The People Who Cheer For Us

When you look back on the big moments in your life, you can probably recall not just what happened, but who was there for you. The people who clapped when you got the promotion. Who showed up when the deal closed. Who texted "I'm proud of you" at exactly the right moment.

We don't talk enough about those people. The ones who root for us.

In a world where comparison is constant and opinions are loud, finding someone who is genuinely in your corner — without agenda, without jealousy, without a side of unsolicited advice — is rare. And when you find them, you should hold onto them.

I've been lucky enough to have a small group of people like that throughout my career. Not the loudest people in the room, not the most connected, not the ones with the most to offer in terms of resources. Just the ones who showed up, meant it, and never made me feel like I had to earn their belief in me.

Think about who those people are for you. Do they know how much they matter? Have you told them? Because the thing about the people who cheer for us is that they rarely expect anything in return — and that's exactly why they deserve to hear it.

And then think about who you're cheering for. Who in your circle is building something, taking a risk, trying something new? Are you showing up for them the way you'd want someone to show up for you?

The most underrated career move isn't a strategy or a skill. It's being the person who genuinely celebrates other people. Who means it. Who doesn't let jealousy or comparison dim someone else's moment.

Be that person. And make sure you surround yourself with them, too.