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The Power of a Wing Person

June 13, 2025
Leadership
Entrepreneurship
The Power of a Wing Person
June 13, 2025
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Why No Leader Should Fly Solo

Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. It’s thrilling, demanding, and relentless. It’s the pursuit of building something bigger than yourself, chasing a vision that others might not yet see. But, at times, it can also feel isolating. The late nights, the tough decisions, the weight of responsibility—it’s a journey that tests even the strongest leaders. And here’s the truth most don’t talk about: even the most confident entrepreneurs face moments of doubt, fatigue, and fear.

What separates those who break through from those who burn out often comes down to one thing: having someone in your corner. A wing person.

This is the person who truly gets you. They know your strengths, your blind spots, and your mission better than anyone else. They’re the one who shows up for the brainstorming sessions, the big wins, and the tough conversations. They stand tall beside you, encouraging you to keep going when the obstacles seem insurmountable and the path forward feels impossible. They push with you—especially when quitting feels like the easier option. With the right wing person, entrepreneurship becomes not  just a solo pursuit but a shared mission, and that can make all the difference.

Two Rings, One Connection

Take a look at these intertwined wooden circles.  

Solid. Smooth. Permanent.  

They don’t just touch—they interlock.

They aren’t two separate pieces forced together but rather two shapes carved with intention, designed to seamlessly fit as one. Each circle reinforces the other, holding space without breaking form. They’re carved from the same core idea, yet each holds its own unique identity. Together, though, they transform into something more—something unbreakable, a unified whole greater than the sum of its parts.  

That’s the essence of having a wing person. Someone who is right next to you, no matter what. Not behind you, waiting for direction. Not in front of you, taking the lead. Beside you, every step of the way. Their presence is steady, unwavering, and reliable, even in the toughest moments. They’re not just there for the easy days—they are beside you for the challenges, the triumphs, and everything in between. Always.  

In leadership, this kind of bond is rare—but when it’s real, it’s unstoppable. It’s a connection built on mutual trust, respect, and loyalty, qualities that take time to develop but are invaluable once they’re forged.  

Just like these rings, the strongest partnerships are seamless. They bend under pressure, but they don’t break. They adapt and evolve with time, but they never separate. They represent a level of trust and commitment that goes far beyond what most people even think to seek out. It’s a foundation that allows both individuals to thrive, not just as separate entities but as a powerful, unified team.  

Tom Mathews and Bill Mitchell embody this kind of connection. Their partnership reflects the strength, balance, and synergy of those intertwined wooden circles—a relationship built on years of shared purpose and mutual support. Together, they’ve shown what’s possible when leaders work side by side, not as separate pieces, but as a truly unbreakable team.

Tom Mathews and Bill Mitchell: 40 Years, One Vision

They’ve stood by each other’s side for over four decades, navigating life’s ups and downs together. Friends since their days at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati back in the 1970s, Tom and Bill’s bond was rooted in shared values and a vision for something greater. Through the trenches of business building in the ‘80s with ALW, they learned resilience and teamwork. As co-architects of new beginnings in the ‘90s with WMA, they embraced innovation and reinvention. In the 2000s, they faced the challenges of scaling success with WFG, proving their ability to adapt and thrive. And in the 2010s, they took yet another leap, becoming the visionaries who birthed WealthWave, setting the stage for a transformative new way to pursue financial freedom.

Now, in the 2020s and beyond, Tom and Bill remain shoulder to shoulder. Their partnership continues to grow deeper as they focus on mentoring, modeling success, and multiplying their impact for the next generation of leaders. They’ve built a legacy, but they’re far from done. Their mission now is bigger than ever: empowering others to think bigger, dream bolder, and achieve more than they ever thought possible.

What makes their partnership so unique isn’t that they’re the same—it’s that they complement each other perfectly. They don’t always approach challenges the same way. They don’t always agree. And that’s exactly why it works. Tom brings clarity, long-term strategy, and vision, while Bill brings relentless drive, genuine connection, and fearless execution. Together, they’re a force of nature, not because they’re identical, but because they’re aligned in purpose.

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

– African Proverb

Tom and Bill have gone far—very far. They’ve earned millions of dollars each year and built businesses that have stood the test of time. But their legacy isn’t just about wealth. It’s about creating something that lasts. A business. A system. A community. And now, they’ve turned their full attention to one thing: helping others do even more, guiding the next wave of leaders to achieve success on an even greater scale.

Their partnership isn’t just rare—it’s revolutionary. Why? Because most people never think to create something like it. Too often, people grind alone, burning out in the process and missing out on the single most powerful success multiplier: having a true wing person. Tom and Bill are living proof of what’s possible when you find that person, align your goals, and build a shared vision of success.

Their journey isn’t just a story of friendship or business success—it’s a masterclass in partnership, perseverance, and purpose. They’ve shown that with the right person by your side, you can go further, accomplish more, and leave a legacy that inspires generations to come. And the best part? They’re just getting started.

Why Every WealthWave Leader Needs a Wing Person

Being a leader in this business takes vision, grit, and the ability to push through challenges. But even the strongest leaders can’t do it alone—vision can fade when you’re working in isolation. That’s why having a wing person is so critical. A true partner provides:  

  • Accountability when you’re tired, to help you stay focused on your goals even when it feels easier to quit.  
  • Perspective when you’re stuck, offering fresh ideas and solutions you may not have considered.  
  • Courage when you’re afraid, reminding you of your potential and pushing you to take bold action when doubt creeps in.  
  • Momentum when you feel stalled, giving you the energy and encouragement to keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow.  

As Oprah Winfrey wisely said, “Surround yourself with people who make you better.”  

Greatness is rarely a solo endeavor. Behind every iconic movement, success story, or breakthrough is a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and a shared sense of purpose. That’s the Mathews-Mitchell blueprint—a collaboration built on mutual respect and a common vision. And that’s the WealthWave way—a community that believes in the power of partnerships to drive success and inspire change.

Your Move: Find Your Wing Person

If you’re serious about rising higher in this business, stop trying to do it alone. No one achieves greatness in isolation. Start thinking differently. Who’s your wing person?

Not just a cheerleader who tells you what you want to hear. Not just a carbon copy of yourself. But someone who truly sharpens you, challenges your thinking, and pushes you to grow in ways you didn’t even realize were possible. Someone who shares the same vision of success, the same mountaintop, even if their approach to getting there looks completely different from yours.

The truth is, building success isn’t just about skills or strategies—it’s about being open to growth and feedback. As Sara Blakely famously said, “My best skill was that I was coachable. I was a sponge.” Being coachable means actively seeking out those who can help you see your blind spots, expand your perspective, and raise your game.

Be bold enough to build your inner circle with intention. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and hold you accountable. Success is never a solo journey—it’s a shared climb.

Final Call

This isn’t just business. It’s legacy.  

And legacy isn’t built on solo flights—it’s built in formation. It’s built through trust, loyalty, and a shared fire to leave things better than you found them. Legacy is about creating something that lasts, something that impacts not just your life, but the lives of those who come after you.  

So look around. Look at the people who inspire you, who challenge you, and who share your vision. Then look inward and ask yourself this: Who will you build your future with? Who will stand by your side when the challenges come? Who will be your wing person, helping you navigate every step of the journey?  

Because the truth is this: the only thing more powerful than a WealthWave leader is two of them, in lockstep, united by a common goal and committed to building something bigger than themselves. Together, they can create a ripple effect of success, changing countless lives and creating a legacy that will stand the test of time. This is how greatness is built—together.