Tips for Seeking Mentorship Guidance

Don’t just ask someone to “be your mentor” — be intentional about how you work with them. Mentorship has shaped my career in big ways. One of my earliest mentors was an interim pro-vice-chancellor when I worked at a university. That relationship led to the opportunity to work in India — something I never could have planned, but which completely shifted my trajectory. I still work with mentors today, so when people approach me for mentorship, I try to help where I can. Enter Iqra Ali. She recently reached out with the perfect approach — clear, thoughtful, and showing she’s driven, passionate, approachable, and ready to put the work in. And that’s the difference. Mentorship works when the mentee drives the relationship. From both sides, here’s what I’ve seen matters most: ✅ Be clear on what you need support with ✅ Do your research before you reach out ✅ Come prepared and on time ✅ Keep your mentor updated on progress ✅ Follow up promptly — respect their time Beyond the basics, mentorship can also be strategic: ✅ Learn from people indirectly (blogs, podcasts, videos, talks) ✅ Build a network of mentors, not just one ✅ Set yourself weekly challenges to apply advice ✅ Invest in yourself — through mentors, courses, and training I truly believe mentorship can be a game-changing investment. But it does require time, and sometimes money. If you’re clear on what you want, open to feedback, and willing to put the work in, the return on this investment will continue to pay off again and again throughout your career. #mentorship

ON MENTORSHIP One of the most valuable things that a person trying to figure out where to go in their career and life can find is a mentor. I credit much of my success to the people who helped me learn how to be a better person and lawyer. However, many people are stumped in relation to how they can create such a relationship. Here are my two cents as someone who is being mentored by and mentoring people simultaneously. 1) There is a formal mentorship process that some vocations have or are set up by professional associations. This is not what I am talking about. Those are awesome but what I am talking about is the informal and powerful knowledge transfer that happens and from which I have benefited the most. 2) People think of mentorship as this enormous nebulous commitment on both parts. I don't subscribe to that type of mentorship. I subscribe to the kind where I want to receive and add value. 3) Seek out a mentor who seems to be on the path that you admire. Don't necessarily aim for someone who has achieved your wildest dreams (although if you can form such a relationship, that is awesome). The gap between you and your mentor should not be night and day. 4) LEARN EVERYTHING YOU CAN ABOUT THAT TYPE OF PERSON BEFOREHAND. I have found most people who we admire tend to be prolific, they write books, make podcasts, they create artifacts. Scour those artifacts to learn about who they are and why they became that way. 5) Figure out what you are trying to get from the mentorship. A mentor is not there to help you figure out everything, there are professionals for that. Instead, a mentor should be approached with a specific goal or idea in mind 6) Don't fixate on a specific individual. Often, the people who I expected to be mentors didn't end up in that role and people who I didn't expect did so. It sounds esoteric but if you are open, the right person will turn up 7) Approach and provide value. Successful people are bombarded constantly with people asking for something and the most valuable thing is your time. If you can get an introduction, that is wonderful but if you can't, approaching with a solution to a problem they might have, see 4 might work wonders. e.g. a brilliant young law student who wanted to learn more about criminal law reached out and just told me about some settings on TT that I did not know. They made my videos better and I was happy to help him in his career. It was a win/win. 8) You don't need to actually meet someone to be mentored by them. I have mentors that I have never met, some of whom are dead (yes, you can be mentored by the dead like Marcus Aurelius) 9) There are multiple approaches to this problem and not every approach will work on every mentor. Think outside the box if you want to succeed PIC Below:A young and very much in need of a mentor Jahan Kalantar sans moustache

