Alisa Cohen’s recent email:
Jayson Gaignard has a saying that I love: "The most successful people are not self-made. They’re community-made." You need community to become who you are meant to be.
So, how do you build your own brain trust? Here are a few things I've learned:
Be intentional
Find people you enjoy, vibe with, and who are smart, savvy, and genuinely want good things for you. Seek out people who believe that we all win together.
Be proactive
Nothing happens if you don’t take action. Get started. Let people know what you’re trying to do and see if they want to join you.
Take risks
Reach out to people you admire and invite them to something. Yes, they might say no (and I always say that getting 10 no's is one of the best life hacks). But they might also say yes!
Nurture reciprocity
The strongest communities are built on give and take. Think about what you bring to the table and be generous with your time, knowledge, and connections.
Create structure
Whether it's a formal mastermind or a regular coffee meetup, having some structure and rituals helps you get the most out of it. Maybe you spend 15 minutes each on a business problem, or everyone shares what’s top of mind for them and one person does a deep dive. Structure eliminates the awkwardness of not knowing what to talk about.
Embrace vulnerability
I’ve learned that vulnerability is the gateway to connection. Go deep. Ask probing questions. Take a risk in what you’re willing to share. When you’re vulnerable, you invite others to do the same.
I’m so on fire on this topic that I wrote an article for Forbes about what leaders get out of joining communities like this. Forbes - CEO Communities
Bottom line: Community doesn't just happen - you have to cultivate it deliberately.
And it’s worth it. The right community doesn’t just support you; it transforms you.
Who's in your brain trust? If you don't have one, now's the time to start building it!
Jayson Gaignard has a saying that I love: "The most successful people are not self-made. They’re community-made." You need community to become who you are meant to be.
So, how do you build your own brain trust? Here are a few things I've learned:
Be intentional
Find people you enjoy, vibe with, and who are smart, savvy, and genuinely want good things for you. Seek out people who believe that we all win together.
Be proactive
Nothing happens if you don’t take action. Get started. Let people know what you’re trying to do and see if they want to join you.
Take risks
Reach out to people you admire and invite them to something. Yes, they might say no (and I always say that getting 10 no's is one of the best life hacks). But they might also say yes!
Nurture reciprocity
The strongest communities are built on give and take. Think about what you bring to the table and be generous with your time, knowledge, and connections.
Create structure
Whether it's a formal mastermind or a regular coffee meetup, having some structure and rituals helps you get the most out of it. Maybe you spend 15 minutes each on a business problem, or everyone shares what’s top of mind for them and one person does a deep dive. Structure eliminates the awkwardness of not knowing what to talk about.
Embrace vulnerability
I’ve learned that vulnerability is the gateway to connection. Go deep. Ask probing questions. Take a risk in what you’re willing to share. When you’re vulnerable, you invite others to do the same.
I’m so on fire on this topic that I wrote an article for Forbes about what leaders get out of joining communities like this. Forbes - CEO Communities
Bottom line: Community doesn't just happen - you have to cultivate it deliberately.
And it’s worth it. The right community doesn’t just support you; it transforms you.
Who's in your brain trust? If you don't have one, now's the time to start building it!
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