hello, you!

And just like that, summer is over. Or is it? I’m still holding on to the tired promise of the last warming sun rays, memories of beach days during our Danish summer vacation, and just not quite ready for the change of seasons. And yet, there’s no denying the trees are changing colors. So, how about you?

One of my biggest pain points as a one woman show is not having a team. The luxury of having team mates to problem solve together or co-create isn’t a given. This reality has definitely taught me to ask for support where I need it. I finally have an amazing tax consultant helping me in that domain. I’ve hired other people to help me with things they’re amazing at and I’m not. I’ve asked friends to share their time and expertise. I joined a women’s business network for more connection and eventually initiated one to reconnect with the women from my time at BCG Digital Ventures.

But honestly, becoming a mother who also likes her work has been the best and most brutal teacher in inviting support.

Relying on the childcare system so I can work made me realize: I really can’t (and don’t want to) do it all alone. And luckily, we have our parents and friends sent from heaven who are here and happy to help when they can. Still, I didn’t really understand the phrase ‘it takes a village’ until the day our KiTa closed unexpectedly and we had to re-organize two full workdays on the spot.

In a recent feedback workshop, I asked: ‘From whom would you like feedback—and for what?’ Because feedback, like support, only works if people know what you need. And if you can make your request specific, it’s easy for people to respond.

Nobody, but nobody, can make it out here alone.

– Maya Angelou

Still, seeking help can feel challenging.
Many of us hesitate; worried about rejection, about being a burden, or about looking weak. Or, even worse, because we think that we’re alone in this.

Here’s the thing: The truth is, we all have our struggles.
And most of us want to support others when we can. We forget how good it feels to be asked, to know we’ve made a difference in someone’s reality. Research shows that helping others isn’t just good for the person receiving; it boosts wellbeing for the helper too. The World Happiness Report confirms this globally: people who feel supported by family, friends, and colleagues consistently report higher wellbeing and life satisfaction.

How we ask for and offer support shapes trust. And it’s not just a feel-good factor. Studies show that organizations which prioritize wellbeing and support can see up to 20% higher productivity, alongside reduced absenteeism.

Let’s make it a habit to ask for support and offer it.

Here are a few ways to do it:

In our monthly gathering of BCG DV Women, the ask is the last point on our agenda. Every attendee shares one specific ask she has from the community, and those who can support (e.g. with time, knowledge, ideas …) just raise their hand, so the asker knows who she can contact.

Another format that has served me well in my past leadership role is building my personal board of advisors. Which I continue to practice in my solopreneur reality. Here’s how to start:

1. Ask yourself: Who can I turn to for specific topics?
2. Make a list of areas where you want support or growth.
3. Match each topic with a real person.
4. Invite each person to be part of your personal board of advisors, asking if you can reach out when you need their expertise.
5. And then, actually do it.

Offering support can have countless shapes and forms. If you’re unsure, ask them: what do you need right now? How can I help? If you’re uninspired, take a look at nature. Because in nature, nothing thrives alone.

In our solution-oriented world, we sometimes overlook the basics. Maybe the simplest way of supporting others is showing them that we care. We can start by truly listening and sharing our presence.

When we make support a shared practice, we create spaces where people can truly flourish.

You know me, I’m curios. I’d love to know: what form of support has been nourishing you lately? If you feel a lack of support: how can I help?

Thank you for being here.

Love, K