Here's my "Never ask for a mentor" framework that led to: - Mentorship from an NYC food entrepreneur - Writing for Ryan Holiday - My first 6-figure job - $2k to speak with zero experience - Getting on top business podcasts (before I had a business) - Moving from teaching to tech - Quitting my job and going solo I know this is going to help people: 1. Never use the "M" word - Never ever ever ever (ever) ask someone to be your "mentor" - This creates instant pressure - Start with a specific, thoughtful question about their work - Show you've done your homework on their background - Ask one simple question that will help you (that they can answer is less than 60 seconds) - Be SPECIFIC (Not "whats your best tip for somebody starting out..") - Keep initial outreach brief and respectful of their time 2. Take their advice and ACTUALLY DO IT - This is where 99% of people fail - When someone gives you advice, implement it immediately - Don't wait for perfect conditions - just execute - Document your process and results 3. Circle back with results - Return with "I tried what you suggested and here's what happened..." - Be honest about both successes and failures - Express genuine gratitude for their guidance - Nobody does this - they'll be genuinely surprised 4. Use that momentum to ask the next question - This creates natural permission to continue the conversation - Each exchange builds more trust and access - Focus on quality questions that show you're serious - Create a cycle of value exchange rather than a one-sided relationship 5. Repeat consistently - Continue this loop with multiple people in your industry - Be patient - relationships build over time - Gradually deepen connections through consistent follow-through That's basically it. People love seeing their advice put into action. While everyone else is asking for mentorship and doing nothing with it, you'll stand out by simply following through. Do this enough times and you'll build a network that creates true freedom - freedom where you will always have work if/when you want it and a support network that lasts a lifetime. Any questions? Was this helpful?

One of the best moves I made early on in my career was finding mentors. Not just one but three; if you’re going to learn, you might as well get a full panel of judges. I believe in a 360° approach to everything. One with way less experience than me; because fresh eyes see what veterans overlook. One a few years ahead; because they just fought the same battles I was facing. One who was an executive board member; because why not get advice from someone who is where you hope to get to, and who makes the big decisions? Now, I didn’t just slide into their DMs and say, “Hi, can I pick your brain?” (Please, don’t do this. Ever.) I earned my mentors. Earned. They saw my diligence, my hard work, my intelligence, and my commitment. They saw that I actually listened, applied their advice, and took action. I wasn’t just looking for a free roadmap. I was willing to do the work. And I gave back, too. I shared insights from my own experiences. Yes, everyone can learn from anyone. I connected them with people and resources they found valuable. I helped with projects, research, or anything that made their lives easier. I showed up prepared, engaged, and ready to execute on their advice. Moral of the story? Find mentors at different levels. You need wisdom from above, below, and right next to you. Don’t just slide into their inbox with a generic ask. Stand out. Be specific. Show initiative. Offer something in return. Mentorship is a two-way street, not a charity. Be consistent. Real mentorship isn’t a one-off convo; it’s a relationship. Follow up. Show growth. Actually do the work. A mentor’s advice is useless if it just sits in your notes app. And then there are the silent mentors, the ones who don’t even know they’re mentoring. I call this Ghost Mentoring. Have you had any experience with mentors, officially or in ghost mode? #CareerMentor #TalentManagement #PersonalDevelopment

I waited far too long to find a mentor. 16 years into building HomeServe, I finally admitted I needed help. Our US business was making $10 million profit but couldn't break through. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn't understand what it was. So I did what I should have done much earlier: I found a mentor. Flicking through the Sunday Times Rich List, my eyes were drawn to Nigel Morris. A Brit who made it big with Capital One in America. I sent Nigel emails. Nothing. Handwritten letters. Nothing. I started calling his office. One evening, he answered: "Next time you're in Washington, look me up." "Funnily enough," I lied, "I'm there tomorrow." I jumped on the first flight out the next morning. Three hours in Nigel's office changed everything. Two insights transformed our US business: 1. Move from Miami to the north-east, where serious business gets done. 2. Hire an American CEO if you want to be taken seriously as an American business. We followed his advice, and 14 years later, we were making $240 million a year. I begin Chapter 3 of my book, How to Make a Billion in 9 Steps, with this line: "Leaders live or die by the quality of the counsel they receive." When I started, I thought experience is king, therefore experience is enough. Seeking advice was not my natural instinct. Now I know my businesses would have grown faster, and I would have made fewer mistakes, if I had asked for advice from the right people. What I've learnt about getting the right counsel: ✅ Seek three kinds: Colleagues with expertise for tactical help.  Coaches to help you tackle issues whilst holding true to your values.  Mentors with broad industry knowledge to add strategic advice from experience. ✅ Be tenacious: Valuable advice is often hard won.  "No" usually means "not yet". ✅ Mentors don't dictate: True mentors guide you towards discovering your own answers.  They show rather than tell. ✅ Read constantly: An insightful book can be an invaluable mentor...  Especially when your contacts are slim. Don't wait 16 years like I did. Asking for help means you're serious about building your dream. If you want to learn more about finding a Coach or Mentor, or the other 8 steps for building a billion-pound business... Get your copy of How to Make a Billion in 9 Steps here:  https://lnkd.in/eRYDKXdT If you're a founder seeking a coach or mentor, or a leader willing to mentor someone else, leave a comment below. This might be your chance to find the person who takes your business to the next stage. 

