The Year of Finding Your People

The year 2024 was a time of significant discovery for me. Among many other things, I found it was time to let go of my lifelong dream of becoming a professional footballer.

In its place, I discovered a new joy: living out that dream vicariously through my gifted son on the field. Most importantly, I discovered the song Find Your People by the American folk-rock singer, Drew Holcomb.

It has become the soundtrack of my life, perfectly capturing the essence of community.

Finding Your Tribe During Challenging Times

This year's Mental Health Awareness Week, held from May 12th to May 18th, 2025, provided a much-needed opportunity for reflection. The theme was community, a timely focus given the widespread challenges many people are facing, from economic downturns to political unrest and global conflicts.

Our social connections and sense of community are essential for our mental well-being. Strong relationships provide crucial support systems that help us navigate life's challenges. They offer emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging that combats isolation. When times are tough, a solid community network can provide practical and emotional assistance, helping you build resilience and find purpose through shared experiences and mutual support.

During Mental Health Awareness Week, many people shared tips for building a strong community. The one that resonated with me most was nurturing social connections to foster a sense of belonging and support. It's for this very reason that Drew Holcomb's song, Find Your People, struck such a chord. In his lyrics, Drew sings about his support network, which he calls ‘his people’.

I imagine this group to be his cheerleaders, supporters' club, tribe, community, personal board of directors, comrades.

The Moment of Reflection

Just a few weeks ago, I found myself in a moment of quiet contemplation before a significant event—my new firm’s annual Partner’s dinner. It was only my first day, and as I stared into the camera of my phone, I began to reflect.

I thought about the people I have called ‘my people’ over the years. I reflected on the people I hoped to meet that evening and in the coming months, those I wished to welcome into my circle for years to come. I also wondered if I had expressed enough gratitude to those who have supported me unconditionally and if I had been a good enough supporter to those who counted me as ‘their people.’

So, who are ‘your people?’