The Inner Circle — Build Your Personal Board of Directors. Who Has a Seat at Your Table?
Unbearably Bullish with Donald B. Johns III · Aug 20, 2026 · 14 min
Show Notes
Episode 6 of Networking Thursday on Unbearably Bullish — every winner has an inner circle. Build your personal board of directors and guard every seat at your table carefully.
THE INNER CIRCLE: Build Your Personal Board of Directors—Who Has a Seat at Your Table?
Every major company has a board of directors helping it evaluate risk, recognize opportunity and make better decisions. But when it comes to your life, career and business—who has a seat at your table?
In Episode #6 of Networking Thursday, Donald Johns reveals how to build a personal board of directors: a carefully chosen inner circle of mentors, sponsors, connectors, challengers, peers, specialists and protégés who can help you think more clearly and grow more intentionally.
This isn’t about collecting contacts or surrounding yourself with people who agree with everything you say. It’s about developing authentic, value-driven relationships with people who bring different experiences, perspectives and strengths to the table.
In This Episode
- Opening Pour—why contacts are not the same as trusted counselors
- The Networking Mix—combining trust, generosity, patience, energy and action
- Seven Seats at the Table—the essential roles in a strong inner circle
- Bull vs. Bear—are you building a board or an echo chamber?
- Relationship ROI—measuring trust, growth, access and accountability
- Opportunity on Tap—asking for perspective before asking for access
- Thirsty Thursday Challenge—mapping your personal board of directors
- The Final Toast and Bull’s Bottom Line
The Seven Seats
- Mentor—provides wisdom and perspective
- Sponsor—advocates for you when opportunities arise
- Connector—makes thoughtful introductions
- Challenger—tests your assumptions and encourages growth
- Peer—shares the journey and mutual accountability
- Specialist—offers expertise where your knowledge ends
- Protégé—allows you to teach, support and lead
Featured Drinks
The Boardroom Ginger-Lime Mule combines lime, ginger beer, cucumber and an optional adult spirit. The zero-proof Boardroom Sparkler delivers the same refreshing boardroom energy without alcohol.
Your Challenge
Draw a table with seven seats and label each role. Write down who currently fills each position, identify the empty seats and begin developing one genuine relationship around a missing role. Then earn a seat at someone else’s table by providing an introduction, resource, encouragement or public recognition.
Your network may open the door. Your reputation earns you a seat. Your character determines whether people want you to remain.
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About Networking Thursday
Connect. Collaborate. Build. Grow.
Networking, strategic partnerships, business development, branding, collaboration opportunities, and community building.
Episode disclosure
This content is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, career, business, medical or other professional advice. Examples are illustrative, individual circumstances vary, and no specific result is promised or guaranteed. Consult appropriately qualified professionals before making decisions based on your circumstances. Alcohol-related content is intended only for adults of legal drinking age. Alcohol consumption is optional; a zero-proof alternative is included. Drink responsibly, obey applicable laws, and never drink and drive.
