Don’t Forget the People Who Helped You Climb

We often hear stories about people who’ve “forgotten where they came from.” For some, it sounds like a cliché. But for those of us who’ve seen it firsthand — it’s far from fiction.

There are individuals who, upon reaching a certain level of success, begin to distance themselves from the very people who carried them through the climb — the ones who encouraged them, prayed for them, sacrificed for them, and stood by them in the shadows before any spotlight ever found them.

Let this be your gentle reminder: Never forget the people who helped you rise.

True success is not just about what you’ve achieved — it’s about who stood beside you as you achieved it. It’s the community that poured into you when your cup was empty. It’s the loved ones who saw your light when the world overlooked you. It’s the ancestors who whispered strength into your spirit when you were close to giving up.

We were never meant to rise alone. And even if we carry the vision, the work, or the burden — we are still held up by the prayers, energy, time, and love of others.

To fully celebrate success, we must celebrate the people who made it possible.
Take the time to express gratitude.
Take the time to remember.
Take the time to bring your people with you.

Because this is not just about giving back — this is about paying it forward. It's about modeling what love in leadership looks like. It’s about being the example for future generations who are watching you — the future you’s who will need to be reminded of the power of humility, loyalty, and community.

So wherever you go, however high you rise —
Take your people with you.
Carry them in name, in spirit, in practice, and in legacy.
That’s the real mark of success.