How Can You Find and Make the Most of Mentors?

Mentorship can be a pivotal element in shaping one's career and business path. Drawing from the wisdom of CEOs, Founders, and other business leaders, we've compiled 27 valuable insights on finding and nurturing mentor relationships. From giving as much as you receive to finding someone who believes in you, these experts share their stories and strategies for leveraging mentorship to its fullest potential.

Give As Much As You Receive

Mentors play a huge role in shaping us as entrepreneurs. Finding a great mentor starts with simply asking someone you admire to mentor you. Explain what you admire about them, share your goals, and seek their advice based on their experience. I've had the best mentors because I ask if they have the time and willingness to mentor me, and because I offer to give back as much as I receive. I'm willing to work alongside my mentor for free to learn and make their lives easier. My approach is to help my mentor succeed, and in doing so, they take a personal interest in my success. This perspective has opened doors for me that I never imagined.

Terra Bohlmann, Business Mentor for Coaches, Navigation Forward, LLC

Collaborate and Learn

Seek out a mentor within your current profession whom you admire and whose position you aspire to hold someday. Ideally, this mentorship would involve working together on projects, allowing you to observe them "in action." This close collaboration offers invaluable insights into navigating various situations and provides strategies for tackling similar challenges in the future. I was fortunate to work closely with my mentor as her deputy, gaining exposure to challenges I wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Observing her handle complex personality dynamics, business hurdles, talent management, and creative conflicts provided me with a solid foundation and a practical blueprint for my own projects. Our close working relationship also meant she was always available to listen to my questions, concerns, and triumphs, acting as both a champion and a true leader. Her influence has not only been pivotal in my professional growth and development but also instrumental in shaping the mentor I have become for others.

Karen Kunkel Young, Executive Leadership Coach & Career Coach, Karen Kunkel Young Coaching

Embrace Challenges to Grow

One invaluable tip for finding and making the most of mentors is to seek individuals who challenge you to think differently and push you out of your comfort zone. Finding someone whose experience and perspective can offer you insights you might not gain otherwise is essential. Don't just look for a mentor who will pat you on the back; find one who will ask the tough questions and hold you accountable.

When I was building my first company, I connected with a mentor with a vastly different background. He was a finance expert, an area where I admittedly lacked depth. Our relationship began at a networking event, where we discovered a shared interest in sailing. I reached out to him afterward, expressing my admiration for his work and interest in learning more about the financial side of scaling a business.

From the onset, he was clear that he would challenge me. During our meetings, he would dissect my business plans, pointing out weaknesses and areas I had overlooked for improvement. It wasn't always easy; I felt moments of frustration when he tore my ideas apart. But it was precisely this rigorous scrutiny that helped me refine my strategies and approach.

One of his most significant impacts was teaching me the importance of financial foresight and planning. Early in our mentorship, he emphasized the need for detailed financial projections and establishing a robust financial model. This advice was pivotal. By implementing his suggestions, we avoided potential cash flow issues and strategically planned for growth.

Our relationship also evolved beyond just business advice. He became a sounding board for my personal development, helping me hone my leadership skills and navigate the complexities of running a company. His guidance extended to managing stress and maintaining a work-life balance, where his experience proved invaluable.

The critical takeaway is engaging with mentors who bring different skills, viewpoints, and experiences to guide you. Be open to constructive criticism and willing to work to improve. Mentorship is a two-way street; the more eager you are to learn and adapt, the more you gain from the relationship. Embrace the challenges, and you'll find that the right mentor can profoundly shape your career and business trajectory in ways you never anticipated.

Rhett Power, CEO and Co-founder, Accountability Inc.

Provide Mutual Value

Most people don't realize that mentorship is a two-way relationship; it's a lot of give-and-take. The relationship often lasts for years and needs to be mutually beneficial. One of my mentors is the CEO of a Series C company who has raised hundreds of millions of dollars more than I have. Over the years, she has given me invaluable advice on hiring, managing a team, and talking to investors. She's also been a staunch supporter, inviting me to events and opening doors for me whenever she can.

