Finding Mentors in Niche Industries

If You’re the Smartest Person in Your Network, You’re in the Wrong Rooms. Networking isn't just about getting clients or referrals. It’s about getting wisdom. Want to grow your business faster? Surround yourself with people who are five or ten steps ahead of you. People who’ve already solved the problems you’re facing. That’s where the real ROI in networking lives. But here’s the catch: The smartest people in the room don’t waste time with takers. They invest in people who are hungry, humble, and helpful. So if you're looking to build a network of mentors and trusted advisors, here’s how you do it right: ✅ Get Clear on Who You Want to Learn From Don’t just show up to events and “see who’s there.” Make a hit list of people you’d love to learn from, experienced founders, consultants, operators in your space. Be intentional. ✅ Reach Out with Respect, Not an Ask Don’t open with “Can I pick your brain?” Instead say, “I’ve been following your work, and I’m trying to level up in [area]. I’d love to hear how you approached [specific challenge].” Keep it real, and keep it brief. ✅ Add Value First Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. Make an introduction for them. Share a resource. Offer your help. It doesn’t matter how small, it shows you're not just here to take. ✅ Keep Showing Up The best mentorships aren’t scheduled Zoom calls, they’re organic relationships built over time. Comment on their content. Follow up when their advice helps. Stay consistent and visible. The truth is, most people aren’t lacking talent, they’re lacking proximity to wisdom. Your next breakthrough may come from a 15-minute coffee with the right person, but only if you EARN the right to be in that conversation.

“Hello Amaka, Can You Be My Mentor?” – Is NOT the right approach to finding a mentor. Asking someone who doesn’t know you to be your mentor outright is like proposing on the first date — too much, too soon! Building a meaningful mentoring relationship requires intentional effort. ➜ Use this 7-Step Approach: 1). Do Your Research – Identify someone whose values, career path, and expertise align with your goals. ➙ Know why you want them as a mentor. 2). Engage First – Follow their work, comment thoughtfully on their posts, engage with their content and join their Program (if on LinkedIn). ➙ Build familiarity before you ask for anything. 3). Reach Out with Intention – Send a concise, respectful message that highlights what you admire about them and why their work resonates with you. ➙ Be clear and specific rather than vague. 4). Start Small – Don’t ask for a big commitment upfront. You can ask a simple question like, ➙ “What’s one advice you’d give to someone starting in this field?” 5). Show Commitment – Act on their advice and follow up with progress. ➙ Showing that you take their guidance seriously builds trust. 6). Offer Value in Return – Mentorship is a two-way street. ➙ Share relevant insights, offer to help with something they’re working on, or simply express gratitude. 7). Let It Develop Naturally – If the connection feels right, the relationship will grow organically. ➙ A mentor is more likely to invest in you when they see your commitment and consistency. Note: ↳ Mentorship is not really something you ask for—it’s something you earn through connection, respect, and ACTION. Repost ♻️ to help someone! #ScholarUP #Joincohort10 #mentorship #elevateyourprofessionalpresencewith_DrAmaka

The sustainability field can be hard to navigate at times, especially coming out of college where there seems to be infinite opportunities and limited time. My sophomore year of college I met my amazing mentor Lisa Veliz Waweru, who has helped guide me personally and professionally in so many ways over the years. Lisa’s insights and advice always help ground me and have been so essential to my life. Here are some tips on how to find and build a mentor relationship within the sustainability field: ⁍ 1. Define your goals: Think about what you hope to achieve with your mentor's guidance. Do you want career advice, industry insights, resume reviews, or help with a specific project? Having clarity on your goals will help you find your mentor and foster a mutually beneficial relationship. ⁍ 2. Network: Sustainability conferences, workshops, and online communities are all amazing opportunities to meet potential mentors. Reaching out to people on LinkedIn who I’m inspired by has been a great way for me to build relationships and form collaborations. ⁍ 3. Leverage your existing community: Don't underestimate the power of your current connections. Talk to professors, former colleagues, or even friends in the sustainability field. They might have valuable insights or even introduce you to their own mentors or mentees. ⁍ 4. Seek formal mentorship programs: Many organizations and universities offer structured mentorship programs within the sustainability sector. I found my mentor Lisa through the Students of Color Environmental Collective Mentorship program that paired students of color in the environmental field with professionals of color based on our interests and goals. ⁍ 5. Follow Up: Finding a mentor relationship takes time, effort, and energy. Make sure to follow up on messages, schedule future meetings, and continue to reach out to foster a budding mentor-mentee relationship. Be open to feedback and embrace every opportunity to enhance your skills and knowledge. ⁍ 6. Mentorship is a two-way street: Be prepared to actively engage with your mentor, ask insightful questions, and contribute your own knowledge and perspectives. A successful mentorship thrives on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared passion for the sustainability field! Finding a mentor has been an important part of my professional journey in the sustainability field to navigate the industry, accelerate my learning, and open doors to new opportunities. The most important thing is to remember that finding the right mentor may take time. Be patient, persistent, and proactive in your search. Comment below if you’re looking for a mentor/mentee! Feel free to share your own mentorship tips too! #sustainability #mentorship #greencareers #mentee #environmentalist #mentoringmatters #networking #professionaldevelopment #growth

How to find Product Management mentors in 3 different ways (resources and homework included!): 1. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 Outside of work, the internet is full of PMs who are a few steps ahead and happy to help — if you show up the right way. LinkedIn is a great place to start, but it’s not just about adding them as connections. If someone posts something that resonates with you, leave a thoughtful comment. Let them know how you’re applying their ideas. Eventually, send a message that says, “Hey — I really appreciated your post about stakeholder alignment. I’m working on something similar and would love to ask you a couple of quick questions.” Not everyone will say yes, but some will — and those conversations can be gold. Communities like Mind the Product, Product School, The Product Folks, and Product Coalition are amazing places to meet people. Join a Slack group or event. Show up and contribute. 📚 Homework Join a product community (see resources in comments below) and leave one thoughtful comment this week. — 2. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 The most overlooked place to find a great mentor is the company you already work for. You’re surrounded by product managers who’ve been where you are and probably made the same mistakes you’re trying to avoid. Start by paying attention to the product managers around you — especially those who ask sharp questions, lead with clarity, or seem to have strong cross-functional instincts. Invite one of them to grab a coffee or hop on a quick call. Frame it as wanting to understand how they think about product decisions or how they navigated earlier stages of their PM career. Report back what you tried based on their advice. That’s how you transform a one-off chat into an ongoing relationship. 📚 Homework Choose a PM at your company you admire. Reach out for a short chat about their product journey. For tips on how to approach them, see the comments section below. — 3. 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 Sometimes, you need more structure. Maybe you're transitioning into Product Management from another field or just hit a plateau and need someone to push you forward. Websites like MentorCruise, GrowthMentor, and IGotAnOffer connect you with seasoned product managers for one-on-one sessions. You can browse mentors based on background, specialties, or even companies they’ve worked at. You get focused time with someone who’s been where you want to go — and who’s ready to help you get there. 📚 Homework Explore one mentorship platform (see resources in comments below) and find a PM whose background matches your goals.