Let’s say you’re running your business solo or with a small team. You make your own decisions, set your own goals, and wear 17 hats before lunch. It’s empowering—but also exhausting. Especially when you hit a moment like this:

• • A tricky client issue comes up and you’re not sure how to handle it.
  • You’re thinking of pivoting your offer but second-guessing yourself.
  • You’ve outgrown your systems and don’t know what to prioritize next.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I wish I had someone to talk this through with… someone who gets it…”

That’s not just you craving community. That’s your governance system asking for structure.

Let’s talk about building your bench.

What’s a “Bench,” Anyway?

In corporate governance, businesses have boards of directors or advisory boards to help guide strategy, risk, and accountability.

You don’t need all that. But you do need a trusted circle of humans who can help you think clearly and lead wisely.

Think of your “bench” as your:

• Decision-sounding board
• Mirror for your blind spots
• Encouragement crew
• Integrity compass

This is informal governance—but it’s powerful.

Why You Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Decide Everything Alone

When you’re the business, every decision feels personal. That makes things messy—especially when emotions, doubts, or fatigue creep in. Governance gives you space from the swirl.

Your “bench” helps:

• Take the pressure off big decisions
• Catch bias or blind spots before they become problems
• Hold you accountable to your values, not just your feelings
• Keep you from reinventing the wheel every quarter

Even the most intuitive business owner needs people around them who can say:

“That’s a great idea.”
“That sounds like burnout talking.”
“Have you thought about X?”
“You said your goal was rest—does this move support that?”

Who Belongs on Your Bench?

This doesn’t have to be a formal board. Start with 3–5 humans who offer different forms of support.

1. The Peer

Someone in a similar business or field who understands the day-to-day of what you do.

✅ Use them for: gut checks, pricing decisions, sharing tools/systems.

2. The Elder (or Experienced Pro)

Someone who’s been in the game longer. Could be a mentor, past coach, or even a wise friend.

✅ Use them for: strategic direction, long-term vision, risk spotting.

3. The Numbers Person

You don’t have to love spreadsheets. But someone should.

✅ Use them for: financial health check-ins, investment decisions, pricing strategy.

4. The Values Mirror

Someone who knows your why. Maybe a friend, therapist, or spiritual guide.

✅ Use them for: alignment checks, emotional clarity, staying grounded.

5. The Accountability Partner

Not someone to micromanage you—just someone to hold space for your commitments.

✅ Use them for: regular check-ins, staying on track with goals, follow-through.

Governance in Practice: How to Use Your Bench

Here’s how to make your informal governance structure work:

• • Quarterly Strategy Session: Schedule a call with your “bench” (individually or in small groups). Bring 2–3 decisions you’re working on.
  • Decision Journal: Keep a log of big decisions you’re facing. Note: Who did you consult? What did they offer? How did it help?
  • Gut-Check Protocol: When emotions are high, step back and ask:
    → “Who can I run this by before I act?”
    → “What would my values person say right now?”
  • Review Ritual: Once a quarter or twice a year, reflect with your bench:
    → What worked? What felt misaligned? What’s next?

You don’t need an org chart. You just need wise people and intentional rhythm.

Final Thought: Governance Isn’t Always Formal, But It Should Always Be Intentional

Just because you don’t have a board doesn’t mean you don’t need support. Building a “bench” isn’t about giving up control. It’s about strengthening your leadership through community, reflection, and care.

In a solo business, you’re the CEO—but that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Having people who help you make clearer, more values-aligned decisions? That’s governance.

And it’s one of the kindest things you can do for yourself.

If what you have read resonates strongly with you, get in touch for a coffee, and you may find yourself with a new ‘bench’ member.