Before I tell you what a “mentor” is and why they’re important for you and your startup, let me start with a short story.
Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, faced massive challenges in his early days. In 1983, Jobs decided to ask John Sculley, the CEO of Pepsi at the time, to be his mentor.
Sculley had a huge impact on Jobs in shaping the company’s management strategy. From there, technology and innovation developed significantly, and the great entity we now know as Apple began to take shape.
Now that you know this story, let me explain what a mentor really is.
A mentor is someone who offers support and guidance to someone with less experience, aiming to help them grow personally and professionally — whether you’re a student, an employee, or an entrepreneur.
Why is having a mentor important for you or your startup?
- Helps you develop your skills faster.
- Offers an external, unbiased opinion to solve your problems.
- Helps you make tough decisions with confidence.
- Opens up networking opportunities with people who can support you.
- Prevents costly mistakes.
- Encourages and supports you during difficult times.
- Helps you build a strong foundation for long-term success.
Here are five steps to choosing a great mentor:
- Experience in your field: Choose someone who has real-world experience in your industry.
- Clear and direct communication style: A good mentor explains things simply and without beating around the bush.
- Honesty and constructive support: They must be honest — telling you what’s right and wrong to help you truly grow.
- Availability and commitment: They should have time to support you consistently.
- Shared values and vision: It’s important to be on the same wavelength so you can work together comfortably.
If you’ve started looking for the right mentor, you’re already taking a smart step toward faster, more conscious success.
A mentor isn’t just a guide — they’re a partner in your journey.
If you’re ready to book your first session with a mentor and take a real step toward your success, click the link below.