Success isn’t a solo gig. You can go far on your own, but with a community you can go farther, faster, and have a lot more fun along the way.
For years I thought growth was all about personal hustle. The reality is that the most transformative growth happens when you’re surrounded by a diverse, dynamic group of people who challenge and champion you. A mentor sharing hard-won wisdom, a peer pushing your thinking or a mentee asking a question you hadn’t considered can change your trajectory.
What I learned from a community of marketing leaders
I saw this firsthand in a group of marketing leaders brought together by Matt Kerbel and Geoffrey Colon. Members brought experience from brands like Hasbro, Activision Blizzard, Mattel, Warner Bros., Expedia and Amazon. It wasn’t networking for its own sake. It was a weekly practice of sharing strategies, trading honest feedback and supporting each other.
We also heard from speakers whose stories stayed with me:
- Steven Wolfe Pereira, founder of Alpha & Company, on multicultural consumers and how diversity drives business growth.
- Christine Ha, chef, writer and the first blind contestant to win MasterChef, on overcoming fear and building a growth mindset.
- Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, on authentic storytelling, owning a niche and standing out.
- Mita Mallick, on influence, persuasion and leading through rapport and teamwork.
- Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, on taking calculated risks and combining diverse skills to change the game.
- Kory Stevens, founder of Taft, on the importance of putting plans into action.
I wasn’t familiar with every speaker before their session, but each one changed how I think. They’re all worth following.
Why a professional community matters
Mentors who know the way
People who have already been where you want to go can help you avoid the mistakes they made and recognize opportunities you might miss.
Peers who push you further
The right peers raise your standards. They question your assumptions and celebrate your wins, and both matter.
A safe place to work through hard things
Community isn’t only for good news. It’s where you can share a challenge, brainstorm solutions and get support when things don’t go as planned.
Fresh perspectives
Diversity of thought is a goldmine. People from other industries, roles and backgrounds will see your problem differently, and that’s often where the best ideas come from.
The chance to pay it forward
Community is as much about what you give as what you get. Mentoring someone or sharing what you’ve learned builds a legacy that outlasts any single job.
How to build your own professional community
- Engage authentically. Reach out to people whose work you admire, and lead with genuine interest rather than an ask.
- Look beyond your industry. Seek out people with different roles and backgrounds to widen your perspective.
- Show up and share. Communities thrive on participation. Be willing to share your experiences, your insights and occasionally your struggles.
Turning lessons into action
A few takeaways have stuck with me since:
- Action beats perfection. Progress comes from taking the next step, even when it isn’t perfect.
- Your story is an asset. Telling your own story honestly is one of the most effective ways to connect with people.
- Growth takes patience. Each week built on the last, which was a good reminder that long-term growth comes from steady effort.
Going forward, I’m committed to investing in community, leading with authenticity and taking bold, well-considered steps. My thanks to Matt Kerbel and Geoffrey Colon for creating such a valuable space.
What’s the best professional community you’ve ever been part of? I’d love to hear about it. Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me.
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