Women Only: How have you approached building a personal advisory board or support network as a woman in business? What's one unexpected source of support you've found?

In 2020, I founded a women's empowerment group to support those who were feeling isolated and uncertain—especially during such a challenging time. What began as a space for connection quickly evolved into a trusted advisory circle where we support one another through professional challenges and celebrate each other's wins. We meet once a month with a structured agenda, which ensures that everyone's voice is heard and respected. Leading this group has not only kept me connected, but it's also allowed me to continuously sharpen my skills as a facilitator, coach, and keynote speaker. One of the most rewarding, and somewhat unexpected, outcomes has been how the women connect outside of our scheduled meetings. They regularly lean on one another for support, insight, and collaboration—and even extend that support to family and friends. Guest speakers have brought added value, sparking new ideas and offering perspectives that reach far beyond the original scope of the group. This group has become more than just a network—it's a living example of what happens when women intentionally show up for each other.

Building a personal advisory board as a woman in business has been a purposeful and evolving process for me. I began by clarifying my career goals and identifying the specific skills and perspectives I needed to reach them, drawing inspiration from the concept that a strong board should mirror the diversity and expertise of a company's leadership team. I intentionally sought out mentors and advisors from a range of backgrounds-industry experts, subject matter specialists, peers, and connectors-ensuring that my support network reflected both my aspirations and the realities of navigating leadership as a woman. I also leveraged women's business groups, mentorship programs, and community networks, recognizing that support often comes from both formal and informal relationships. One unexpected source of support has been peer relationships with women in adjacent industries. While I initially focused on finding mentors who had already walked my path, I discovered that peers facing similar challenges offered invaluable real-time advice, accountability, and encouragement. These relationships have been especially powerful because they are built on mutual growth and vulnerability, often leading to candid conversations and shared problem-solving that I didn't always find in more hierarchical mentorship structures. This blend of intentional outreach, diverse perspectives, and peer support has not only accelerated my professional growth but also fostered a sense of community and resilience that has been essential throughout my career.

I'm Renee Trepagnier, CEO of Here I Am, and my career has been shaped by one truth: No woman builds a business alone. From day one, I've intentionally cultivated a support network—not just for opportunities but for the real work: navigating self-doubt, pivoting through failures, and celebrating wins without burnout. I built my network organically but deliberately: * Early career: Exchanged LinkedIn connections with my team, peers, and leadership while developing strong personal relationships with the people I worked with. Those connections were often the key to future career opportunities both for me and them. * Intentional communities: Joined B Corp (for values-aligned peers) and my local Chamber of Commerce (for local insights). These communities gave me access to like-minded individuals facing similar challenges, providing me with a pipeline of rich insights. * Variety of Advisors: I've maintained long-term relationships with people from my network who would always tell me the truth, not just what I wanted to hear. This circle includes a former boss and successful serial entrepreneur, a co-worker starting her own non-profit, my therapist, and my mom. The common thread is that we all share a commitment to learning and approach problems with curiosity. The most powerful support came from something unstructured: a small, women-led mastermind I co-founded with a Chamber colleague. We invited women building businesses to meet monthly with no formal agenda—just space to: * Provide emotional support for all those sleepless nights. * Brainstorm wild ideas and keen insights. * Celebrate wins, both tiny and large. Why It Worked: * Diverse perspectives: A cleaning service owner, a veterinarian, and a marketing consultant offered radically different solutions. * Permission to be vulnerable: Unlike networking events, we could admit, "I have no idea what I'm doing." * Accountability without pressure: We set goals, but "failing" just meant more group problem-solving. Your advisory board isn't about prestige—it's about people who'll hand you a flashlight when the power goes out. And sometimes, the brightest light comes from the circle you least expect.

I've found that building a support network doesn't always happen in the ways you might expect! While I initially thought I needed to find formal mentors or join official networking groups, my most valuable connections have come through Facebook groups specifically for women in business. These online communities have been a game-changer for me. They've become my go-to personal advisory board where I can ask questions, share challenges, and get honest feedback from women who truly get it. What makes these groups special is the mix of perspectives—you've got seasoned entrepreneurs alongside newcomers, all willing to share their experiences without judgment. My most unexpected source of support? Definitely these Facebook communities. There's something so powerful about being able to post a question at 11pm when you're wrestling with a business decision and getting thoughtful responses from women who've been there before. The accessibility and immediacy of this support has saved me countless times. What started as casual online interactions has evolved into genuine friendships and even collaboration opportunities. Some of my closest business confidantes today are women I initially connected with in these groups who later became part of my inner circle. I think the beauty of building support this way is that it's organic and based on real connection rather than networking for the sake of networking. These relationships feel authentic because they started from a place of mutual support rather than transaction.

