Business coach and mentor Donni Wiggins delivered a powerful message on a recent episode of the Social Proof Podcast (@socialproofpodcast), urging entrepreneurs to stop chasing validation from unsupportive people and instead cultivate accountable, strategic relationships that fuel real growth.
“Stop trying to make the people who are not supporting you support you,” Wiggins said during the viral clip. “You can’t force them to. If your mom, your parents, your spouse don’t support you, find people who do.”
The conversation struck a chord with aspiring founders and professionals facing discouragement from those closest to them. Wiggins stated that true support isn’t just about applause — it’s about accountability, mirrors, and momentum.
“Your support system should clap for you as loud as they clap for themselves,” she said. “But they should also hold you accountable — tell you to stop procrastinating, to do better. That’s real support.”
The podcast’s Instagram page reinforced the message with a bold post:
“You don’t need louder cheerleaders, you need real ones. The kind that sit with your struggle and still push you forward. Support isn’t just hype. It’s accountability. It’s strategy. And without it… silence will eat your potential alive.”
Wiggins encouraged entrepreneurs to intentionally build their tribe — even if that means starting with just one or two people — and make it a priority to stay connected through regular calls, Zoom meetings, or weekly check-ins.
“If you’re uncomfortable sharing your struggles with someone, they’re not your support system,” she added. “Your tribe should make you feel like the relationship is designed to make you a better person.”
As the business world increasingly embraces community-building and emotional intelligence, Wiggins’ advice underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with purpose-driven allies instead of seeking validation from reluctant bystanders.
