How to Find the Right Mentor for Your Career

Navigating a tech career without a strong network is like playing the career game on the highest difficulty setting. Here’s how I learned to level up quickly. When I joined the elite International Manager program I was assigned to Dubai and had to report to work with just a few weeks’ notice. Embarrassingly… I had to look up where it was on the map as I was buying my airfare. I needed to succeed in a new country, culture, and a totally alien corporate environment with no contacts whatsoever. I needed help—fast. I searched for mentorship and made a LOT of mistakes. These challenges forced me to develop a systematic approach to building mentorship relationships, which I've successfully applied in moves to Mexico, Singapore, and Google HQ. Here’s how I did it: Step 1: What do you need? Shortlist areas where help is needed. Calibrate this list with perspectives from more experienced folks. Listen carefully for unexpected areas that will pop up in your first conversations.     Step 2: Identify Potential Mentors. Start with your immediate connections, no matter how insignificant they seem. Look for people who’ve been in your shoes inside your organization or speakers at industry events who resonate with your career aspirations. Step 3: Engage Thoughtfully. Once you've identified a potential mentor, engage with them— comment on their posts, show up to their events and contribute meaningfully to initiatives or discussions they are involved in. If the engagement is positive, it’s a good first “vibe check”. Step 4: Craft a Personal Connection. When you reach out, be specific about why you chose them and what you hope to learn. Personalized messages stand out. Mention any commonalities or insights that sparked your interest. Step 5: Offer Mutual Value. Propose ways you can be helpful in return, whether it's offering your perspective or sharing your thoughts on recent trends related to their interests. A lasting mentorship needs to be a good investment for both parties. Step 6: Be Persistent AND Patient Your first attempts won’t pan out. Don’t take it personally. Continue reaching out thoughtfully and eventually you’ll succeed. Remember: Every professional was once a beginner When possible, most are eager to give back to the community I've shared my steps for finding great mentors; now I'd love to hear yours. What strategies have helped you build your network from the ground up? Share your insights below! #Mentorship #CareerDevelopment #Networking #TechCareers

Is your goal to find a mentor this year? 76% of people think mentors are important. But there’s a problem… Only 37% of professionals have a mentor per Forbes. ⚡️“Talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not." - Leslie Cornfeld ⚡️ The right mentoring relationship can boost your career success, lead to opportunities, promotions, and more! I’m grateful for all my mentors who helped me develop the right skills, mindset, and experience over the years, and I’m committed to paying it forward. I get this question a lot: “How do I find a mentor?” Here are a few tips: ➡️ 1. Clarify your goals and mentorship needs ▪ What do you want to accomplish in the short-term or long-term? Is it to learn new skills? Broadening your network for opportunities? SMART goals help you identify the right mentor. They also help determine if you need a mentor or a sponsor. ➡️ 2. List people who you admire ▪ Do your research and create a list of more senior people in your field whose journey you can learn from. Explore your alumni network, professional organizations, or conferences. Prioritize those who are skilled at teaching, training, and foster growth. ➡️ 3. Consider a digital mentor ▪ Review your existing professional network but also consider people with a digital presence who you can learn from. Technology has made it possible to learn from afar with the democratization of knowledge and information. ➡️ 4. Communicate your interest ▪ Start with what you like about the person's work, especially if you've never met. Do your research to be specific and make a good impression. Share your goals and how you can learn from them. Do not start with an ask. ➡️ 5. Build the relationship and support ▪ How can you promote and support the person’s efforts? Can you use your skills to contribute to something they’re working on? Find ways to proactively further their goals as you get to know them. ➡️ 6. Demonstrate your value ▪ Create touchpoints to add value to the person and share the value you’re adding elsewhere. Share the actions you’re taking against your goals, your accomplishments, and positive feedback you receive. Give the person a reason to want to support you, without even having to ask for mentorship. People like to support others who are motivated, proactive and have potential. ➡️ 7. Set realistic expectations ▪ Mentoring is an option and not an obligation. As you share your interest in having the person as a mentor, recognize that they may not have bandwidth to take initial meetings or commit to ongoing mentorship. Be respectful of their time and always thank them for considering. What would you add? How did you find your mentor? If you’re seeking one, what steps are you taking? If you're a mentor, what tips would you share with mentees? #mentoring #mentorship #career #leadership #careeradvice