Be close to those whose today looks like your tomorrow. We all have dreams, of career growth, financial independence or a life of impact. Then there struggle to achieve them. Often, we want to give up due to lack of support. Proximity to the right people can accelerate our journey. A simple truth is: Every dream we have, someone is already living it. What should we do? 1. Stop only looking Up, start looking around Do not look to far ahead, there are many just a few steps ahead. People we can talk to. Observe. Work with. Shadow. Learn from. Being close does not always mean physical presence, it can be: • Reading their content • Listening to their talks • Attending their webinars • Engaging on LinkedIn • Or even asking for mentorship You do not need to know them personally to learn from them. But you must be intentional. 2. Do not intellectualise too much, just ask “How Did You Do It?” Most people ask successful individuals what they did. Few ask why they did it that way. Be curious about: • Their decision-making process • What they stopped doing to grow • Mistakes they would avoid if starting today • Their mindset during hard times These conversations offer insights we will not find in books or courses. 3. Provide before you seek Want someone more experienced to guide or support you? Do not just ask for help. Offer value. • Help them with research • Offer feedback • Support their projects • Share their work genuinely The best mentorships are not one way. 4. Audit your circle Look at the five people you spend the most time with. Are they moving toward something? Are they growing? Or are they just complaining, coasting or stuck? Proximity to energy, ambition and belief matters more than proximity to comfort. 5. Be “That Person” for someone else The most beautiful part of this journey? Someone will one day look at your life and think: “Their today looks like my dream. I want to be around them.” Do not chase people for status. Seek people for substance. Be close to those whose today looks like your tomorrow and then become that person for someone. Grow. Learn. Rise.

"𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗥?" Every week, I get asked, "Will you be my mentor?" Often, this question comes from people I've not met, which makes it somewhat awkward. Here's a fail-proof formula I've used for finding and approaching mentors effectively. Step 1: Have Clarity on Your Goals This clarity helps you identify potential mentors who can truly propel you forward. Your goals don't need to be long-term; they can be something immediate you need help with. Step 2: Start with Your Network Look within your existing network or extend to professionals you admire but haven't met yet. This could be through introductions or shared connections. Mentors don't always come with years of experience over you; peers can be just as insightful. Template Sentence: "I’ve noticed we share a common connection with [Mutual Connection’s Name]. I really admire how you handle [specific skill or achievement], and I’d love to learn from you about this." Step 3: Make a Specific Ask When reaching out, be specific and respect their time. Request a brief conversation, no longer than 30 minutes, focusing on a specific area where their expertise is evident. Template Sentence: "Your skills in [specific area] are truly inspiring. Could I have 30 minutes of your time to understand more about how you developed these abilities and to get your feedback on [specific topic]?" Step 4: Follow Up (The Most Important Step) Post-discussion, always follow up with a thank you message outlining how their advice helped you. This shows appreciation and reinforces the value of their guidance. Template Sentence: "Thank you for your invaluable advice on [topic discussed]. I applied your suggestions at [specific instance], and it made a significant difference. I’m very grateful for your help." Step 5: Continue the Relationship Mentorship isn’t a one-off interaction but a series of meaningful exchanges. Continue to engage your mentor with relevant questions and updates about your progress. Template Sentence: "I’ve recently faced a challenge similar to what we discussed before. Could I get your perspective on this new situation?" Avoid directly asking, "Will you be my mentor?" Instead, build the relationship through respectful, meaningful interactions, and always value their time and input. What's worked for you in seeking mentorship?

