Leadership is Not a Solo Act: The Power of Relationships for Leaders and Founders

As a leader or founder, it’s easy to buy into the myth that you must carry it all on your own. The vision, the responsibility, the weight of every decision — it can feel isolating. But the truth is, no one thrives in isolation. Leadership isn’t a solo act; it’s a deeply relational process.

Psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott once said, “There is no such thing as a baby.” What he meant here was that we are never truly independent. A baby exists in the context of their caregiver — the relational environment that holds, shapes, and nurtures them. The same is true in leadership. We are always shaped by the people around us, just as we shape and invest in them in return.

Why Relationships Matter in Leadership

• Support Systems Protect Against Burnout

  
  

  Leaders who try to carry everything alone quickly deplete themselves. Having trusted people around you — mentors, peers, advisors, or even a coach —provides perspective, encouragement, and balance when the pressure rises.

• Mutual Growth

  
  

  Surrounding yourself with people you can rely on isn’t only about being supported. It’s also about creating a reciprocal flow of energy: offering mentorship, guidance, and investment in others’ growth. Supporting others strengthens your own leadership, deepens loyalty, and cultivates a thriving culture.
  

• Better Decision-Making

  
  

  No leader has all the answers. Diverse perspectives from trusted relationships broaden your vision and challenge blind spots. A strong network ensures decisions aren’t made in an echo chamber but are informed, balanced, and strategic.
  

• Resilience in Uncertain Times

  
  

  Just as ecosystems rely on interconnection, leaders need relational ecosystems. These webs of support help you weather setbacks, navigate uncertainty, and keep moving forward with courage.

Practical Ways to Foster Strong Relationships as a Leader

Building these connections doesn’t happen by accident — it requires intention. Here are some ideas you can implement:

1. Build Your Inner Circle

• Identify 3–5 trusted people you can turn to for honest feedback and support.

• Schedule regular check-ins (monthly or quarterly) with them to share challenges and wins.

• If appropriate, make this a two-way exchange — ask how you can support them too.
  

2. Prioritise Mentorship (Both Ways)

• Find a mentor: Someone a few steps ahead who can help you anticipate challenges.

• Be a mentor: Offer your time to someone earlier in their leadership journey. Even a single 30-minute call a month can be transformative for them — and for you.
  

3. Create Space for Peer Connection

• Join (or form) a mastermind group with other founders or executives.

• Attend industry networking events not just to “sell” but to genuinely learn from others.

• Consider a walking meeting with a peer instead of another coffee or Zoom call — movement fosters more open, authentic and creative conversations.
  

4. Strengthen Your Team Relationships

• Host “non-agenda” check-ins with team members to understand how they’re doing beyond the work.

• Celebrate small wins publicly — acknowledge contributions regularly.

• Invest in team wellbeing initiatives that go beyond surface tick box perks, creating genuine psychological safety and trust.
  

5. Invest in Professional Support

• Work with a coach or therapist who can provide space to process challenges.

• Bring in external facilitators for team away days to strengthen group dynamics.

• Recognise that leaning on professional support isn’t a weakness — it’s part of building your leadership infrastructure.
  

6. Nurture Relationships Outside of Work

• Don’t underestimate the grounding force of good friendships and family. Protect time with those who remind you who you are beyond your role.

• Engage in communities that align with your values — whether that’s yoga, fitness, volunteering, social justice or creative groups. These connections sustain your humanity as a leader.

We Are Not Islands

Strong leaders are not those who stand apart but those who are deeply connected — to their people, their mentors, and their communities. When you build relationships that nourish you and others, you create a foundation for sustainable leadership.

In the end, the quality of your leadership is inseparable from the quality of your relationships. As Winnicott reminds us, just as a baby exists in relation to its environment, so too does a leader. Leadership grows in the fertile soil of connection.