Former Senior Adviser to Kamala Harris. Founder of Authentic. Organizer of White Dudes for Harris. Raised $1B+ in small-dollar online donations. Expert in AI, emerging tech, digital advertising. Mental health advocate.✌️
Work friends are important, but they’re not the same as real friends. They get us through the daily strain & stresses of work, but they aren’t a substitute for genuine relationships outside the workplace. Work friends are born of necessity & proximity. They can grow into something incredibly real & lasting over time, but they tend to start as situational coping mechanisms for the highs & lows of work — not from an authentic & lasting connection. Whereas your non-work friends? They're with you because they love YOU. Not your job, not your daily battles & wins. Just...you as a whole human. With them, you can be completely vulnerable without risking any professional reputation hits. You aren't walking on eggshells & second-guessing motives. These are the people helping you preserve a full life beyond those office walls. So, appreciate the work friends for that shared struggle. But never let them be a replacement for the unconditional love & acceptance of your true chosen family. Work friends: Get you through Monday to Friday. Real friends: Reminding you there's more to life than work. (h/t to Kyle Hagge for the inspiration behind this post)