The Power of Community, The Pain of Isolation, The Loss of A Friend

Today, I’m reminded of the importance of community, the kind that lifts us up, reminds us of our worth, and catches us when we fall. Since launching BOSS Academy in 2014, I’ve been blessed to support and encourage fellow entrepreneurs every day. But in 2021, when our community truly came to life, BOSS Academy became something even greater than I had ever imagined. It became a place where people could lean on each other, not just in business, but in life.

We all face hard times. Being human is a journey filled with hurdles and obstacles. Sometimes, those obstacles feel insurmountable, and we retreat into ourselves, convinced that we must face them alone. In those moments, having people around us who remind us of our value can make all the difference. I know this because there were times that I doubted my own worth, and it was my community that reminded me otherwise. That kind of support is priceless.

Today, I learned about the passing of a dear friend. He was someone I loved and admired, but he had been battling demons for years. Alcohol took hold of him, pulling him further away from those who cared about him most. At one point, he found strength in Alcoholics Anonymous—it saved his life and gave us back the friend we knew and loved. But addiction is a relentless force, and despite moments of triumph, he struggled to stay on the path of sobriety. Over time, he withdrew, pushing away friends and family.

I understand that pain can make us seek isolation, but it breaks my heart that he never truly realized how much he was loved—even when he felt he had let us down.

When I heard that he had passed from heart failure, I felt a deep sadness, along with the familiar pang of guilt. Could I have done more? Could any of us? His heart gave out, leaving behind heartache for so many. Yet, amid the sorrow, I can’t help but smile at the memories. His charm, his quick wit, his ability to roast anyone into oblivion. He had a way of making people laugh, even while struggling with his own self-worth. He would joke—only half-seriously—that he had the best hair in the nation, boasting of its “body, versatility, and shine.” And while, yes, he had great hair, he had so much more. He just couldn’t see it.

If only he had known how we saw him. If only he had a community to turn to when he needed it most.

I mourn the loss of a friend I never stopped believing in. While he chose to face his struggles alone, I wish he had known that he didn’t have to. I take comfort knowing that, in his final years, he found love and reconciliation with his daughters, something I know meant the world to him. And while I wish he had something like we have in BOSS Academy, I am grateful that our community exists for those who do need it. 

Every week, I am reminded of my own worth—not because of what I do, but because of the people I am surrounded by. We support each other, not just in business, but in life. No one should have to go through their struggles alone. My experience has shown me that we are stronger together, and we are more likely to succeed [personally and professionally] when we have people who believe in us.

To our BOSS Academy members and sponsors, thank you for fostering a space where people feel seen, valued, and supported. And to my dear friend, thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the lessons I’ll carry with me. You brought so much joy to others, even when you struggled to find it for yourself.

I hope you’ve found peace at last.