However, mentorship isn't just about what I gain. I also provide value to her by serving as a sounding board when she navigates unfamiliar industries. For instance, I once spent hours briefing her on an industry she was new to, walking through decks and Excel spreadsheets, and providing my perspective on key issues. My insights on marketing strategies, where I have more experience, have also been helpful to her. This way, I position myself as someone worth mentoring, and it becomes enriching for her to watch me and my company Rise grow because I add value to her journey as well.

Vivian Chen, Founder & CEO, Rise

Be Open to Unexpected Mentors

You just never know when you will come across someone who will turn into your mentor. I have had the opportunity to work with someone who has led multiple businesses and is an authority on many topics. I learn from her drive, her ability to take risks, and to learn from failures. A mentor can be a teacher, a co-worker, a boss, or anyone who inspires you to do more. If you are lucky, you will encounter a great one!

Susan Sweenie, Founder, New Path Careers

Approach Potential Mentors with Courage

When I first saw my mentor, he was delivering the keynote address to an audience of thousands at a national conference. He was captivating the audience with the story of how he'd sold his business for millions. I was simply part of the crowd, one of a sea of awestruck faces. And I feared that he'd never pay any attention to me—just a recent graduate in my very first job, earning a fraction over $14k. But something must have told me it was worth approaching him. And I'm so pleased I did. I was careful to put to use some of his tips and ideas as I approached him. And it worked! This titan of business and sales took me under his wing and even agreed to deliver the keynote speech and additional training for me at an event I was producing for hundreds of students—and he even waived his fee. That was 1998. And I'm delighted to say that 26 years later, I'm still learning from him. So my tip would be to be courageous and creative, and dare to reach out to possible mentors—even if they may at first appear out of reach or unapproachable. You may be lucky and strike gold on your first try, just like I did.

Sam Waterfall, Founder & Executive Career Coach, Obvious Candidate

Find Mentors in Unconventional Places

Finding and making mentors is one of the most nebulous things as a professional. I think the secret is to break down any expectation you have of finding a mentor only through the traditional sense at work, and thinking it's a formal process. Be open to unconventional ways to meet your mentor because they can be beyond your immediate network—at conferences, industry events, even interviews. Ten years ago, during an interview, my interviewer, impressed by my potential, became my long-term mentor. It started with him recommending that I read "Good Strategy Bad Strategy" during the interview. I took the initiative, read the book, and sent him a summary of three key insights and how I would apply them. From that, he's also guided me with career decisions, navigating difficult work situations, and made introductions to his network. Today, that chance encounter has blossomed into a mutually beneficial partnership with me serving as a founding board member for his company, advising on business and marketing strategy.

Don't underestimate the power of where you can meet your mentor. Once you find them, start to form your own personal board of directors and watch your career transform.

Christina Lu, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Carat

Diversify Your Mentorship Sources

Mentors can come in unexpected ways. I think there is a lot of pressure to find a mentor who will have all the answers you're looking for, when there is an opportunity to diversify the experience and instead seek advice from a multitude of sources.

I have learned so much from online mentors in my space, from direct competitors to industry-adjacent professionals, as well as sought advice from business owners in completely different industries with business models that are nothing like my own.

When we pigeonhole ourselves to one mentor or one industry, we likely hear a lot of the same advice regurgitated, when an outside perspective can give you the creative inspiration that you might be looking for to stand out in the market.

Laura Milroy, Founder, Laura Milroy Media

Identify Advocates and Seek Their Advice

I've found the best mentors in my career when I'm not really looking for them. Instead of going in search of a new mentor, I think about who has been advocating for me the most. In my personal career journey, sometimes this has been a manager. But many times, it's somebody whom I aspire to learn from. Once I notice their advocacy, I'm not afraid to ask for help. I am intentional about learning from their experience and bouncing my ideas off of them. When I'm at pivotal career decision points, I ask for their advice. I'm also willing to help them if I can, too! Over time, a deeper relationship forms naturally. After years of building these relationships, I have a bench of mentors and a personal board of advisors whom I trust to give me real, honest feedback and guidance.