I get asked, "How do I find a mentor?" a lot. But the answer is simpler than you think. It's 2 steps: 1. Find a role model 2. Ask You likely have someone you look up to at work. Someone that has traits or skills you wish you had. Go to that person and use this formula: > "Hey <name>, I hope you're doing well. I love it when I have the chance to work with you, and I look up to you and your ability to <skill you want to grow in>. Would you be open to helping me grow there as well?" I've had a 100% success rate by asking slight variations of this across the 15 mentors I've had in my career. Here's a filled-in example: > "Hey Alicia, I hope you're doing well. I love it when I have the chance to work with you, and I look up to you and your ability to write high-quality technical proposals. Would you be open to helping me grow there as well?" Here are a few other tricks to help you: 1. If you're nervous to ask directly, or don't know who to go to, then you can ask your manager for help finding a mentor. 2. Prefer explicit "skill asks" to general, "will you be my mentor" asks. It gives you and your mentor a clear goal. You can transition to a more broad mentorship later. 3. If you're not currently employed, finding a mentor will be a bit more difficult, or costly. But I recommend checking ADPList if you are looking for free mentorship. Again, know what you want help with though. Have these tips worked for you? Do you like the formula and think you can use it? Let me know below!

The best mentors won't find you, You have to find them. My core values for career development: • Ownership - Taking responsibility for your growth • Courage - Moving through discomfort for what matters • Reciprocity - Creating value, not just taking it What I can't stand is seeing people wait for career opportunities while mistaking passivity for patience. Here's how to ask potential mentors (without feeling awkward): 1/ Be direct about your goals Don't beat around the bush. Tell them exactly what you need. "I was promoted to senior engineer and want to level up my systems architecture skills. Would you be willing to mentor me?" 2/ Tell them why you chose them People appreciate knowing what drew you to them specifically, showing you’ve done your homework. "I'm reaching out because of your experience leading engineering teams at high-growth startups." 3/ Start with a small ask Don't request a long-term commitment right away. "Would you be open to a 30-minute video call to connect?" 4/ Be gracious if rejected Sometimes people don't have bandwidth. That's okay. "I understand you have significant demands on your time." 5/ Ask for alternatives If they decline, their network might be your next opportunity. "Is there anyone you'd recommend I connect with instead?" 6/ Approach with the right mindset Confidence in your goals. Respect for their time. Gratitude for their expertise. I've seen too many careers stall because of fear of rejection. But I promise: The temporary discomfort of reaching out is nothing compared to the permanent pain of career stagnation. Stop waiting for the perfect mentor to appear. Make the first move today. What strategies have worked for you when finding mentors? Image Credit: GraciousQuotes --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

The right mentor can change everything. Here's how to choose the right one. A lot of founders already know they can't build a business alone. But finding a good mentor isn't as simple as googling "mentor me". My mentors haven't exactly been who most would imagine. There's my mom, who's entreprenuerial adventures taught me so much as a kid and still gives me advice today. My my unique mentor? A retired 3 star general. Was he a business leader? No, but he'd lead a 37,000+ strong team through some of the biggest natural disasters the US had seen. His leadership skills were legendary, but most importantly he was remarkable at growing people into their potential--personally and professionally.   They've taught me that mentors don't always have to be in your industry or on the same path as you. Here's how to find people who can actually help you grow. 1. Start with your family and friends ↳ If someone's been in the game longer than you, seek out their knowledge. 2. Look outside your industry ↳ Find someone who embodies the traits you want to develop and ask what's important to them. 3. Seek out people who've made mistakes ↳ They'll share their lessons and steer you toward the right choices. 4. Find mentors who push back ↳ You can't grow if someone's always agreeing with what you say. Be open to having your ideas challenged. 5. Don't overlook your peers ↳ Sometimes, the best advice comes from someone just a few steps ahead of you. Having the right mentor can save you a lot of time and energy. At the end of the day, be sure to ask yourself, "Will they help me reach the next step I need?" If the answer is yes, listen to what they have to say. I'd love to hear from y'all. What's the best piece of advice y'all have received from a mentor? Share it in the comments! P.s For more advice on entrepreneurship, go ahead and follow Lise Kuecker! 📌 Save this post to look back on. ♻️ Repost to help folks who'd appreciate it.