What's one tip for finding and making the most of mentors? Please share any stories you have of a mentor you've united with who has helped positively shape your career path or business trajectory.

Finding and making mentors is one of the most nebulous things as a professional. I think the secret is to break down any expectation you have of finding a mentor only through the traditional sense at work, and thinking it's a formal process. Be open to unconventional ways to meet your mentor because they can be beyond your immediate network - at conferences, industry events, even interviews. 10 years ago during an interview, my interviewer, impressed by my potential, became my long term mentor. It started with recommending to read "Good Strategy Bad Strategy" during the interview. I took initiative, read the book and sent him a summary of 3 key insights and how I will apply them. From that, he's also guided me with career decisions, navigating difficult work situations and made introductions to his network. Today, that chance encounter has blossomed into a mutually beneficial partnership with me serving as a founding board member for his company, advising on business and marketing strategy. Don't underestimate the power of where you can meet your mentor. Once you find them, start to form your own personal board of directors and watch your career transform.

One tip for finding and making the most of mentors is to seek individuals who have more experience and knowledge in the areas you want to grow in and who share the same passions. Be open to learning and actively listen to their advice. It's important to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. For instance, back in 2018-2019, I was fortunate to connect with Brendan Ludden, who became a key mentor in my career. He appointed me as the ClimateTech Lead at Oxford University Innovation, and together, we launched the Oxford University Climate Tech and Sustainability Challenge. My early career success is a testament to his encouragement to pursue a leadership role in the climate tech domain. I am now the Co-Founder and COO of OXCCU, a leading renewable energy company developing catalyst and process technologies to convert CO2 and H2 into sustainable aviation fuel and chemicals. Since launching OXCCU in 2021, I have continued to value mentorship. In the past year, I've had two amazing mentors from Royal Society of Chemistry mentorship programme who have been crucial in helping me skill up OXCCU as a business. Their guidance has been invaluable, not just in terms of technical advice and support but also in connecting me with the right people and network in the industry. I also recommend passing on mentorship to others, particularly those who may be underrepresented and the younger generations who will inspire and shape the future of your industry landscape.

Mentors can come in unexpected ways. I think there is a lot of pressure to find a mentor that will have all the answers you’re looking for when there is an opportunity to diversify the experience and instead seek advice from a multitude of sources. I have learned so much from online mentors in my space, from direct competitors to industry adjacent professionals as well as sought advice from business owners in completely different industries with business models that are nothing like my own. When we pigeonhole ourselves to one mentor or one industry, we likely hear a lot of the same advice regurgitated, when an outside perspective can give you the creative inspiration that you might be looking for to stand out in the market.

I’ve been looking across my career, having two different mentors that offered what I needed at different stages of my career. Over the first 20 years of my career, I worked under a guy with significant experience in a FTSE250 listed company, that gave me a tremendous level of corporate, strategic and organizational experience. I really got to understand and adapt my approach to managing large teams, in complicated organizational structures. As well as developing a technical approach to strategic planning. I was able to take that forward into my own business, where I now have a friend and mentor who is a business coach. A completely different personality with a totally different outlook. A supportive person, a sounding board, someone who will give an unbiased and impartial opinions. Two completely different people, with completely different styles, helping me is completely different but equally important ways.

Earlier in my career, I was surrounded by people with vastly more experience. That meant finding a mentor to "lead the way" and offer advice seemed easy. But as I become the more experienced professional, there were fewer and fewer people walking the path ahead of me in the hierarchical sense. That's when I discovered that mentors don't always need to be formal or traditional. Some of the best mentors I've had are peers outside my company. Those who are in a similar role and experiencing similar challenges who can serve as brainstorm buddies offering a different, non-biased perspective. The relationship is more reciprocal than that of the traditional mentor-mentee as it is one where we are truly helping each other on an equal basis.

I've found the best mentors in my career when I'm not really looking for them. Instead of going in search of a new mentor, I think about who has been advocating for me most. In my personal career journey, sometimes this has been a manager. But many times, it's somebody who I aspire to learn from. Once I notice their advocacy, I'm not afraid to ask for help. I am intentional about learning from their experience and bouncing my ideas off of them. When I'm at pivotal career decision points, I ask for their advice. I'm also willing to help them if I can too! Over time, a deeper relationship forms naturally. After years of building these relationships, I have a bench of mentors and a personal board of advisors who I trust to give me real, honest feedback and guidance.

Mentors play a huge role in shaping us as entrepreneurs. Finding a great mentor starts with simply asking someone you admire to mentor you. Explain what you admire about them, share your goals, and seek their advice based on their experience. I've had the best mentors because I ask if they have the time and willingness to mentor me and because I offer to give back as much as I receive. I'm willing to work alongside my mentor for free to learn and make their lives easier. My approach is to help my mentor succeed, and in doing so, they take a personal interest in my success. This perspective has opened doors for me that I never imagined.