Megan Galloway, Founder & CEO, Everleader

Learn from Mentors at Different Stages

I've been looking across my career, having two different mentors who offered what I needed at different stages of my career. Over the first 20 years of my career, I worked under a guy with significant experience in a FTSE 250-listed company, which gave me a tremendous level of corporate, strategic, and organizational experience. I really got to understand and adapt my approach to managing large teams in complicated organizational structures, as well as developing a technical approach to strategic planning. I was able to take that forward into my own business, where I now have a friend and mentor who is a business coach—a completely different personality with a totally different outlook. A supportive person, a sounding board, someone who will give unbiased and impartial opinions. Two completely different people, with completely different styles, helping me in completely different but equally important ways.

Ben Hilton, Founder & Managing Director, Switch Jam Digital

Embrace Cross-Functional Mentorship

Mentorship should be cross-functional, meaning that the best mentor for you may not be the most senior person—or even someone directly in your department or direct line of work. Consider expanding your circle of mentors, guides, and advisors to access a broad array of perspectives, relationships, and opportunities. Also consider that the best mentorship relationships are reciprocal—allowing learning to flow between both parties, not only from a senior person to a junior one.

When I started my career as a junior patent attorney, I worked for leading litigator and Partner Philip Kerr. Philip often told his junior attorneys, "I have broad shoulders." This did happen to be literally true, but he meant it in the sense that he would always create a safe environment for juniors to try their hardest and to fail. If you mess up (as everybody does, and as I did on more than one occasion), you'd get the performance feedback internally—but Philip would always protect you in front of the client, or the court, or the other side of the litigation. You'd never be thrown under the bus; he'd protect you with his broad shoulders, and he would be the one to take on any external consequences of the failure. This was crucial to unlocking innovation, confidence, and creativity among Philip's team, and creating a culture of safety to try and to grow. It brought out the best in all of us. It is a principle that I have taken with me into my own leadership career. My shoulders are not broad in the literal sense, but I aim for the broadest figurative shoulders, working to protect and encourage my team in the way that Philip modeled as my mentor back at the start of my career.

Sarah Lux-Lee, CEO, Mindr

Utilize Digital Mentors

One of the most overlooked mentor relationships is that of the "digital mentor." In this day and age, many successful people have social media accounts where they spread their knowledge. You might not have access to someone physically, but you absolutely have access to that person's perspective, knowledge, and experience if they have an online presence. In one instance, I leaned on the wisdom shared by "The War of Art" author Steven Pressfield. And I added so much value to him and his brand by sharing his work with my following, that I was able to secure him as a guest on my podcast (twice!). And now he's transitioned from a "digital mentor" to somewhat of a physical mentor, as we exchange emails and DMs frequently. Everyone is accessible in this day and age.

Rain Bennett, Filmmaker, Author, Storytelling Coach, Six Second Stories

Build Genuine Relationships With Equal Give

One tip for finding and making the most of mentors is to embody the principle that you get what you put out. Givers attract givers, while takers attract takers. A genuine mentor, especially one who is a giver, can easily detect disingenuousness and greed. My mentors are individuals I deeply respect, who challenge me and hold me to a high standard of integrity. One mentor, in particular, profoundly impacted my career. They pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone, offering guidance and holding me accountable. This relationship was built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to personal and professional growth. Their influence helped shape my business trajectory, instilling values that guide me to this day. I sleep well at night knowing I live up to these values, and now, I pay it forward by mentoring others, striving to provide the same level of support and challenge that I received. This cycle of giving and integrity has been fundamental to my success and fulfillment.

Ryan Meghdies, Founder, Tastic Marketing

Seek 360-Degree Mentors

It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking guidance only from those who mirror our own career paths or hold higher positions, but that limits our viewpoint. To truly expand our horizons, we should explore beyond those boundaries and access the wealth of knowledge in different fields and expertise levels.

