When I first considered seeking a leadership mentor, I wasn’t sure it was the right step for me. I was 26 and already in a leadership position, managing a team, and navigating the challenges of the financial services industry. Did I need someone to guide me? Looking back now, I can confidently say that finding a business mentor was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my career and personal growth. Here’s my journey from hesitation to transformation and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned and am still learning along the way.
The Moment I Realised I Needed Help
Like many leaders, I was juggling multiple priorities. Deadlines loomed, team dynamics needed attention, and the pressure to deliver results never seemed to ease. Despite my experience, I felt stuck. Decisions that once seemed straightforward became clouded with doubt. It was during one particularly challenging year, when my father our founding Director fell I’ll and I realised I couldn’t do it all alone. I needed someone who had been through similar struggles—someone who could offer fresh perspectives and guidance.
Finding the Right Mentor
The search for a business mentor was initially intimidating. I had no idea where to start or what qualities to look for. Through networking and a bit of research, I connected with someone who had extensive business experience. More importantly, they had a reputation for fostering growth in others. In our first meeting, I shared my challenges, and they listened intently. Their response wasn’t a ready-made solution but a thoughtful question: “What’s holding you back from making the right decisions?” That one question reframed my thinking, and I knew I had found the right person.
Lessons I Learned from My Leadership Mentor
Over the years, our monthly sessions covered a wide range of business topics, from leadership strategies to personal development. Here are a few of the key lessons that have stayed with me:
1. Clarity in Decision-Making
My leadership mentor taught me to separate emotion from strategy. When faced with tough decisions, they encouraged me to focus on the data and long-term outcomes. They introduced me to a simple framework: “What is the best decision for the business (after all we have a legal responsibility to the company), and what is the best decision for the people involved? (and the people who work for us)” Balancing these two considerations helped me make more confident and fair decisions and still do today.
2. Building a Strong Network
I had always underestimated the power of connections. (My father’s favourite saying was ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.) My leadership mentor helped me see networking not as a transactional activity but as a way to create long-term meaningful relationships. Through their introductions, I met industry peers and other business owners who provided new opportunities, insights, and support. One connection even led to a piece of business worth £50,000 in commissions alone.
3. The Art of Delegation
I’ll admit, I’ve always struggled with delegation. My business mentor didn’t just tell me to delegate; they showed me how to identify the right tasks to hand off and how to trust my team. The result? My workload lightened, and my team felt more empowered and engaged.
4. Resilience and Self-Compassion
Leadership can be lonely, and setbacks often feel personal. My business mentor shared their own stories of failure and how they bounced back. They reminded me that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure but learning from it. Equally important, they encouraged me to practise self-compassion, something I’d neglected for years, and something I am still learning to practice.
How Mentorship Changed My Leadership Style
The impact of mentorship went beyond just solving immediate challenges. It fundamentally changed how I approach leadership:
- Empathy Over Authority: I learned to lead with empathy, understanding my team’s motivations and challenges rather than just focusing on outputs.
- Strategic Vision: Instead of getting lost in day-to-day tasks, I developed a clearer long-term vision for my team and organisation.
- Confidence in Uncertainty: My mentor’s support gave me the confidence to embrace uncertainty and make bold decisions when necessary.
Advice for Those Considering Leadership Mentorship
If you’re thinking about finding a business mentor, here are a few tips from my experience:
- Be Open to Feedback: Mentorship works best when you’re willing to hear constructive criticism and act on it.
- Define Your Goals: Before seeking a leadership mentor, know what you want to achieve. Are you looking to develop specific skills, or do you need a sounding board for strategic decisions?
- Find the Right Fit: Look for someone who aligns with your values and has experience in areas you want to grow.
- Invest in the Relationship: Mentorship is a two-way street. Show your appreciation and keep the mentor-mentee relationship collaborative.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
The benefits of leadership mentorship have extended far beyond my career. My personal life has also improved as I’ve learned to manage stress, communicate better, and prioritise what truly matters. Even more rewarding, I started mentoring other businesses in 2008 and haven’t stopped, I truly love helping others. Sharing my experiences and helping others grow has been one of the most fulfilling parts of this journey.
Final Thoughts
Having a mentor doesn’t mean you’re admitting weakness; it means you’re committing to growth. The lessons I’ve learned have not only made me a better leader but also a more confident and resilient person. If you’re on the fence about mentorship, take the leap. You might just discover a new level of potential you never knew you had. Carl. Feel free to book a discovery call if you would like to find out more about my business journey and how I help leaders to find time for what matters most to them: