward, maybe not with confidence, but with determination, reminding me that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
2. They Give Me Honest and Constructive Feedback
We all need honest, constructive feedback to grow, and friends are often the ones who can give it with both kindness and candour. Whether it’s vetting a new business idea, offering a fresh perspective on an opportunity, or telling you when you’re being too hard on yourself, friends allow you to explore your options without fear of harsh judgment. Friends, especially those who know you well, can offer advice and feedback that resonates not just with your plans for your next chapter but also with your personal values.
When I decided, despite being an introvert, to start my own business running retreats with my horses, my friends were there to ask the tough questions: “Is this truly aligned with what you want? With who you are?” “Are you doing this because it’s meaningful to you, or because you need to make a living?” “Will this business be profitable enough to support you and a couple of horses?” Considering I knew next to nothing about horses at the time, these penetrating questions cut to the bone and led to deep introspection.
3. They Offer Unwavering Accountability
In the desperation of those early days, it would have been easy to lose track of my long-term objectives. This is where having friends who hold you accountable becomes invaluable. Friends act as informal accountability partners, but with a twist—they care not just about the outcomes but about your well-being along the way. They remind you to take breaks, to reassess priorities, and to ensure that your goals are aligned with your values. Friends do not just hold you accountable for success—they’re invested in your well-being and the balance between your personal and professional life.
In the beginning, more than a decade ago now, I often felt overwhelmed by the pressure to grow my business. More than one friend stepped in and reminded me to pace myself and focus on the aspects that truly mattered to me. Their support helped me avoid burnout and allowed me to continue moving forward with balance and intention.
4. They Notice Opportunities I Miss
Networking in the traditional sense, is not easy for introverts. Some of the most valuable business ideas and opportunities I’ve had have been pointed out to me by friends during casual conversations. They’ve opened doors I didn’t know existed, connected me with people who later became crucial collaborators, and helped me cope with new challenges with additional resources and insights.
A casual coffee chat with a friend, on a sundrenched afternoon here in the southwest of France, led to an introduction to a key collaborator. Another friend connected me with someone in their circle who was looking for the exact services I was offering. These are the kinds of connections that arise organically when you invest in genuine relationships, where there’s mutual support without expectation of gain.
5. My Friends Remind Me Who I Truly Am
While working hard to build a profitable business, we can sometimes lose sight of who we are. Friends offer a mirror to reflect our true selves. It’s easy to get swept up in expectations and lose touch with your authentic self. Friends, especially those who have known you for years, offer a sense of continuity—they remind you of who you are at your core. During times of professional growth, this grounding is critical. When I was wondering whether the time is right to scale my business, friends reminded me of what matters in the long run. They helped me avoid decisions based on fear and guided me toward choices that aligned with my values. From helping me navigate personal life transitions to cheering me on through professional milestones, my friends have played a key role in making sure I maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re embarking on a new entrepreneurial venture, standing at a career crossroads, or are stuck in the middle of a major life change, transitions are part of everyone’s journey. I often draw parallels between my personal and professional transitions and walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, during my Your Sensational Next Chapter retreats walking retreats. Our friends provide the space to explore new paths while also offering the safety net of unconditional support. Friends don’t just cheer from the sidelines—they walk alongside you, giving you the courage to embrace the unknown and the resilience to keep moving forward.
In a society that glorifies individual achievement, we sometimes forget how much of our success is rooted in the support of others. My friends have actively shaped first my career and now my business by offering thoughtful advice, noticing opportunities I miss and believing unwaveringly in my potential.
The truth is, we are never completely self-made. We are supported by those who care about us, who see our potential even when we doubt ourselves, and who remind us that success is sweeter when it is shared.
So, to my friends (especially my horse friends): thank you for being my business’s most precious asset and most valuable resource