Most people don't realize that mentorship is a two-way relationship; it's a lot of give and take. The relationship often lasts for years and needs to be mutually beneficial. One of my mentors is the CEO of a Series C company who has raised hundreds of millions of dollars more than I have. Over the years, she’s given me invaluable advice on hiring, managing a team, and talking to investors. She's also been a staunch supporter, inviting me to events and opening doors for me whenever she can. However, mentorship isn't just about what I gain. I also provide value to her by serving as a sounding board when she navigates unfamiliar industries. For instance, I once spent hours briefing her on an industry she was new to, walking through decks and Excel spreadsheets, and providing my perspective on key issues. My insights on marketing strategies, where I have more experience, have also been helpful to her. This way, I position myself as someone worth mentoring, and it becomes enriching for her to watch me and my company Rise grow because I add value to her journey as well.

You just never know when you will come across someone who will turn into your mentor. I have had the opportunity to work with someone who has led multiple businesses and is an authority on many topics. I learn from her drive, her ability to take a risk and to learn from failures. A mentor can be a teacher, a co-worker, a boss or anyone who inspires you to do more. If you are lucky, you will encounter a great one!

Seeking out individuals whose career paths or skills I admire and asking them specific questions or requests for career advice is one way I have made the most out of mentors throughout my career. I believe mentorship can be formal or informal. In my early days of being an entrepreneur, I attended a marketing summit and met the CEO of a very successful marketing agency. I reached out to her via email, expressing my admiration for her work and asking if she would be open to a brief meeting to discuss her career journey and any advice she might have for someone in my position. After a week, she responded. I made sure to be overly prepared for the meeting since I knew this was an amazing opportunity for me to learn and grow. During our meeting, I asked targeted questions about her experiences, challenges, and decision-making processes. Over time, this initial conversation developed into a valuable mentorship relationship. She provided guidance on navigating complex projects, offered insights into industry trends, and even introduced me to key contacts within the industry. This mentorship significantly shaped my career, providing me with the confidence and knowledge to take on more challenging roles and ultimately advance my business. By being proactive and respectful in seeking out mentorship and making the most of the guidance received, I was able to build a meaningful and impactful relationship that positively influenced my business trajectory.

Title: Seek 360-Degrees Mentors It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking guidance only from those who mirror our own career paths or hold higher positions, but that limits our viewpoint. To truly expand our horizons, we should explore beyond those boundaries and access the wealth of knowledge in different fields and expertise levels. Throughout my HR career, I've had mentors from engineering, product development, UX, business intelligence, finance, and sales. They range from seasoned C-level executives to peers and even those in junior roles. These diverse mentors, both within and outside my organisation, have helped shape my strategic thinking and broaden my perspectives. By embracing mentorship from various sources, we can discover unexpected avenues for learning and growth.

The best mentors are those who are a few steps ahead of you, doing the things you want to be doing. It's also important to remember mentorship should be a mutually beneficial arrangement; it's not one-sided because both parties are learning from each other. Most of my mentors have originated from work or shared experiences. But one of the most impactful mentors I've had was the result of my own brave outreach. I'll share the story here: I had been following a successful startup founder in my area for over a year on LinkedIn. I admired her journey, the way she ran her business and what she stood for. As I was in the midst of tackling some of my own challenges with my new business, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to her. I asked if she would be willing to chat on the phone and she said yes! The rest is history. My relationship with this mentor has given me confidence to make hard decisions that have paid off. She has provided a safe space to share my struggles and she has connected me with those who can help me. At the end of the day, find the person who you are drawn to and believe can help you get to the next level. It never hurts to take that step and ask!

When seeking a mentor, look for somebody who is doing what you want to do but just a few steps ahead. This is helpful because they'll still be able to feel your challenges. When I was seeking to establish myself in a position or when preparing to move, I would seek out role models (sometimes inside and sometimes outside my organisation). I'd ask them for a coffee (not to mentor me), I'd ask the them questions and share my challenges. If that went well, I'd ask them if they'd be open to meeting again. If that went well, I may ask them then if they'd be open to mentoring me. This ensures all parties are aware and happy of the scope and commitment.

Mid-career, I was experiencing burnout. I then opted for the better option for me back then, a career pivot. If it weren't for a mentor (the right one) who believed in me all throughout until I landed my dream job, I wouldn't be able to be celebrating today the best decision I've ever made. A career path is like a ladder; each milestone you reach is a series of steps you took, whether it was learning from mistakes or an intentional effort you invested in. The ideal mentor you find should be one who champions you regardless, who offers unconditional support, and who has that groundbreaking advice at the right moment. One who knows the path very well, because their success is based upon the real deal: wins and losses. Their wisdom? They pass it on to you, betting on your success as well. Because they are able to already see you at your peak, at the finish line, winning! The main characteristics you should look for in a mentor are: authenticity, reliability and expertise.