Throughout my HR career, I've had mentors from engineering, product development, UX, business intelligence, finance, and sales. They range from seasoned C-level executives to peers and even those in junior roles. These diverse mentors, both within and outside my organization, have helped shape my strategic thinking and broaden my perspectives. By embracing mentorship from various sources, we can discover unexpected avenues for learning and growth.

JooBee Yeow, Adviser to founders, Learngility

Find a Mentor Who Shares Your Vision

Locating and maximizing your mentors comes from looking for the people whose value and experience is illustrated by your vision and aspiration. In my case, I wanted a mentor who was outstanding in functional medicine and had a passion to mentor others. So, considering all these qualities, one mentor in my life was Dr. Rebecca Allen.

The first time I met Dr. Allen at a welfare conference, she instinctively emphasized personalized wellness care, something I knew straight away was what I needed. I went to her with a clear concept of my business and an open mind to learn from her many years of experience.

Her insights, not only into the complexity of functional medicine but also in managing the many pitfalls associated with merging technology with health services, proved more valuable than words can say. Her guidance has been instrumental in the approach we have taken and ensured that I never lost focus of our mission of empowering our users with personalized solutions in health. For me, she will forever serve as a personal proof that, sometimes, all it takes is this kind of mentor who believes in your vision, pushes you to achieve it, and inspires us to excel.

Patrick McClure, CEO and Founder, WINIT

Form a Council of Varied Mentors

Mentors can supercharge your career. Identify someone who is a high-flyer who can help develop you, offer advice, and open doors.

HR teams often have programs; ask your line manager or department head, or consider senior people in your workplace or industry. Mentorship is a two-way street, so consider what you bring to the table, too—it makes the value equation and conversations stronger.

I have a handful of mentors and connect often. I consider them my Council or Cabinet. I seek advice during major inflection moments—like a job change or tricky work situation—but also for ongoing leadership and development areas.

A mentor gave me great advice after losing a client RFP. "You have to get your reps in," he told me. "It's like going to the gym. Every time you show up, you get stronger and show up better. Plus, you miss all the shots you don't take."

It was direct, simple, and succinct. Reframing my mindset, I bounced back and kept 'showing up'—and landed my next big client.

Roberto Munoz, President, Munoz Communications

Proactively Engage Potential Mentors

Seeking out individuals whose career paths or skills I admire, and asking them specific questions or requests for career advice, is one way I have made the most out of mentors throughout my career. I believe mentorship can be formal or informal.

In my early days of being an entrepreneur, I attended a marketing summit and met the CEO of a very successful marketing agency. I reached out to her via email, expressing my admiration for her work and asking if she would be open to a brief meeting to discuss her career journey and any advice she might have for someone in my position. After a week, she responded. I made sure to be overly prepared for the meeting, since I knew this was an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow.

During our meeting, I asked targeted questions about her experiences, challenges, and decision-making processes. Over time, this initial conversation developed into a valuable mentorship relationship. She provided guidance on navigating complex projects, offered insights into industry trends, and even introduced me to key contacts within the industry. This mentorship significantly shaped my career, providing me with the confidence and knowledge to take on more challenging roles and ultimately advance my business.

By being proactive and respectful in seeking out mentorship, and making the most of the guidance received, I was able to build a meaningful and impactful relationship that positively influenced my business trajectory.

Suzanne Ricci, Chief Success Officer, Computer Coach Training Center

Strategically Approach Relationships

Instead of simply asking someone to be your mentor and expecting them to guide you like a savior, approach mentorship strategically. Demonstrate that you are someone they would be proud to support and that you are interested in building a mutually beneficial relationship, not just seeking a transaction.

Then, rather than offering to buy them coffee to "pick their brain" (they can buy their own coffee), invest time in researching them. Use Google, social media, mutual connections, and their content to understand their interests and find thoughtful ways to engage.