For me, building a personal advisory board hasn't been about collecting titles—it's been about surrounding myself with people who are emotionally grounded, intellectually generous, and unafraid to tell me the truth. As a therapist and entrepreneur, I've always believed in sitting at the feet of giants—not just those who are "bigger" in business, but those who've walked through challenges with grace and resilience. My support network is made up of a few trusted mentors, therapist-peers, and creative collaborators who keep me anchored and honest, especially when my inner critic gets loud. One unexpected source of support? Former clients and current friends. Not in a boundary-crossing way—but through witnessing their growth, I've learned to trust my own process more. Their courage reminds me that doing meaningful work doesn't require perfection—just presence. That quiet confidence has become one of the most steadying forces in my business.

As a woman in business, especially as the co-founder of MBS | The Woman Beyond the Cape, building a personal advisory board has been less about formal titles and more about cultivating a strong, intentional community of women who understand the complexities of balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship. I've leaned into mentorship through relationships built in education, motherhood, and military life--each providing a unique perspective that shapes the way I lead. One unexpected but powerful source of support has been the women who've joined our MBS community--not as business advisors in the traditional sense, but as real-life testaments to the need for what we offer. Their feedback, stories, and encouragement have guided everything from product design to brand messaging. Sometimes, your best advisory board is made up of the very women you're trying to serve.

I started with listening—really listening—not just to others, but to myself. I had to get honest about where I was, what I needed, and where I wanted to grow. That self-awareness helped me identify the kinds of people I needed in my corner—not just cheerleaders, but truth-tellers, mentors, and collaborators who saw the bigger picture even when I didn't. Building my personal advisory board wasn't about titles or popularity, it was about alignment, energy, and trust. I sought out people whose values matched mine, even if their industries didn't. Over time, I realized that my support network wasn't always formal; it sometimes looked like a DM, a comment on a post, or a quiet recommendation behind the scenes. One unexpected source of support? Storytelling. Every time I shared a piece of my journey whether it was on a stage, in a podcast, or through a caption—it attracted the right people. Storytelling created connection. It let others see themselves in me, and in return, they showed up with opportunities, encouragement, and even strategic guidance. My voice, when used authentically, brought my support network to me.

As a woman in business, I've found that building a personal advisory board isn't just about titles or industry status -- it's about trust, shared values, and honesty. I've intentionally created a circle of people who challenge me, coach me, and consult me with the truth even when it's hard to hear. I've leaned on mentors, former clients, peer founders, and even past employees -- because the best insight doesn't always come from the top down. One of the most unexpected but powerful sources of support? My personal trainer. She's not in my industry, but she understands discipline, balance, and mindset better than most business coaches I've hired. Her perspective helps me reset and stay grounded -- especially during chaotic seasons. Sometimes the best advisory board isn't found in a boardroom -- it's found in the people who reflect your values back to you when you forget.

When I first stepped into executive leadership, I thought I had to have all the answers. I wore the armor of competence--always polished, always prepared. But over time, I realized that what actually sustains you in leadership isn't having all the answers. It's having people you trust enough to ask the real questions. Building my personal advisory board didn't happen all at once. It wasn't some formal moment where I picked mentors and peers like assembling a board of directors. It evolved organically--through late-night text threads with fellow women founders, through executive coaching cohorts where we went beyond performance metrics and into mindset, and through quiet coffee conversations with women who had navigated the storms ahead of me. One unexpected source of support? My clients. Many of the women I coach or consult for are also powerful leaders--CEOs, CHROs, founders--and we've built mutual respect and honesty into those relationships. In a surprising number of cases, they've become sounding boards for me, too. There's a beautiful reciprocity when women drop the performative polish and just *connect* as humans building big things. I've also learned that support doesn't always come from those older or more experienced. Some of the boldest truth-telling and most energizing perspective has come from women younger than me--fearless, fluent in boundary-setting, and unapologetically rewriting what leadership looks like. If I had to sum it up, I'd say this: Your advisory board doesn't need to sit around a table. They just need to show up with honesty, clarity, and care--and so do you. Let the relationships evolve, and don't underestimate where wisdom might come from. Sometimes your fiercest allies are the ones who weren't on your radar at all.

