Your Personal Board of Directors

Do you have a Board of Directors?

I’m not talking about the Board of Directors for the organization that drops a direct deposit into your checking account on the 1st and the 15th. I’m talking about you personally. Do you have a Board of Directors?

Let me back up and give you the moment that sparked the question…

The other night, I was sitting with a circle of Kingdom-minded leaders I have the privilege of discipling. In responding to a question about Lead With Your Life, I mentioned my Board—faithful leaders who steward the fiduciary responsibilities of the ministry.

But then the conversation shifted.

I found myself describing my Board not only as fiduciary leaders, but as a group of men who love me, believe in God’s call on my life, and surround me with wise counsel and steady encouragement. They are, to me, a grace-gift beyond measure.

And in that moment—one of those Spirit-prompted digressions—I set aside my prepared agenda and asked the room:

“What would it look like if each of us had our own Board of Directors?”

Just imagine being surrounded by a small group of people who are both with you and for you—people who gather with the express purpose of speaking into your life, your leadership, your decisions, your next steps.

The more I sit with the idea, the clearer it becomes: forming a personal Board of Directors makes a bold declaration—actually, two of them.

First, you’re declaring: “I’m going somewhere.”
People don’t form a Board to debate which car to lease or how to shave a stroke off their golf game (though I’m certainly open to counsel there!). You form a Board because you sense God stirring something significant. You want to live intentionally. Purposefully. Responsively.

Second, you’re declaring: “I need help.”
It’s the honest admission that your personal reservoir of wisdom is limited—and that discerning God’s purposes requires the perspectives of others. As Solomon reminds us, there is safety, clarity, and strength in “many counselors.” Sometimes you need another set of eyes to see what you can’t…and another set of ears to hear what you won’t.

And here’s the good news: you’ve got options.
Some personal Boards meet on a set rhythm—quarterly, twice a year, whatever works. Others gather only when you need clarity on a pressing decision. You get to shape the pattern that best serves your journey.

So let me ask you again:

What would it look like for you to have a Board of Directors?

My guess? If you grabbed coffee with a couple trusted friends and floated the idea, you’d have your Board assembled faster than you think.

And once you do…I’m convinced you’ll experience the strength, clarity, and blessing that come when you refuse to walk the leadership road alone.

Chuck Olson
Founder | Executive Director
Lead With Your Life