When my son, Jeffrey, launched his business, Vegas Local Spotlight, I flew across the country to support him. He took me to a 7 a.m. networking event. It was easy for me as I was still on East Coast time, but more challenging for him so I admired his determination to attend marketing meetings at that hour.

The networking group, Le Tip, did exactly what they should do. They welcomed me, approached me, and within minutes of my arriving I found myself holding up Jeffrey’s marketing piece and explaining his business to a room full of members.

Later, Jeffrey shared a post on LinkedIn about that morning. I appreciate his gratitude but not surprised by it. Jeffrey embraces gratitude and shares openly. What stood out for me was that he wrote, “Even the best fighters in the world need a good coach.”

I guess that’s true in boxing, in parenting, and in business.

Champions Don’t Go It Alone

Too often in the workplace we glorify the “self-made” success story but the truth is no one makes it alone. Behind every strong leader is a coach, mentor, sponsor, or cheerleader who provides clarity when the noise gets too loud or the chips are down.

According to Jeffrey that sometimes looks like me listening to his rapid-fire business ideas even when they sound half-baked or as he said, “half-drunk.”

For my clients, it looks like me helping them navigate tough conversations, manage challenging teams, or finding focus when projects feel overwhelming.

Who’s Your Coach, Official or Unofficial?

Think about your own career. Who listens to you when your ideas aren’t polished yet? Who helps you cut through the clutter and find the path forward? And equally important: who are you supporting in return?

Even the most talented professionals need people who believe in them, challenge them, and remind them of their strengths. Everyone needs someone, preferably more than one someone, who will tell it to them straight.

So I hope you will let Jeffrey be a role model for you. If you are reading this, take a moment to celebrate your coach, your support team. Send the thank-you note, make the call, or simply say, “I couldn’t do this without you.” Because it’s not only mothers who need a bit of acknowledgement and praise.