Why Mentors Matter

The most powerful shifts in my personal life and career haven’t come from books I’ve read or online courses I’ve curiously signed up for.

It comes from conversations I’ve had with friends, colleagues or often an unexpected connection with someone who has taken the time to guide, invest their time and share their experiences with me.

Lately, I have been reflecting on the impact of the people in my life who have been willing to challenge me, and at times call out the uncomfortable truth I simply needed to hear in that moment.

For me, these are the people are who I call mentors.

A mentor is not necessarily a manager or a teacher, they might hold those professional titles, but, it’s not about authority. Mentors don’t arrive to the conversation with frameworks, KPIs, or formal development plans. They simply draw on the mistakes they’ve made, perspective they’ve earned, and the willingness to share it without judgement.

If you’ve ever needed honest, constructive feedback from someone who wasn’t tied to your job title or performance, you’ll know the power of a mentor who has your best interests at heart.

If you paused here, you could probably think of the people in your life who have played this role, even if you never thought to call them a mentor at the time.

All mentors look different 

Over time, I’ve realised that no single mentor can give you everything. Different moments in life call for different voices and the diversity of thinking is what helps you grow.

Lifetime mentors – People who stay the course with you, shaping you over decades. For me, that’s been Steve Kloss and Peter Jackson. Their wisdom, values, and consistency have anchored me through highs and lows.

Specialist mentors – Sometimes you need someone with deep knowledge in a particular area. A few years ago, I asked Kate Dinon to help me understand the technology and start-up ecosystem. In just a few conversations, she gave me clarity that might have taken me years to figure out alone.

Reverse mentors – This is one of the most underrated forms of mentorship. When Jackson Sweet asked me to mentor him, I thought it was a one-way street. But he’s taught me just as much – about life, perspective, and about Gen Z – as I’ve taught him. Mentorship works best when it’s a two-way exchange.

The strongest mentors are rarely the loudest or the most decorated. They’re usually people who:

• Have walked the path you want to travel and respect.
• Aren’t afraid to challenge without judgement and call out your blind spots.
• Will hold space when you’re struggling and celebrate when you succeed.
• Bring diversity of age, gender, culture, and worldview. If every mentor looks and thinks like you, your learning will be limited.

How to find a mentor

The best mentorships rarely come from a formal program. They begin with a simple, honest conversation.

“Can I learn from you?”

Mentorship is ultimately an act of trust, not structure. If you’re clear about why you’re asking, respectful of their time, and genuine in your intention, that’s all you need. In many ways, it’s one of the greatest compliments you can offer someone - acknowledging that their journey has something to teach yours.

Final thought

Every mentor I’ve had has shaped me in ways I can name and in ways I’ll never fully articulate. They’ve steadied me when I needed grounding, pushed me when I needed courage, and expanded my world in moments when I didn’t know it needed expanding.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to experience mentorship, formally or informally, consider paying it forward. Somewhere, someone is hoping for a conversation or connection that helps them see what’s possible in their own journey. You might be that person.