What I Learnt About Mentorship
It’s not just about finding someone to help you—it’s about becoming someone who’s worth helping
I have been contemplating a lot lately about the role of being a mentor and the experience of being mentored. Perhaps it’s because many people have reached out to me seeking career guidance and mentorship. I feel this might be connected to my own fortunate experiences in my early teens when I found exceptional mentor like Adeolu and Adeyemo.
What struck me the most about them was their incredible work ethic and passion for what they did. Unlike others who were content with mundane tasks, they genuinely loved their work, and it showed. They were also entrepreneurs at heart, always coming up with creative ideas or understanding processes and structures.
These mentors provided me with valuable guidance and allowed me to learn through failures. They were critical, tough, loving, and enlightening all at once. I admired them deeply and aspired to be developed similar work ethic as they did. Something I am still struggling with at the moment.
As I continued on my journey, I discovered the beauty of mentorship. It evolved over time, transitioning from career mentors to older sibling mentorship. We talked about life, relationships, family, and sometimes careers. Mentorship relationships naturally transcend, and one should be prepared for these changes. Your mentor today may not be the same person in a year or two due to different life aspirations, life challenges and interests.
Throughout my life, I have been fortunate to meet other mentors, like Russell, Kevin, and Andrew, who have greatly influenced my career. They have been supportive and are helping me find my way in the world of too much information, we sometimes easily loose ourselves in the process.
Being a mentee is not easy, and finding a willing mentor can be challenging. But when you find someone willing to guide you, do your best to make their investment worthwhile. I may not have been the perfect mentee, but my mentors' patience and support have been invaluable in shaping my personal and professional life.
Now, I feel compelled to give back by passing on my knowledge to others. If you think you could benefit from my understanding in certain topics or areas of interest, please reach out to me on LinkedIn or Twitter.
Mentorship, like any relationship, may not always work out as planned. Some connections may not be the right fit due to life challenges or differing experiences. It’s essential to research and find a mentor who aligns with your goals.
In conclusion, mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. The impact of good mentors can last a lifetime, and I’m grateful for the exceptional individuals who have guided me along the way.
Thank you!