Most architects invest heavily in their skills but far less in the relationships that shape their opportunities. It’s not intentional — the pace of project life simply pushes connection to the bottom of the list. But over time, that gap becomes noticeable:
You feel capable, yet strangely alone.
You work hard, yet visibility feels limited.
You have questions, yet no one to think with.
Your powerbase is the network that steadies you, stretches you, and opens doors you can’t open on your own.
It is being strategic — choosing not to grow your career in isolation.
This question helps you pause long enough to see who is currently in your corner — and who could be.
Who’s supporting your progress — and where might you be missing the relationships that would help you grow?
Start With What You Have
Map the people around you into five simple groups:
Mentors / Sponsors – those who advocate for you.
Supporters – the colleagues who notice and elevate your work.
Connectors – the people who widen your world.
Perspective Givers – those who challenge your thinking.
Not on Their Radar Yet – people you admire or want to learn from.
Don’t overthink it. You’re looking for patterns, not perfection.
Notice the Imbalance
Most people find:
plenty of supporters,
few connectors,
and almost no sponsors.
Or they realise everyone is at the same level — no stretch, no senior visibility, no new thinking entering the room.
Wherever the imbalance sits, that’s your opportunity.
Identify Your “Friend-tors”
Alongside senior figures, notice the peers who help you think better.
These relationships often provide the most honest feedback, shared learning, and day-to-day encouragement. Rather than look for the one “mentor” cultivate a portfolio of “friend-tors”.
They’re the relationships that quietly raise your confidence and clarity.
Who plays this role for you?
And who might you want to cultivate?
“Your powerbase is the network that moves your career forward.”
Make Your Value Easier to See
Your powerbase works best when people understand:
what you do well,
what energises you,
and where you want to grow.
Clarity creates opportunities.
A short conversation, a shared insight, or a simple “This is the kind of work I enjoy” goes further than you think.
Choose one simple action this week:
Reconnect with someone who’s influenced your thinking.
Reach out to a connector who broadens your world.
Thank a supporter who’s been in your corner.
Introduce yourself to someone on your “not on their radar yet” list.
Refresh your online profile so it reflects where you want to grow next.
One conversation can shift how supported you feel.
PS: This article is part of a bi-weekly email series explaining the leadership questions in the Architect’s Leadership Journal. You can join this email series here.