When seeking out a mentor, it’s crucial to look beyond just their skills and experience; find someone who resonates with your deepest values and goals. This sort of connection is more than just advisory—it can profoundly influence your personal growth, career, and business achievements. Take, for instance, my own journey with Peak Performance Elite. I partnered with a mentor whose dedication to personal development and performance enhancement was as intense as mine. Our mentorship was not merely about leveraging his expertise; it was about forming a bond with someone who truly embraced and understood my vision at its core. This mentor expanded my worldview, sparked innovative business strategies, and was instrumental in defining the ethos of my program. His transformative advice significantly shaped the development of Peak Performance Elite and revolutionized my approach to leadership and ongoing personal development. Essentially, a mentor who deeply understands and supports your vision can be a catalyst for profound change in both your professional and personal life.

When I first saw my mentor, he was delivering the keynote address to an audience of thousands at a national conference. He was captivating the audience with the story of how he'd sold his business for millions. I was simply part of the crowd. One of a sea of awestruck faces. And I feared that he'd never pay any attention to me - just a recent graduate in my very first job, earning a fraction over 14k. But something must have told me it was worth approaching him. And I'm so pleased I did. I was careful to put to use some of his tips and ideas as I approached him. And it worked! This titan of business and sales took me under his wing and even agreed to deliver the keynote speech and additional training for me at an event I was producing for hundreds of students - and he even waived his fee. That was 1998. And I'm delighted to say that 26 years later, I'm still learning from him. So my tip would be to be courageous and creative and dare to reach out to possible mentors - even if they may at first appear out of reach or unapproachable. You maybe lucky and strike gold on your first try, just like I did.

Instead of simply asking someone to be your mentor, and expecting them to guide you like a savior, approach mentorship strategically. Demonstrate that you are someone they would be proud to support and that you are interested in building a mutually beneficial relationship, not just seeking a transaction. Then, rather than offering to buy them coffee to "pick their brain" (they can buy their own coffee), invest time in researching them. Use Google, social media, mutual connections, and their content to understand their interests and find thoughtful ways to engage. To truly add value, consider actions such as sharing articles or podcasts that align with their interests, connecting them with valuable contacts in your network, and actively engaging with their social media content through likes, comments, and shares. Demonstrate your commitment by consistently adding value before ever requesting their time or a favor. When you secure time with them, come well-prepared. Show your work, articulate your goals, and identify the specific area you need guidance. Focus on one key question or topic. This approach demonstrates your dedication and respect for their time, making you a more attractive mentee. Once the relationship is established, continue to add value, maintain regular communication, and share how you’ve implemented their insights.

One of the most overlooked mentor relationships is that of the "digital mentor." In this day and age, many successful people have social media accounts where they spread their knowledge. You might not have access to someone physically, but you absolutely have access to that person's perspective, knowledge, and experience if they have an online presence. In one instance, I leaned on the wisdom shared by The War of Art author Steven Pressfield. And I added so much value to him/his brand by sharing his work with MY following, that I was able to secure him as a guest on my podcast (twice!). And now he's transitioned from a "digital mentor" to somewhat of a physical mentor, as we exchange emails and DMs frequently. Everyone is accessible in this day and age.

Mentors can supercharge your career. Identify someone who is a high flyer who can help develop you, offer advice, and open doors. HR teams often have programs, ask you line manager or department head, or consider senior people in your workplace or industry. Mentorship is a two-way street so consider what you bring to the table, too - it makes the value equation and conversations stronger. I have a handful of mentors and connect often. I consider them my Council or Cabinet. I seek advice during major inflection moments - like a job change or tricky work situation - but also ongoing leadership and development areas. A mentor gave me great advice after losing an client RFP. "You have to get your reps in," he told me. "It's like going to the gym. Every time you show up, you get stronger and show up better. Plus, you miss all shots you don't take." It was direct, simple and succinct. Reframing my mindset, I bounced back and keep 'showing up' - and landed my next big client.

A mentor is like having a wise friend who can share their experiences, offers advice and can help you navigate your growth journey in your career or business. Think of a mentor as someone who has been there and done that. They provide insights, share their stories and help you avoid common pitfalls. It's more about learning from their experience. When I first started freelancing, I jumped straight in and was figuring things out on my own. I didn't have any clear processes, I was feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. I then found myself an amazing mentor who has been freelancing for 5 years and she shared with me her processes within her business that has helped me scaled my business so much. To learn from someone who has already done it saved me so much time in fumbling around. If you are looking to take the next step in your career, or your business, try finding a mentor that aligns to where you want to be.