To truly add value, consider actions such as sharing articles or podcasts that align with their interests, connecting them with valuable contacts in your network, and actively engaging with their social media content through likes, comments, and shares. Demonstrate your commitment by consistently adding value before ever requesting their time or a favor.

When you secure time with them, come well-prepared. Show your work, articulate your goals, and identify the specific area in which you need guidance.

Focus on one key question or topic. This approach demonstrates your dedication and respect for their time, making you a more attractive mentee. Once the relationship is established, continue to add value, maintain regular communication, and share how you've implemented their insights.

Tonille Miller, Founder, EXT - Experience and Transformation

Collaborate with Peers as Mentors

Earlier in my career, I was surrounded by people with vastly more experience. That meant finding a mentor to "lead the way" and offer advice seemed easy. But as I became a more experienced professional, there were fewer and fewer people walking the path ahead of me in the hierarchical sense. That's when I discovered that mentors don't always need to be formal or traditional. Some of the best mentors I've had are peers outside my company—those who are in a similar role and experiencing similar challenges, who can serve as brainstorm buddies offering a different, unbiased perspective. The relationship is more reciprocal than that of the traditional mentor-mentee, as it is one where we are truly helping each other on an equal basis.

Jess Almlie, Learning & Performance Strategist, Owner, Learning Business Advisor Consulting

Learn Processes from Experienced Mentors

A mentor is like having a wise friend who can share their experiences, offer advice, and help you navigate your growth journey in your career or business. Think of a mentor as someone who has been there and done that. They provide insights, share their stories, and help you avoid common pitfalls. It's more about learning from their experience.

When I first started freelancing, I jumped straight in and was figuring things out on my own. I didn't have any clear processes; I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I then found myself an amazing mentor who has been freelancing for five years, and she shared with me her processes within her business that have helped me scale my business so much. To learn from someone who has already done it saved me so much time in fumbling around.

If you are looking to take the next step in your career, or in your business, try finding a mentor that aligns with where you want to be.

Amanda Nguyen, Learning Experience Designer

Connect with Role Models Over Coffee

When seeking a mentor, look for somebody who is doing what you want to do, but just a few steps ahead. This is helpful because they'll still be able to feel your challenges. When I was seeking to establish myself in a position, or when preparing to move, I would seek out role models (sometimes inside and sometimes outside my organization). I'd ask them for coffee (not to mentor me), I'd ask them questions, and share my challenges. If that went well, I'd ask them if they'd be open to meeting again. If that went well, I might ask them then if they'd be open to mentoring me. This ensures all parties are aware and happy with the scope and commitment.

David James, Chief Learning Officer

Choose Mentors Aligned with Core Values

When seeking out a mentor, it's crucial to look beyond just their skills and experience; find someone who resonates with your deepest values and goals. This sort of connection is more than just advisory—it can profoundly influence your personal growth, career, and business achievements.

Take, for instance, my own journey with my business. I partnered with a mentor whose dedication to personal development and performance enhancement was as intense as mine. Our mentorship was not merely about leveraging his expertise; it was about forming a bond with someone who truly embraced and understood my vision at its core.

This mentor expanded my worldview, sparked innovative business strategies, and was instrumental in defining the ethos of my program. His transformative advice significantly shaped the development of my company and revolutionized my approach to leadership and ongoing personal development. Essentially, a mentor who deeply understands and supports your vision can be a catalyst for profound change in both your professional and personal life.

Melina Panetta, Founder, Peak Performance Elite

Find Mentors Passionate About Growth

One tip for finding and making the most of mentors is to seek individuals who have more experience and knowledge in the areas you want to grow in and who share the same passions. Be open to learning and actively listen to their advice. It's important to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.

For instance, back in 2018-2019, I was fortunate to connect with Brendan Ludden, who became a key mentor in my career. He appointed me as the ClimateTech Lead at Oxford University Innovation, and together, we launched the Oxford University Climate Tech and Sustainability Challenge. My early career success is a testament to his encouragement to pursue a leadership role in the climate tech domain.

