Did you know that people live longer when they’re surrounded by a strong support system?

Before this cancer journey I was never good at asking for help. I was always THAT person. The one who did everything alone because “I’m strong.”

But over the past few months, I’ve realised something important: being strong isn’t about going it alone. Real strength is showing vulnerability and asking for help when you need it.

I am incredibly grateful for my support network. For the people who checked in just to see how I was. The ones who took time out of their busy days to sit beside me in the hospital while I was drip-fed some pretty hefty drugs. And for the friends who gently reminded me that I didn’t have to carry this on my own.

Then I read research that made this land even more.

Studies show that breast cancer patients with stronger social connections are less likely to experience recurrence and less likely to die from the disease than those without a strong support system.

Well there you go.

This isn’t just something that feels good – it fundamentally changes outcomes.

When I finished chemo, I felt an overwhelming need to bring everyone together. I called it my “Let’s celebrate life and friendship” party. I wanted to say thank you and remind myself – and everyone around me – that none of us are meant to do this alone.

But this lesson goes far beyond cancer.

We see it everywhere. In life, in work, and especially in leadership.

For years, we’ve been taught that strong leaders have the answers. That they must carry the weight alone, and that independence equals strength.

But the best leaders I’ve met, and the most successful teams I’ve worked with through TIE, understand the opposite.

They actively seek out other voices, invite challenge, and create space for different perspectives. They understand that innovation, resilience, and progress don’t come from standing alone – they come from connection.

This sits at the heart of Return on Humanity. When we unlock humanity – when people feel safe to contribute, support each other, and bring their whole selves – something powerful happens.

People step forward, ideas expand and possibility grows.

None of us is at our strongest alone.

Us > me.