My Dream Board of Life Advisors

I was recently asked, "If anyone could be on your life board of advisors, who would it be?" It's definitely not your typical coffee shop small talk, but it sure sparked some deep thought and reflection. Who would earn my trust as a guide? Whose traits would I aspire to embody? After a bit of pondering, I came up with three names, all being quite a bit different than the other.

So, here’s the rundown on who I’d draft into my dream team:

First on my list is none other than Gandhi. The man was the exemplar of balance and grace under pressure. Having Gandhi on my board would be like having a spiritual GPS. He would give me well-balanced advice, and culturally, he would keep me level-headed. With him, I could get through any challenge gracefully. Imagine having that kind of zen at your fingertips?

Next, we have Napoleon Hill. If you've ever needed a pep talk about perseverance, Hill's the man to go to. Napoleon Hill gets a seat on the board simply because of his sheer wisdom and equanimity. His insight on resilience could impact many aspects of my life. From tackling big projects to managing life's unexpected twists, having Hill share bits of wisdom could really reinforce the backbone needed to push through and succeed.

Now, you might be wondering how a drug lord made it onto my list. So let me explain: Frank Lucas is stern and stealthy. He's able to get it done without getting dirty. With him on my board, I could navigate any complex situation smoothly. I mean, if he can manage his unconventional business empire without a hitch, imagine what he could do in a boardroom.

To take this one step further, I think you need to approach life with a lot of different angles, avoiding the practice of being a one trick pony with all you do. A one-trick pony can be in your actions, methodology, or mindset. If you're consistently approaching each scenario the same, will you ever really expand?

You need to be able to shift, rethink, re-approach, and reimagine. This is where your "board" comes in. You can be your own board by asking yourself "how would they think?" And you must really think through what their perspectives + responses would be. It takes conscious thought but it allows you to step into another pair of shoes to evaluate whatever it is you're facing.

So, next time you're stuck in a rut or facing a dilemma, why not convene your mental advisory board?

It's less about having an actual meeting (although, how cool would that be?) and more about channeling diverse, strategic thought processes to tackle any issue.

About G:

Gaurav "G" Patel is a seasoned entrepreneur, restaurateur, business consultant, and 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry of Raleigh, NC. His clarity and natural optimism are drivers of his professional success. This includes his vision to help his local community grow and his interest in mentoring young minds. However, G's professional endeavors would not be possible without the support of his loving wife, Julie, and their children, daughter Zara and son Azil.

Today, G leads the Acquisition and Investments for CityPlat Capital, combining his multi-dimensional experience across several leading industries with his passion for development. CityPlat is a leader in local growth while simultaneously building exceptional value for its investors. Together, they continue to change the landscape of commercial real estate in North Carolina.

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