Whew--this one hits close to home. As a woman in business, especially in an industry that's still very male-dominated in the trades side, building a personal advisory board didn't happen in some perfectly structured, LinkedIn kind of way. It looked a lot more like late-night venting sessions, early morning calls with mentors-turned-friends, and trial-and-error connections that eventually stuck. I've leaned on people who didn't even realize they were "on my board." My business coach, for one--she's been a game changer. She holds me accountable, helps me prioritize, delegate, and most importantly, believe in my ability to lead without burning out. She's shown me how to structure my business and when it's smart to invest. I joke and call her my fairy godmother, but honestly, her insight has helped grow my revenue and confidence in huge ways. But my most unexpected source of support? My clients. I had one early on who completely rewrote my contract and taught me what a professional agreement should look like. Another--an engineer--built me a spreadsheet to manage payment schedules. These weren't just one-off moments--they were wake-up calls that taught me to listen, learn, and get better. I didn't always have the tools, but I had the willingness to ask for help and apply the wisdom people generously offered. That has made all the difference.

Their eyes quickly glanced at one another in an almost scared way. Like what I was saying was the craziest thing they'd ever heard. I told my friends I was quitting my job and starting my own business. You'd have thought I said I was getting a third arm attached to my back. Isn't that the way it goes? We get this inspiration—a calling, even—to break free from the traditional path and build exactly what we want. And the people closest to us? They either keep their doubts to themselves or flat-out tell us not to do it because they "don't want to see us disappointed." So we have to find our people. The women who not only believe in us, but also get it—the ones who've been through the highs and lows of business ownership and still show up swinging. But how do you find them? Honestly? Trial and error. You have to show up—to networking events, Chamber mixers, online business groups. And you have to keep showing up. But most importantly? Don't be a taker. Too many people approach networking with a "what can I get?" mindset. Flip it. Ask, "What can I give?" That's how you build genuine relationships. Pick a few women you admire. Invite them to lunch—not to pitch, but to connect. Engage with them online. Recommend them when you can. Cheer them on. That's how you build your personal advisory board. One unexpected source of support I found? A local women's networking group called St. Pete GirlBoss. I expected it to be like most networking events—awkward, transactional, maybe even a little slimy. Instead? It's electric. The meeting kicks off with a DJ, we share wins with an MC, and the whole room yells "That's a big f*cking deal!" We laugh, we connect, we learn. And I never would've found it if I let fear keep me from walking through the door. Look, networking can feel scary. But it doesn't have to be. It's like finding a bra: you've gotta try a few before you find one that fits just right. So put yourself out there. Your people are waiting.

One of the earliest and most impactful resources I leaned on was our local Small Business Development Center. As a woman entering business ownership, it was powerful to have both a financial advisor and an advocate who believed in my vision. Through the SBDC, I was introduced to SBA lenders who listened to my story, not just my numbers, and that human connection made funding possible at a critical early stage. Over time, I've built a diverse support network that includes peers, mentors, and fellow women founders. But one unexpected source of support has been the very community I serve. Nonprofit leaders and small business owners have shown up for me, offered referrals, encouragement, and honest feedback. That kind of mutual support is not formalized like a board, but it is deeply sustaining. As women in business, we often look up for guidance. I've found just as much value in looking across and around me.

As a woman in business and leadership, I've approached building a personal advisory board with the same care I apply to building strong teams: I look for diversity of thought, experience, and character, rather than just titles. I made sure to include peers, mentors, and even rising stars — people who would challenge my thinking, celebrate wins, and help me see around corners. An unexpected source of support came through my work as an author. When I published "Aaron the Different", a story about courage and belonging, I connected with a community of educators, authors, and advocates who weren't part of my traditional HR or leadership circles. Their encouragement and insights have expanded both my thinking and my professional network in powerful, unexpected ways.

Alright, hear me out - direct message the women you look up to most. As women business owners, we're so used to the creepy and salesy DMs - no, I'm not talking about those! I'm talking about genuine connection. This is a real message I've sent: "So, my female business owner friends are my favorite friends. I love talking/venting/strategizing all the things that come with being a small business owner and growing a team. It's seriously the best ever. And I feel like our approach to business is super similar. I'd love to chat sometime if you're also looking for another friendship in business + marketing!" Would you believe we met for pizza days after I sent this DM and are still business friends one year later? Don't underestimate the power of an authentic message. No pitching. No asking for favors. Just genuine interest in connection. The unexpected source of support? Women I admired from afar who became real friends and advisors. We're all looking for community, sometimes all it takes is one brave DM to find it.