Why Mentoring is Helpful? Finding a mentor was one of the best decisions I ever made during my 30+ years of leading real estate companies and working with churches. For over 20 years, I was mentored by the same person, whether I was a CEO in the United States or the Middle East. This person, who was 20 years my senior, had succeeded in the business world that I aspired to enter. This mentor was someone I admired, both from a family perspective and regarding work-life balance. I thought, “Yeah, I can learn a lot from him.” When selecting a mentor, the key is to ask them about their mistakes. The most valuable insight for you as a mentee is learning from the errors they made throughout their career. Your goal in a mentee-mentor relationship is to avoid some of those pitfalls. If you are interviewing a potential mentor and all they discuss is their accomplishments, they are not a suitable mentor. So, before you hire a mentor candidate, ask them these questions: · What was one of the biggest disappointments in your career? · When you were building your organization, what setback can I learn from? · Regarding your decisions, what are some things you would do differently now that you have learned from your experience? · What is the most significant mistake you made in your career, and how did you grow from it? As a mentee, you want to acquire knowledge from your mentor. Let’s say you're trying to set up and grow a real estate company. You're speaking with someone who has experience accomplishing what you want to achieve. This person has likely made decisions and mistakes they would approach differently now. You can learn from their experiences or perhaps from those who have navigated challenging business relationships. This can help you identify what to look for in your current situation based on what they went through. A mentor relationship can be incredibly positive and beneficial for you as a leader. If you've been a mentee or a mentor and had a positive experience, please share it in the comments below; I'd love to hear about it. 20/20 Foresight Executive Talent Solutions #mentoring #coaching

How do you find a mentor? Last week, I wrote about how essential it has been for me to find mentors in the VC space, and how that was also true during my playing career in the NBA. The advice to find one is simple. Doing the actual finding, though, can be a challenge. So, what are some steps that could work? 1️⃣ Who Do You Already Know? That mentor may not already be in your network, but they’re one, two or three calls or emails away from someone who is. Do you know anyone that’s in the field or on the path you’re looking to forge? Do you know someone who might know someone? Did your cousin’s friend’s former boss start their own company, and that’s what you want to do? Is another former student of your favorite history teacher now a software engineer, and you’re interested in that, too? You’ll have to ask around to find that out (I’m not assuming you know much about your cousin’s friend’s old boss). And you’ll have to cast a wide net. And you’ll have to be willing to put yourself out there. I have been lucky enough to find myself in some incredible rooms with impressive people thanks to my career in the NBA. But that wasn’t the end of it. I had to be willing to put myself out there, to share my interests and questions, to encourage them to see me as more than a hooper, in order to create connections. Which leads us to… 2️⃣ Don’t Be Afraid to Ask It’s not always natural or comfortable to ask for help. But, often, that’s the only way you’re going to get it — and get it in the way that you truly need. So, don’t be afraid to ask that person in your network, or who you know just a little, or that you worked with in the past, if they’d be willing to chat. Don’t be afraid to do some research, identify someone that’s on a path that you find drawn to, and reach out by sending a brief note. You might not hear back. A lot of times, honestly, you won’t. But, eventually, you will hear back. You will find someone that’s eager to offer you what they’ve learned along the way. And when you do… 3️⃣ Nurture the Relationship  Once you find that person, remain engaged. Stay curious. Express gratitude. Figure out a cadence of communication that works for both of you. Consider if there’s anything you can offer them — and, trust me, no matter who that person is or where you’re at, there is; it could be as simple as a warm smile or steadily maintaining eye contact as you listen. When I was an OG for some young bucks in the league, I loved it, because it felt like it kept me youthful, and I was able to connect with a newer generation and learn about their passions. 💡 For those of you who have had mentors, what have been the keys to finding them? 💡 💡 For those of you who have been mentors, what’s been an effective way that your mentee has connected with you? 💡 #linkedinsports #mentorship #venturecapital

