Holding it all Together

It’s been over two weeks since I last shared my thoughts, and life has been a whirlwind. Between contemplating what my future might look like, wrapping up the year, and navigating personal changes, I’ve realized just how easy it is to underestimate what I can accomplish in a short amount of time. Patience, planning, and forward thinking—it’s a lesson I’m still learning.

Recently, I’ve started a new journey with friends, diving into ideas and projects, and it’s made me reflect on something fundamental: when embarking on any endeavor—whether it’s a career shift, building a product, or just trying to make a group of people work well together—the hardest part isn’t necessarily having the vision. It’s the follow-through. It’s the doing.

And that’s where the concept of a “whip” comes to mind. In parliamentary terms, the whip ensures everyone stays in line and follows through. In teams, this role isn’t about authority—it’s about being the glue, the person who keeps everyone committed, focused, and on track.

But here’s a question that’s been gnawing at me lately: if we consider the whip as someone like the CEO—the one responsible for maintaining alignment, ensuring everyone shows up, and steering the ship—how do they themselves stay on track?

Is that what really makes someone a CEO—the tenacity, the resolve, and the ability to hold it all together? And if this is part of what defines the role, do those aspiring to be CEOs understand what they’re stepping into? Or should the whip be a separate, distinct role altogether — because, I don’t think my aspiration is to hold the title of a CEO. But, I want to be the person that ensure things get done. Is that just mere short-sightedness or knowing oneself.

Why don’t we talk about this type of person more often? Everyone focuses on technical skills, which are undeniably important—they help you understand what’s feasible, what can be built, and what can’t. But even the most brilliant technical team needs someone who’s willing to get their hands dirty to ensure the wheels don’t fall off. This person keeps the team aligned, inspires progress, and drives consistency.

Lately, I’ve been thinking that when we rush to build something—a product, a company, or even just an idea—we often overlook the importance of building the team first. What happens when you bring five smart, motivated people together consistently over six months? An idea will likely emerge. But if nothing comes of it, it’s not necessarily a reflection of the individuals. Sometimes, it means the team is missing that “whip”—the glue, the organizer, the motivator, the synergy.

And that brings me to a question I keep asking myself: What does it take to be that person? The one who inspires and ensures things stay in order. The one who helps others bring their ideas to life. Right now, I’m not entirely sure, but I think it comes down to a few key qualities:

• Influence – The ability to guide people without forcing them, to help them see the vision and believe in it.
• Inspiration – Encouraging others to bring their best, even when things feel uncertain.
• Open-mindedness – Genuinely listening, adapting, and creating space for new ideas. It sounds simple, but being truly open-minded is much harder than we think.
• Motivation – Not just for yourself but for everyone around you.

These qualities sound straightforward, but they’re not easy to embody. Yet, I’m realizing that they’re critical for anyone who wants to create something extraordinary, whether it’s a product, a team, or a shared dream.

So, I’m left asking myself: Am I ready to be that person? Can I be the one who helps others stay committed, connected, and moving toward something bigger than themselves?

I don’t have all the answers yet, but this reflection has shown me where I want to grow. It’s not just about the ideas—it’s about the people who make them real. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most important lesson of all.