James DiNardo is CEO of HotelStaff.com.
A friend recently asked for my thoughts on his business ambitions. He wanted my perspective because, in his words, I’m “self-made.”
I had to set the record straight. The idea of being self-made is an illusion. While I’ve spent decades investing in my own growth—professionally, personally and financially—I didn’t get here alone. No one does. Success isn’t self-made; it’s we-made.
I realized this years ago while reading one of my favorite autobiographies: Benjamin Franklin’s. One of the things that stood out to me was what he called his “Junto,” a group of like-minded individuals who shared ideas, challenged one another and provided support. It was a community of mutual growth.
Many years later, when reading Napoleon Hill, I found the same idea framed differently. He called it a “mastermind alliance”—a group of people working together toward a shared goal, where the success of one contributed to the success of all.
That concept stuck with me, and over the years, I’ve built my own version of it. I’ve surrounded myself with people who challenge, support and guide me in every area of my life. For example, my physician, therapist and spiritual advisor help keep me physically healthy and mentally, emotionally and spiritually strong. My CPA, financial advisor, and controller watch over the financial health of my businesses and personal affairs. My attorney looks over any legal affairs and reduces risk. My personal trainer pushes me physically and forces me to dig deep. My recovery community provides accountability and reminds me to help those still struggling.
My business colleagues, clients, veteran brothers and sisters, Masonic brothers and an assortment of consultants bring varying degrees of wisdom, camaraderie, discipline and expertise. My producer and editor oversee marketing content development and help us get the word out.
My friends support me in times of hardship and help me troubleshoot, laugh through adversity and remind me of who I am and how far I have come.
And, most importantly, my wife and family keep me grounded and focused on what truly matters.
This network of people—and so many more, whether they realize it or not—has shaped me in ways I could never have accomplished alone. Their insights, support and accountability have allowed me to grow beyond my own limitations.
Building Your Own ‘Mastermind’
I believe if you are the smartest, wisest or strongest in the room, you are in the wrong room. As a business leader, you should be surrounded by people who elevate, encourage or challenge you. If you’re not, it’s time to expand your circles—both in person and online. For example, in my case, I helped create and now host a leadership forum that has brought together a diverse group of voices and perspectives. Participants provide invaluable insights into the challenges we all face—and, more importantly, how to overcome them. The conversations have been deeper, more meaningful and far more energizing.
Not everyone in your mastermind needs to be someone you know personally. I, for instance, also pull experience and alternative views from books, speeches and the wisdom of those I admire or wish to emulate. When I face challenges, I turn to their words for perspective and guidance. They, too, have become part of my support system. This is my mastermind. Sometimes, I refer to this collective as my “Junto” as a way to pay tribute to the wisdom of Franklin.
The Importance Of Lifting Up Others
With humility and gratitude, I often reflect and recognize the incredible people who have helped shape my journey. Among the greatest lesson of all is that being of service to others is the greatest gift. I believe the best way to build a meaningful life—and business—is to be part of someone else’s mastermind, to contribute to their growth just as others have contributed to mine. Because with the tide, all ships rise.
Although leaders must persevere and there is no substitute for hard work, success is never a solo effort. It never has been, and it never will be. We grow together. One of my mentors always reminds me: “When you put yourself last, you always get to come first.” That’s something I’ve found to be consistently true. One of the most effective ways to attract strength is by giving it away. When you lift others up, you not only grow personally but also attract people who bring the wisdom, experience and heart to help you continue moving forward.
Not long ago, I attended a business networking event with about 30 C-suite leaders. A few younger entrepreneurs arrived late, and I noticed some people giving them a disapproving glance. After the session, those young men came over to share that they were inspired by what I had said during our roundtable discussion. Turns out, they were late because their business was growing and they were helping load trucks.
In that moment, the idea of chasing “power connections” faded into the background. What mattered most was being able to share a few words of encouragement with them—reminding them to stay the course, to keep going no matter what, to believe in themselves.
As a leader, the best way to elevate yourself is by elevating others. The universe tends to take care of the rest.
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