Finding Companionship in Solitude: The Importance of a Support Network in Entrepreneurship

When you're running a business by yourself, it can be a solitary journey. It's not that you lack colleagues to converse with in your office; it's more about the feeling of isolation that often accompanies the responsibility of making crucial business decisions. You find yourself evaluating what works and what doesn't, all while carrying the weight of uncertainty about your business's future. It's like being on an island, making every decision alone.

This is where the significance of having someone in a similar situation to confide in becomes evident.

In my own experience, during the nine years I managed my firm, I had a lifeline to two exceptionally dynamic women: Ingrid and Cherie.

At that time, Cherie was running her law firm in Virginia, Ingrid had her own firm in Tampa, and I was located in Kissimmee, Florida.

I can say with utmost confidence that I spoke with these remarkable women every week, sometimes even every day. It eventually became a routine; I'd talk to one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.

Our interactions went beyond mere pep talks. In many instances, they provided me with opportunities for business growth and served as outlets for my concerns.

Cherie even referred a few cases that had transferred from Virginia to Florida to me. Ingrid and I collaborated on numerous cases, and she entrusted me to handle the collections aspect of her firm.

I can't begin to count the times Ingrid and Cherie encouraged me to take on cases that I initially feared. Cherie’s philosophy was that nobody could bring you down, so why fret about courtroom battles? Ingrid's perspective was that she didn't have time for complaints; she wanted me to channel my skills into action.

Often, we forget about the people who stand beside and behind us, providing support when we're wrestling with our fears and insecurities. It's astonishing to reflect on a nine-year period when I conversed daily with two fellow attorneys and close friends—individuals whose words and support gave me the confidence to believe in my capabilities and what I was achieving.

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Why I’m Not Trying to Make New Friends After 40 (And Why That’s Okay)

Intro: We’ve all heard someone say, “I’m not trying to make new friends.” On the surface, it can sound antisocial or dismissive. But if you’re in your 40s or beyond, that phrase starts to carry a whole new weight. It’s not about shutting people out—it’s about recognizing the power of relationships that have been built over decades. Listen to the Full Podcast Below: Listen to "Friends After 40: Why Your Circle Shrinks But Grows Deep" on Spreaker. Friends from the Beginning of Adulthood Friendships you start in your teens or early 20s come with a different energy. These are the people who were there during your first job, first apartment, first heartbreak, first real success. They were becoming adults alongside you. By the time you reach 40, something strange and powerful happens: You’ve now known those friends longer than you haven’t. That changes everything. Why Foundational Friendships Hit Different at 40+ Friendships at this stage aren’t casual. They’ve survive...

The Danger wasn’t always clear: Navigating Racism as Black Generation X

On July 16, 2025, I posted a video short titled “Black Generation X: The Danger Wasn’t Always Clear.” That post came from a deeply personal place. Growing up as part of Generation X meant stepping into environments where the rules around race and safety weren’t always obvious. When I was younger, my family shielded me from the harshest realities. I lived in communities where I was nurtured and protected. I was also part of the first wave of kids who went from kindergarten through high school entirely in desegregated schools. In that space, I don’t recall any overt instances of racism or bigotry. And while that was a blessing, it also left me unprepared—because I didn’t know what danger looked like when it wasn’t wearing a hood or shouting slurs. Once I left home, the uncertainty began. The Barber Who “Couldn’t” \When I arrived at the University of Tampa in the fall of 1987, I needed a haircut before starting ROTC training. I had just completed Army training that summer, so I was ...

Week in Review: Black Gen X in the Shadows and the Spotlight

Week in Review: Black Gen X in the Shadows and the Spotlight IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves This past week, I dedicated my daily Shorts to the voices, struggles, and overlooked truths of Black Generation X. We were the first generation to grow up after the Civil Rights Act, but we still faced the burden of racism, stereotypes, and cultural tension. Sometimes, the world said the danger was gone—but we could still feel it. Here’s what this week looked like: 📆 July 11 – When a White Student Said I Was Segregating Myself Reflecting on the tension between integration and identity. 📆 July 12 – No Signs. No Warnings. Just the Same Old Danger A powerful look at the hidden threats Black Gen X still faced. 📆 July 13 – Gen X: Bridging Analog to Digital A generation of transformation—before tech ruled the world. 📆 July 14 – Raised by the Past How the warnings of our parents shaped how we saw the world. 📆 July 15 – Are We Repeating History? Hard questions from a generati...

The Anthony Reeves Experience

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