Create A Braintrust

Who is on your braintrust?

I got asked this question a while ago by a mentor of mine. At the time I did not know what he meant — and I surely didn’t have one.

Commonly we refer to “a group of experts appointed to advise a government or politician” as a braintrust. Having such a group of trusted minds expanding and challenging your views and believes is insanely valuable. Sometimes your mentors and advisors can play this role — I would argue that there is value in creating a dedicated group of people who are curated specifically for the purpose to push you and your thinking by 10x. My mentors and advisors provide me guidance in the day-to-day and longer-term planning; my braintrust kicks my thinking to a whole new level.

With my braintrust, I explore “the beyond” — the things which are beyond the daily business and even my longer-term planning. They challenge many of my deeply held believes and allow me to see the world not just from a 30,000ft view but from outer space (to stay in the metaphor). After every such conversation, I am not only completely reinvigorated but armed with food-for-thought for the next weeks and even months.

Which is the reason why a good braintrust can be invaluable — and also something you will only engage with occasionally (remember: you will be deeply challenged — and it will take time for you to process and act accordingly). I am blessed with some incredible human beings supporting me. And I highly recommend you set up your own braintrust. It has been an amazing asset for me.

This post is part of the “The Heretic”, Pascal Finette’s insights into leadership in exponential times. For entrepreneurs, corporate irritants and change makers. Raw, unfiltered and opinionated — delivered straight to your inbox. You will like it. → https://theheretic.org