When I began building my support network, I naturally expected to find guidance from other women leaders. However, that hasn't always been the case. Many of the women I've met—though certainly not all—have been more focused on advancing their own paths. I completely respect that need, but it meant I had to look elsewhere for the kind of mentorship I needed. Surprisingly, the most valuable advisors I've found have been older men, often nearing retirement, who have faced major life challenges and failures. Their perspective is grounded, unfiltered, and deeply generous. They're not trying to impress anyone—they genuinely want to give back. Perhaps it's a reflection of my personality or even the culture here in Central Texas, but these relationships have shaped my growth in ways I never expected.

How have you approached building a personal advisory board or support network as a woman in business? Curating a personal "board of directors" has been a deliberate and ongoing process throughout my career that has and will continue to evolve over time. The power of building a mutually beneficial support system cannot be underestimated. As you are building your team, be intentional. Focus on quality over quantity and invite individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. A properly curated personal advisory board provides an honest and supportive approach to your development and leadership journey. Be prepared to learn, adapt, and change. The best boards challenge you and see things in you that you may not see in yourself. What's one unexpected source of support you've found? Looking for connections from outside your industry can unlock unique insights you may never have considered. I opened myself up to listening to the voices around me and trusting what others saw in me that I didn't see in myself. A mentor once nudged me into an opportunity that changed the trajectory of my career, bringing me to where I am today. With membership spanning industry sectors, The Chicago Network connects women leaders from various backgrounds who may not have come together otherwise to support, empower and celebrate each other.

As a woman, building support—especially in business—can be a layered challenge. When your personal life doesn't include others who are navigating entrepreneurship or leadership, it becomes even more difficult to find people who truly understand your needs. For me, it meant being honest about the kind of support I required to succeed—not just as a businesswoman, but as a mother, a homeschool educator, and a leader in every area of my life. Mentorship has played a key role in that, and surprisingly, some of my greatest support has come from clients who became personal champions. Those relationships, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, have evolved into lasting partnerships and sisterhood. But through both my own experience and those of my clients and colleagues, I couldn't ignore the very real presence of network impoverishment among Black women. Even when we're high-achieving, we're often navigating in silos. That's why I created 3ive Society — a private women's club and wellness-based membership community specifically for Black women and mothers who are ready not just to survive, but to thrive. 3ive Society is a sanctuary for women who are doing it all and need a space where they don't have to. We offer culturally affirming support systems, resources, and intentional sisterhood to nourish the whole woman—personally, professionally, emotionally, and spiritually. It's the village we deserve. And I'm honored to be building it.

Building my personal advisory board felt natural once I started sharing real problems with people I trusted. I reached out to peers in different industries, not just those in my usual circle. One time, I shared a business setback with a fellow parent at a school event. She turned out to be a retired CEO and offered advice that changed how I handled growth challenges. That experience taught me not to overlook casual contacts as sources of wisdom. I also make a point to ask direct, specific questions instead of just venting. This often leads to clearer feedback. For anyone building a network, being open and specific about your needs can turn unlikely connections into strong support.

As a woman in business, especially one building multiple brands while raising a young child, I've learned that building a personal advisory board doesn't always look like a formal lineup of mentors. Mine has grown organically, rooted in trust, aligned values, and honest conversations. It includes a mix of peers who challenge me creatively, collaborators who bring specialized expertise, and women I deeply admire--some of whom I've never met but whose books, content, and stories have shaped my thinking. One unexpected source of support? Former clients. Over time, a few of them evolved into friends, collaborators, and even champions of my work. Because they've seen me in action--my values, my standards, my vision--they offer a grounded and visionary perspective. Sometimes the best advisory board isn't made of people with fancy titles--it's made of people who see you, believe in you, and want to see you win.

Building a personal advisory board has been one of the most important parts of my journey as a woman in business. I learned pretty quickly that I couldn't do everything alone, so I made it a point to surround myself with people who would challenge me, guide me, and remind me why I started. Some of my best advisors have come from very different industries, which helped me get fresh perspectives outside of wellness and beauty. I also made sure to include women who had navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and could offer advice that went beyond business strategy, like staying grounded when things get tough. One unexpected source of support has been our own Teami customer community. Hearing their stories, their wins, and even their struggles has given me insights that no boardroom conversation could replicate. Their feedback has shaped how I lead and create products. They keep me inspired and accountable in a way I never could have predicted. Building a business isn't just about finding mentors; it's about staying connected to the people you are trying to serve. That connection has been one of my most powerful sources of strength and clarity over the years.