Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have mentors who not only helped me develop essential business skills but also instilled in me the values of integrity, resilience, and leadership. Whether at Joyce Beverage, where I represented 7UP and Dr Pepper, or later in my role at Pepsi as a manager and executive, my mentors played a crucial role in shaping my approach to business, customer service, and strategic decision-making.
The impact of mentorship goes beyond individual growth — it fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing and leadership development. As I progressed in my career, I realized that the lessons I had learned from my mentors were too valuable to keep to myself. Just as I had been guided and encouraged, I made it my mission to mentor others, paying forward the wisdom that had been entrusted to me. Later in this article, I share my personal experience with mentorship and how my mentors greatly contributed to my successful career.
But first, let’s take a closer look at what mentorship is, the qualities of a good mentor, how to find and become a mentor, and why mentorship is important in business.
What is a Mentor
A great mentor does more than offer advice—they share wisdom, experiences, and guidance that shape the way we navigate challenges and opportunities. Terri A. Scandura, a prominent scholar in leadership and organizational behavior, defines mentoring as a transformational process built on mutual commitment, where the mentor shares values, expertise, and insights to help the protégé navigate their career and personal development. She defines a mentor as a more experienced individual who provides guidance, knowledge, and support to a less experienced protégé to enhance their growth. Scandura’s research highlights two key mentoring functions: psychosocial support (such as role modeling and emotional encouragement) and career-related support (such as advice and goal-setting). These relationships enhance the protégé’s skills and confidence while also benefiting the mentor and the organization. Effective mentoring fosters trust, learning, and empowerment, making it essential in professional and academic settings. For more insights, visit Terri Scandura’s Website.
The Qualities of a Great Mentor
An effective mentor embodies qualities that inspire trust and foster professional growth. Some of the most critical characteristics include:
- Experience and knowledge: A mentor should have industry expertise and a deep understanding of the field.
- Trustworthiness and integrity: Mentees should feel confident that their mentor has their best interests at heart.
- Empathy and patience: A mentor must be willing to listen, understand challenges, and provide constructive guidance.
- Encouragement and support: The best mentors uplift their mentees, helping them develop confidence and resilience.
- Commitment to growth: A mentor’s role is to challenge and push their mentee to reach their full potential.
Why Mentorship Matters in Business
In the fast-paced world of business, having a mentor can make the difference between floundering and thriving. A mentor provides not just technical knowledge but also strategic insights that only come with experience. They help mentees navigate challenges, develop confidence, and recognize opportunities for growth.
I recall a pivotal moment during my time at Pepsi when I was struggling with a high-stakes project. I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. One of my mentors recognized my challenge and helped me break the project down into manageable steps. That guidance not only ensured my success in that task but also instilled in me a systematic approach to problem-solving that I have carried throughout my career.
How to Find a Mentor
Finding the right mentor requires a proactive approach. Some strategies include:
- Observing leaders in your organization: Identify individuals whose leadership style and values align with your aspirations.
- Seeking guidance from experienced professionals: Many seasoned professionals are willing to mentor if approached with genuine interest.
- Building relationships through networking: Engaging in professional associations, industry events, and mentorship programs can open doors.
- Asking the right questions: A great mentoring relationship starts with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor
When asking someone to be your mentor, be clear about why you chose them and what you hope to learn. Acknowledge their expertise and how it aligns with your goals. Be specific about what you need help with, whether it's a particular skill or a broader career direction. Respect their time by being flexible on how often or in what format you meet. Show your eagerness to learn and grow.
For example, you could reach out via email:
"I really admire your work in [specific area] and would love the chance to learn from you. I'm focused on developing in [specific field or skill], and your insights would be incredibly valuable. Would you be open to mentoring me, even if it’s just occasional advice or feedback? I know your time is valuable, so I’m happy to keep it brief and flexible. If you're open to it, I’d love to set up a time to chat. Either way, I really appreciate what you do and the example you set!"
Just remember to respect that person’s time and always show appreciation for considering your request.
How to Become a Mentor: Paying It Forward
Great leaders recognize that mentorship is not just about receiving guidance but also about giving back. Transitioning from mentee to mentor is a natural progression in professional development. For me, this transition happened when I realized the impact I could have by sharing the same guidance and encouragement I had once received.
When a young colleague approached me for advice on handling a difficult situation, I took the time to mentor her just as my own mentors had done for me. Seeing her confidence and capabilities grow reinforced my belief in the importance of mentorship. By fostering the growth of others, we strengthen our organizations and create a legacy of leadership.
My Story - The Transformative Power of Mentorship
Throughout my successful career at Pepsi and in higher education, I have always believed in the transformative power of mentoring. In my early years at Joyce Beverage, representing the 7UP and Dr Pepper national brands, I was fortunate to have mentors who led by example and demonstrated an unwavering work ethic. They helped me navigate the intricacies of business operations, strategy, planning, customer service, effective communication, and professional selling.
When I had the opportunity to purchase an independent distributorship, I seamlessly integrated these invaluable principles, practices, and advice into my own business, laying a strong foundation for future success. Through these experiences, I learned that building positive relationships—especially with mentors and customers—was key to long-term success. The profound impact my mentors had on my development reinforced the significance of mentorship in my career journey.
I have always believed that learning happens in three fundamental ways: on the job, through the job, and off the job. The knowledge we gain outside the workplace—whether through higher education, certificate programs, or professional certifications—plays a crucial role in shaping our skills and competencies. However, it is the combination of hands-on experience, mentorship, and academic pursuits that creates a powerful synergy for personal and professional growth. Mentorship has been an essential pillar of my journey, shaping my ability to model consistency, lead and lift others, build credibility, and add value. The insights I gained while pursuing my college education complemented my real-world experiences and became instrumental in advancing my career.
As I transitioned into a district manager role at Pepsi, I deliberately sought mentors who shared my values, knowing that collaboration and shared wisdom would elevate us all. I gravitated toward encouragers—those who provided guidance, support, and constructive feedback—rather than those who stifled growth. This proactive approach helped me unlock new opportunities by focusing on servant leadership, executing with excellence, and leveraging the wisdom shared by my mentors. Their guidance enabled me to align with organizational goals, drive positive outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to our mission, leading to consistent success.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have a strong support system anchored by mentors I respect and trust. Meaningful dialogue, coaching, and the transfer of knowledge have been invaluable to my growth. I remain deeply grateful to those who have invested their time and insights in me. Even today, I continue to seek mentorship, foster trust-based relationships, and serve with integrity and consistency. By mentoring others, I strive to pay forward the wisdom and support I received, reinforcing the cycle of learning, leadership, and positive impact in every organization I serve.
Final Thoughts on Mentorship
Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional and personal development. It empowers individuals to grow, navigate challenges, and develop into strong, capable leaders. Throughout my career, the mentors who invested in me shaped my success, and in turn, I have made it my mission to invest in others.
By seeking mentors, embodying the qualities of great mentorship, and paying it forward, we create a cycle of learning and leadership that enriches not only our own careers but also the organizations and people around us. Whether you are seeking a mentor or becoming one, remember that mentorship is a gift—one that transforms careers, strengthens leadership, and leaves a lasting impact.