When we think about career success, we often focus on hard work and skill-building. But research consistently shows that who you surround yourself with is just as crucial.

A study published in Harvard Business Review found that professionals with strong support networks are 23% more likely to be promoted within three years compared to those without one. Similarly, a LinkedIn survey revealed that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, highlighting the power of connections in career advancement.

Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or pivoting careers, having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.

In the latest episode of Mental Health Bites (you can listen right here in substack, on Apple, Spotify, or watch on YouTube), we explore how the right connections can propel your career forward. We'll also break down the Core 3 archetypes—a concept we’ve previously discussed in the context of motivation and wisdom cultivation—and share a practical strategy you can use today to strengthen these relationships in your own career.

The Core 3: Your Career Success Formula

Career success isn’t a solo journey—it’s about building the right team around you. The Core 3 Archetypes—the Mentor, the Encourager, and the Challenger—each play a distinct but complementary role in your professional growth.

1. The Mentor: The Resilient Role Model

A Mentor is someone who has walked the path you’re on and can provide guidance, wisdom, and connections. They help you navigate challenges, refine your strategy, and avoid pitfalls.

You can see this dynamic in the relationship between Serena Williams and her mentor and coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, who helped her refine her strategy and mental game. Patrick exemplifies the Mentor archetype: a Resilient Role Model who offers wisdom, expertise, and guidance to help others navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

How to find a Mentor: Mentors often display genuine interest in your growth, ask thoughtful questions, and share their expertise without overshadowing your autonomy. Look for someone who has succeeded in areas you aspire to and demonstrates a willingness to invest in others.

2. The Encourager: The Nurturing Anchor

An Encourager is your biggest cheerleader—the person who lifts you up, reminds you of your strengths, and helps you stay resilient through setbacks.

Actress Mindy Kaling has spoken about the importance of having an Encourager in her corner, like her close friend and collaborator, B.J. Novak. To Kaling, Novak acted as a Nurturing Anchor, as an Encourager, consistently cheering her on and providing emotional support while she pushed boundaries in the entertainment industry.

How to recognize an Encourager: Encouragers build your confidence, celebrate your wins, and help you maintain resilience during tough times. They create a safe space for vulnerability and authentic connection. They’re empathetic, consistently affirming, and show genuine excitement for your accomplishments. They’re the ones who text you "You’ve got this!" before a big presentation.

3. The Challenger: The Reflective Truth Teller

A Challenger pushes you out of your comfort zone, provides honest feedback, and holds you accountable to your goals.

Viola Davis and her close relationship with producer Shonda Rhimes, who acted as a Challenger in Davis’s career, is an example of this. Rhymes pushed Davis to take on complex, boundary-breaking roles that have redefined representation in Hollywood.

How to spot a Challenger: Challengers sharpen your decision-making, encourage critical thinking, and motivate you to stretch beyond perceived limits. Challengers ensure you’re not settling for less than your potential. They are direct but constructive, asking tough questions and offering alternative perspectives. They’re the ones who say, "Have you thought about it this way?" or "What’s your next step?"

The Core 3 Power Hour: A Simple Strategy for Success

To make sure you’re nurturing the right relationships, dedicate one hour per week to strengthening your Core 3 connections. Here’s how:

20 Minutes with a Mentor

* Schedule a check-in or send a thoughtful message asking for advice.

* Example: "I’m struggling with delegating tasks effectively. Do you have any strategies that worked for you?"

* Prepare one or two questions that show you’ve thought deeply about your career goals.

* Express gratitude and let them know how their past advice has helped you.

20 Minutes with an Encourager

* Reach out to someone who has supported you.

* Share a recent win or challenge and let them know how much you value their positivity.

* Example: "I wanted to thank you for believing in me during my last presentation—it went really well!"

* Offer encouragement in return by supporting their goals.

20 Minutes with a Challenger

* Share a project or idea and ask for honest feedback.

* Example: "I’m considering launching a new initiative at work. What potential pitfalls do you see?"

* Be open to constructive criticism and apply their insights.

* Take notes on actionable steps to improve.

Final 5 Minutes: Reflect

At the end of your Core 3 Power Hour, take a few minutes to reflect on the following questions and jot your answers down in a journal.

* What did you learn from each conversation?

* Did you feel supported, inspired, and challenged?

* How can you continue strengthening these relationships?

Strong relationships take time, but by intentionally investing in them, you’ll build a network that helps you grow, stay accountable, and achieve long-term success.

Your Next Step

Who are your Core 3? If you don’t have them yet, start seeking them out. If you do, nurture those connections. Success is never a solo journey—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in your vision and push you to be your best.

Want more insights? Tune into this week's episode of Mental Health Bites to hear real-life examples of the Core 3 in action and practical ways to start building your dream team today.

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Healing Through Somatic Attachment Therapy Summit March 1-2, 2025!

I’m so excited to be featured as the closing speaker for this 2-day summit on March 2 from 1-2:15 pm PT. You can register here to join us LIVE for both days of the summit!Somatic attachment therapy helps us to build a more intimate, safer and authentic relationship with ourselves and others. Through a somatic approach to attachment therapy we learn how to help ourselves and others to rewire and reconnect, at all levels regardless of the past. Ultimately to experience an embodied sense of belonging and fulfillment.In this Two-Day Summit, my colleague Dr. Scott Lyons bring together some of the world’s leading experts in Somatic Attachment Therapy to explore how healing the wiring of relation wounds can create a culture of connection, compassion and more nurturing relationships with those that matter to us most—our communities, partners, families, children and our friends.

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About me:

Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, television and podcast host, and author of Stop Self-Sabotage. An avid researcher and a two-time recipient of the National Institute of Mental Health Services Research Award, Dr. Judy maintains a private practice where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and expert witness work. She is often called o...