Mentorship Made Easy: Finding (and Being) Great Mentors

All month long we have been celebrating the trailblazers, glass-ceiling shatterers (I know it’s not a word, but I think it should be), and everyday powerhouses who’ve paved the way for women. But let’s talk about the future – because the next generation of women leaders (that’s you!) need support, guidance, and a solid squad to help navigate the ups and downs of career life.

Enter: mentorship.

Whether you’re looking for a mentor to drop some career wisdom or thinking about becoming one yourself, here’s everything you need to know about making mentorship happen without the awkwardness or hassle.

 Why Having a Mentor is a Total Game-Changer

Look, even the most brilliant, confident, and talented women didn’t get to where they are alone. (Yes, even Beyoncé has coaches!) A mentor can be the career cheat code you didn’t know you needed – offering real talk, networking opportunities, and a confidence boost when imposter syndrome kicks in.

A great mentor can:

• Drop insider knowledge you won’t find on Google.
• Introduce you to people who can open doors (hello, networking!).
• Give you a pep talk when you’re doubting yourself.
• Help you navigate tricky career moves with wisdom instead of panic.

And if you’re thinking, But I don’t need a mentor, think again. Even the best athletes have coaches. Why should your career be any different?

 Finding a Mentor Without Making It Weird

So, I’ve convinced you that you need a mentor. But where do you actually find one? Good news: It’s easier than you think.

 Here’s where to start:

1. Slide into Professional Networks (Not Just DMs)

• LinkedIn: Engage with leaders in your field, comment on their posts, and when the time feels right, send a personalized (not copy-paste) message.
• Women’s Professional Groups: Organizations like Ellevate Network, Lean In Circles, and NAWBO often have built-in mentorship programs.
• Company Initiatives: If your workplace offers a mentorship program, sign up. If not, suggest starting one!

2. Show Up (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

• Industry panels, networking events, and conferences are goldmines for meeting potential mentors. Even virtual events count!
• The key? Don’t just sit there – ask a question, introduce yourself, and follow up afterward.

3. Make the First Move (It’s Not Dating, I Promise)

• Identify professionals you admire and send a thoughtful message. Keep it simple: “Hey [Name], I admire your work in [field], and I’d love to learn from your experience. Would you be open to a quick chat sometime?”
• Keep it casual – no pressure, no formalities, just human connection.

4. Use Mentorship Platforms Like A Pro

• Mentor Her: A platform that connects women for career mentorship.
• 10 Thousand Coffees: Designed to help professionals connect for career conversations.
• ADPList: A free mentorship platform where you can book 1:1 calls with industry leaders.

How to Be the Mentor You Wish You Had

If you’ve got some career experience under your belt, congrats – you’re officially qualified to be a mentor. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a CEO to make an impact.

 Here’s how to do it right:

1. Be Available, But Set Boundaries

• You don’t have to dedicate hours each week. A 30-minute coffee chat or a monthly check-in can be life-changing for a mentee.

2. Listen More, Lecture Less

• Nobody likes a know-it-all. Ask questions, share experiences, and let your mentee take the lead.

3. Keep It Real

• Talk about the wins and the messy parts of your career journey. Being vulnerable makes you relatable.

4. Share Your Power

• If you can introduce your mentee to someone who can help them, do it. Mentorship isn’t just about advice – it’s about opening doors.

Extra Resources to Level Up Your Leadership Game

Mentorship is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some killer resources to help you step up as a leader:

• Books You Need on Your Shelf
  • Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg (a classic for a reason)
  • Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (because courage is everything)
  • The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman (science-backed ways to own your power)
• Podcasts That Will Make You Smarter
  • Women at Work (Harvard Business Review)
  • WorkLife with Adam Grant (career psychology, but fun)
  • The Career Contessa Podcast (practical career advice for women)
• Leadership Programs Worth Checking Out
  Allow me a moment for a shameless plug, but you don’t even have to navigate off of our website to find an incredible leadership program because WE OFFER IT HERE! Not only can you connect with leadership coaches who offer training and support, but you can also sign up to attend one of our Emerging Leaders Academy sessions that we offer throughout the year. I’m going to make it really easy for you; click here to learn more!

Final Thought: Lift As You Climb

The best part about mentorship? It’s a two-way street. You’ll learn just as much from mentoring as you do from being mentored. Whether you’re reaching out for guidance or offering a helping hand, remember – when women support women, we all win.

Who’s been a mentor in your life? Be sure to send them this blog and give them a shoutout!