I am now the Co-Founder and COO of a leading renewable energy company developing catalyst and process technologies to convert CO2 and H2 into sustainable aviation fuel and chemicals. Since launching this company in 2021, I have continued to value mentorship. In the past year, I've had two amazing mentors from the Royal Society of Chemistry Mentorship Programme who have been crucial in helping me skill up my company as a business. Their guidance has been invaluable, not just in terms of technical advice and support but also in connecting me with the right people and network in the industry.

I also recommend passing on mentorship to others, particularly those who may be underrepresented and the younger generations who will inspire and shape the future of your industry landscape.

Jane Jin, Co-Founder and COO, OXCCU

Reach Out to Who You Are Inspired By

The best mentors are those who are a few steps ahead of you, doing the things you want to be doing. It's also important to remember that mentorship should be a mutually beneficial arrangement; it's not one-sided because both parties are learning from each other.

Most of my mentors have originated from work or shared experiences. But one of the most impactful mentors I've had was the result of my own brave outreach. I'll share the story here:

I had been following a successful startup founder in my area for over a year on LinkedIn. I admired her journey, the way she ran her business, and what she stood for. As I was in the midst of tackling some of my own challenges with my new business, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to her. I asked if she would be willing to chat on the phone, and she said yes! The rest is history.

My relationship with this mentor has given me the confidence to make hard decisions that have paid off. She has provided a safe space to share my struggles, and she has connected me with those who can help me.

At the end of the day, find the person who you are drawn to and believe can help you get to the next level. It never hurts to take that step and ask!

Kayla McGuire, Business Consultant and Project Management Coach, Kayla McGuire Consulting, LLC

Learn Professional Traits from Close Mentors

My best mentors weren't consciously sought out, but were those I worked closely with and who were genuinely invested in my growth, both professionally and personally. These mentors have seen me at my worst and my best, and have helped me recognize where I need to enhance my professional traits, and how to learn from my mistakes, even today. Early in my career, I was quick to jump from zero to 1,000, prioritizing reactivity in an attempt to control and "fix" challenges. In a high-stress startup environment, you can imagine I sounded the alarm every few days, striving to get my projects prioritized and worked on. Looking back, with over a decade of experience in startups, I am grateful to my mentors who taught me how to gauge a situation, prioritize true emergencies, and remain calm under pressure.

Kristina Hloptsidis, Chief Innovation Officer, Signify Technologies, Corp.

Identify Through Conversations

One of the best mentors I've had, I found by chance. I was at an event for one of my restaurants, and someone started chatting with me about owning businesses and asked about my story of how I'd grown my career as an entrepreneur. Once I started telling him more about the challenges I was facing, he gave me advice on how he'd dealt with similar situations in his business. From there, I stayed in contact, and he ended up becoming my mentor and still helps me with challenges I face for my company.

My point here is that you need to know how to identify someone with the potential to be a valuable mentor to you specifically. Even a simple conversation like the one I had can lead to insight into improving your business, your management style, etc., and might just be the starting point of an important relationship that will help you build a successful business.

Kam Talebi, CEO, Gigli

Find Someone Who Believes in You

Mid-career, I was experiencing burnout. I then opted for the better option for me back then, a career pivot. If it weren't for a mentor—the right one—who believed in me all throughout until I landed my dream job, I wouldn't be able to be celebrating today the best decision I've ever made.

A career path is like a ladder; each milestone you reach is a series of steps you took, whether it was learning from mistakes or an intentional effort you invested in. The ideal mentor you find should be one who champions you regardless, who offers unconditional support, and who has that groundbreaking advice at the right moment.

One who knows the path very well, because their success is based upon the real deal: wins and losses. Their wisdom? They pass it on to you, betting on your success as well. Because they are able to already see you at your peak, at the finish line, winning! The main characteristics you should look for in a mentor are: authenticity, reliability, and expertise.

Alinnette Casiano, Bilingual Learning and Development Leader