We're all in need of mentors… I get messages each week from people asking me to be their mentor. Unfortunately, I can't say yes to everyone, but I want to start sharing some answers to the questions I most often receive. One I get asked over and over is: How do I find a mentor? 1️⃣ Mentoring relationships are best established over time. If there's someone in the office that you want to be your mentor, offer to help them with a project or problem. Then, ask them if they want to grab coffee and start to develop the relationship. If you cold outreach to someone, ensure you're very specific about what you're asking. They're more likely to respond. I get a lot of messages from people with no context or explanation. They just say, "Deepa, I don't have a mentor. Will you be mine?" I sometimes don't respond to messages because I'm unclear on why they reached out or what they are asking me to do. However, if someone asks me a very specific question or for advice on a particular issue, I almost always respond. It's a clear ask, and I know what to expect and how to help. 2️⃣ When someone agrees to work with you, tell them why their mentoring matters and what it means to you. Sharing very specific feedback about how someone helped you or what advice stuck will help your mentor be helpful in the future and encourage them to be more invested in you. If you have chosen someone in the office who is talking about how they are setting boundaries around their kids and work, tell them that. "I really admired how you shared how you set your travel schedule to be at home on Mondays and Fridays. Not enough people talk about hacks like that, and I want to get better at doing it."  It's really meaningful to know and feel like you are sharing wisdom only you can share, and I find myself more eager to help people when I get feedback that my help or advice matters. 3️⃣ Remember that time is precious. Make the most of the time that you do get. If someone agrees to make time to meet with you. Come prepared. I can't tell you how many times I will meet with a new potential mentee, and they will share that they just wanted to chat and don't have any questions.  Make the most out of the time people give you. What are some other important aspects to remember when finding a mentor? #mentor #mentorship #leadership #leaders

Tried finding a mentor and got crickets? It's probably not you, it's the system. We've all heard the hype – find a great mentor, change your life. But the reality? Finding someone who's the right fit, available, and truly invested in you can feel like searching for a unicorn. The problem is, we're often sold this idea that mentorship is about finding that one perfect, all-knowing person to guide our journey. But what if there was a better way? A way that empowers you and puts your growth in the driver's seat? 🔑 Forget the 'perfect' mentor. Focus on the dynamic. Instead of chasing an elusive mentor ideal, shift your focus to building a mentorship dynamic. This means finding people slightly ahead of you on your chosen path, who are willing to share their knowledge and insights. 🔑 Why this speeds up your growth: ▶ Targeted knowledge: They've recently faced the challenges you're facing now. Their solutions are fresh and relevant. ▶ Mutual benefit: As a mentee, you offer value too! Your questions and fresh perspective make them rethink their own process. ▶ Less intimidating: They're closer to your level, making it easier to connect and be honest about your challenges. 🤔 So, how do you actually make this happen? 🔑 Seek out the sharers: Look for people doing podcasts, writing articles, or being active in their industry community. These are the people genuinely interested in passing knowledge forward. The Mentorship Cycle: 1. Reach out with a specific question demonstrating you value their expertise. 2. Listen intently, then TAKE ACTION on their advice. 3. Report back! Share your results, whether successful or not. This shows respect and helps them refine their advice. 4. Ask a new, deeper question. Rinse and repeat! This is growth on your terms. By building a reciprocal mentorship dynamic, you take control. You learn proactively, gain confidence from action, and create mutually beneficial relationships that can evolve over time. 🍿 The creative boost you didn't see coming 🍿 This approach isn't just about knowledge transfer or career growth – it's a catalyst for your creativity! Here's why: Busting out of your bubble: Connecting with someone outside your usual circle exposes you to new ways of thinking, sparking fresh ideas. Action fuels inspiration: Taking action on their advice, then seeing results, reinforces your belief in your own ability to create and problem-solve. Accountability breeds output: Knowing you'll be reporting back creates a healthy pressure to actually execute on those ideas, not just let them linger. This mentorship dynamic isn't a replacement for those times when you might need in-depth guidance from a seasoned expert. But for day-to-day growth, overcoming creative hurdles, and building momentum, it's a surprisingly powerful tool. 🙅♂️ Tip of the day: Tag someone that you want to build a mentor relationship with in the comments.

