Ep 36 – Understanding the Posse Effect
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." — African Proverb
Welcome to Reach Minds: Thoughts for Your Life Journey. Today, we’re talking about something that can change everything: the posse effect.
This is about more than friendship — it’s about building a circle of people who see you, believe in you, and connect with you.
We explore what it really means to have a posse/tribe/group of friends. A posse isn't just a social circle; it’s a diverse group of people—different in age, race, ethnicity gender, and background—who offer honest feedback, genuine companionship, and the courage to challenge you when it matters most. They’re on your wavelength, they show up with authenticity (even when it’s uncomfortable), and they’re willing to take risks right alongside you. In a world that often tells us to go it alone, your posse reminds you that you’re never alone — and that together we can experience joy, connection and a sense of wellbeing.
I am joined by Andrew Middleton who is the founder of INDY (I’m Not Done Yet), a peer network and movement for people exploring life beyond traditional retirement and we together explore why having a posse can make all the difference — and how it helps you feel more grounded, more supported, and more you on your life journey.
In this podcast we pose the following questions of the Posse Effect:
What does the "posse effect" mean to you? How have you experienced it personally or professionally?
What makes a 'good' member of your posse? Is it emotional support, practical help, or something else?
What’s something your posse has taught you about yourself that you couldn’t have learned alone?
How important is it to have diversity in your support network play in how effective and grounding it is?
Have you ever had to ‘edit’ your posse — step away from people who weren’t good for you?
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
www.imnotdoneyet.co.uk the website with link to the INDY Online Community
Contact me on Linkedin if you wish would explore what I offer. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nita-sharma-cpcc-pcc-78b1a22/
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