Finding a mentor has never been just about experience—it's about finding a strategic partner who challenges your thinking and helps you grow. When I first sought mentors, I focused on those with years of experience, thinking that was the key to success. But it wasn’t until I connected with someone who really challenged my assumptions that I began to see real progress. This mentor didn’t just offer advice; they pushed me to think differently and step out of my comfort zone. That made all the difference. Experience is valuable, but a great mentor brings more than knowledge. They offer fresh perspectives, a strong network, and aligned values. Based on what I've learned, here’s what to look for in an ideal mentor: - Seek a Strategic Partner: Find someone who challenges you to explore new ideas. This type of mentor fosters both personal and professional growth. - Look Beyond Your Industry: A mentor with a different background can provide unique insights and solutions that you might not encounter within your field. - Value Their Network: A well-connected mentor can introduce you to key opportunities and expand your professional circle. - Ensure a Communication Fit: Effective communication is crucial. A mentor whose style aligns with yours leads to a more productive relationship. - Think Long-Term: A good mentor can guide you through various stages of growth, helping you navigate both present challenges and future opportunities. - Be Open to Trial and Error: Finding the right mentor takes time. If it’s not a good fit, don’t be afraid to move on until you find someone who truly supports and challenges you. Ultimately, the right mentors aren't just about experience—they push you to grow, open new doors, and share your vision. Choose wisely, because it’s the relationship, not just the credentials, that shapes your journey. . . . #mentors #rightmentorship

Two insurance billionaires I know shared their unfiltered advice for finding a mentor. Neither of these big cats have time to mix words. They’re direct. Always. Here’s their advice: And it’s the hard truth about mentor relationships that most won't tell you. They're rarely built through formal "will you be my mentor?" conversations. Instead, both cats emphasized these counterintuitive approaches: 1. Make yourself useful first ⋅ Don't ask for mentorship - try to create value ⋅ Great mentors are drawn to hungry, proactive people who make their lives easier (I offered to do one of these guys’ E&O for free nearly ten years ago, just to have time w him) 2. Study from afar initially ⋅ Watch how they run their business ⋅ Watch how they handle tough situations ⋅ Read what they write ⋅ Listen when they speak ⋅ Build your own knowledge about their challenges and priorities before any direct approach 3. Ask for specific advice, not broad mentorship ⋅ “How would you handle this specific situation?" opens more doors than "Will you mentor me?" ⋅ Smart, targeted questions show you value their time 4. Deliver remarkable follow-through ⋅ When they do give advice, execute it immediately ⋅ Circle back with results ⋅ Nothing fires up a mentor more than seeing their guidance put into action 5. Find the hidden mentors, not just the big cats ⋅ The most accessible mentors are often one level above you, not the CEO (The cat that can help you achieve your one or three year goals) ⋅ Look for rising leaders who still remember their own early career challenges My own best advice: real mentorship is earned through consistent performance. It’s hard w time constraints, but try to develop a genuine relationship. Find common non business stuff you know they like and that you do too, and text them periodically on it… Remember, it’s never about one conversation - it's about becoming someone worth investing in. What worked for them won't work for everyone. But there's one universal truth… The best mentors choose their mentees based on demonstrated potential! Not desperate requests. For the seasoned pros: anything you’d add for the next gen? P.S. if you’re a rising star in our industry and want to chat, DM me. I have my 3 mentees for 2025, but always happy to connect!

Looking for a mentor but not sure where to start? 🤔 With 25+ years in career development, I get asked about #mentorship all the time. So today, I’m sharing some key tips on how to make the most of mentorship and set yourself up for success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, these insights can help you make meaningful connections that will truly accelerate your growth! 🚀 #julieonthejob 1️⃣ Align your career goals with the mentorship you seek – Where are you now, and where do you want to be? What are the gaps that need closing, and who can help you get there? 🌱 2️⃣ Be specific about what you want to be mentored on – The more focused you are, the easier it is for someone to say yes. Example: “I’ve noticed you’re really great at running meetings—could you help me improve my skills in that area?” What not to do: “I don’t know what I want to do in my career or with my life. Can you mentor me?” 🙅♀️ 3️⃣ Build a network of mentors – It’s hard to find one person who can do it all! Look for mentors who can guide you in different areas. 4️⃣ Be proactive and show gratitude – Set up meetings, buy coffee, send thank-you notes. These little actions help build strong, meaningful relationships. ☕💌 5️⃣ Pay it back/pay it forward – Find ways to help your mentor, no matter how early you are in your career. You have more to offer than you think! 💡