Finding a Mentor in Your Industry

The best mentors won't find you, You have to find them. My core values for career development: • Ownership - Taking responsibility for your growth • Courage - Moving through discomfort for what matters • Reciprocity - Creating value, not just taking it What I can't stand is seeing people wait for career opportunities while mistaking passivity for patience. Here's how to ask potential mentors (without feeling awkward): 1/ Be direct about your goals Don't beat around the bush. Tell them exactly what you need. "I was promoted to senior engineer and want to level up my systems architecture skills. Would you be willing to mentor me?" 2/ Tell them why you chose them People appreciate knowing what drew you to them specifically, showing you’ve done your homework. "I'm reaching out because of your experience leading engineering teams at high-growth startups." 3/ Start with a small ask Don't request a long-term commitment right away. "Would you be open to a 30-minute video call to connect?" 4/ Be gracious if rejected Sometimes people don't have bandwidth. That's okay. "I understand you have significant demands on your time." 5/ Ask for alternatives If they decline, their network might be your next opportunity. "Is there anyone you'd recommend I connect with instead?" 6/ Approach with the right mindset Confidence in your goals. Respect for their time. Gratitude for their expertise. I've seen too many careers stall because of fear of rejection. But I promise: The temporary discomfort of reaching out is nothing compared to the permanent pain of career stagnation. Stop waiting for the perfect mentor to appear. Make the first move today. What strategies have worked for you when finding mentors? Image Credit: GraciousQuotes --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

We’ve made mentorship too precious. We wait for someone senior, impressive, with just the right background, and the time to guide us. And when that perfect person doesn’t appear, we tell ourselves we don’t have a mentor. But maybe the problem isn’t access. Maybe it’s our definition. I’ve never had a formal mentor. But over the years, I’ve built a kind of mentorship one tile at a time in a kind of “mosaic” of guidance. Many have guided and helped me build a sales process. Numerous funny people have helped me punch up scripts. Speakers, authors, consultants, and clients have all shared advice on different aspects of my business. I’ve also asked. A lot. I’ve reached out to hundreds of people, some I barely knew, for a slice of their wisdom. Together, they’ve moved me forward. The golden rule is to never ask too much or too often. I will ask one to two specific questions and then make a mental note to not ask anything again for at least a year. You don’t need one person to teach you everything. You need honest voices, each offering what they know. #Mentorship #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerGrowth

"𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗢𝗥?" Every week, I get asked, "Will you be my mentor?" Often, this question comes from people I've not met, which makes it somewhat awkward. Here's a fail-proof formula I've used for finding and approaching mentors effectively. Step 1: Have Clarity on Your Goals This clarity helps you identify potential mentors who can truly propel you forward. Your goals don't need to be long-term; they can be something immediate you need help with. Step 2: Start with Your Network Look within your existing network or extend to professionals you admire but haven't met yet. This could be through introductions or shared connections. Mentors don't always come with years of experience over you; peers can be just as insightful. Template Sentence: "I’ve noticed we share a common connection with [Mutual Connection’s Name]. I really admire how you handle [specific skill or achievement], and I’d love to learn from you about this." Step 3: Make a Specific Ask When reaching out, be specific and respect their time. Request a brief conversation, no longer than 30 minutes, focusing on a specific area where their expertise is evident. Template Sentence: "Your skills in [specific area] are truly inspiring. Could I have 30 minutes of your time to understand more about how you developed these abilities and to get your feedback on [specific topic]?" Step 4: Follow Up (The Most Important Step) Post-discussion, always follow up with a thank you message outlining how their advice helped you. This shows appreciation and reinforces the value of their guidance. Template Sentence: "Thank you for your invaluable advice on [topic discussed]. I applied your suggestions at [specific instance], and it made a significant difference. I’m very grateful for your help." Step 5: Continue the Relationship Mentorship isn’t a one-off interaction but a series of meaningful exchanges. Continue to engage your mentor with relevant questions and updates about your progress. Template Sentence: "I’ve recently faced a challenge similar to what we discussed before. Could I get your perspective on this new situation?" Avoid directly asking, "Will you be my mentor?" Instead, build the relationship through respectful, meaningful interactions, and always value their time and input. What's worked for you in seeking mentorship?

Empowering Young Professionals in Payments: My 3-Step Mentorship Framework The payments industry is a fascinating ecosystem, constantly evolving with technology and innovation. People often ask me, "How can I break into payments?” after my years in this field. Here's the 3-step framework I use to guide young pros who want to join this busy field: 1️⃣ Deep Dive Into Fundamentals Understanding the payments landscape is essential. Start by grasping core concepts like payment networks, transaction processing, and risk management. > I always recommend starting with resources like Hua Li’s mind map. This map breaks down the ecosystem into digestible segments, from core concepts to advanced topics like payment networks and real-time systems. For example, when mentoring one mentee, we used this map to identify a knowledge gap in cross-border payments, which they later mastered. > Utilize online resources, industry reports, and courses offered by platforms like Coursera or edX. 2️⃣ Deliberate Connection: Proactively reach out and establish mentorship relationships. Don't wait for perfect opportunities—take initiative in networking and seeking guidance. Explore Different Facets: The payments industry is vast! Delve into specific areas like digital wallets, fraud prevention, or cross-border payments. Shadowing professionals in these areas can provide valuable insights (reach out to your network on LinkedIn! 3️⃣ Build Your Network and Personal Brand: Craft a compelling online presence showcasing your payment knowledge and enthusiasm. The fintech world thrives on collaboration. > Connect with industry experts on LinkedIn. > Attend industry events, participate in discussions, and > Share your learnings on platforms like LinkedIn. A mentee I worked with began posting their insights from mentoring sessions, which led to valuable connections and even a job offer! I hope this framework equips you with a roadmap, but don't be afraid to explore and ask questions. Are you a young pro who wants to join the payments world? Let's talk! I love to guide people and would enjoy chatting about what you want to do. Source for Visual: ByteByteGo #Fintech #Payments #Careers #Jobs #Mentoring

“Can I pick your brain?” Not the best way to ask for mentorship. 🙈 When I started growing in my career, I kept hearing the same advice: “You need a mentor.” But I had no idea how to ask without sounding awkward or needy. Here’s what I’ve learned: The best mentorships often start informally. You don’t need to slide into someone’s inbox with a formal request to “be your mentor.” Instead, be intentional, respectful, and specific. Here’s a better way to approach someone: 1️⃣ Start with genuine appreciation. Let them know what you admire about their work or career path. People are more open when they feel seen. 2️⃣ Ask one focused question. Instead of saying “Can I pick your brain?”, say something like: “I really admire how you transitioned from [X] to [Y]. I’m exploring a similar path. Would you be open to sharing how you approached that shift?” 3️⃣ Be respectful of their time. Propose a short 15–20 minute call or offer to send your question via email. 4️⃣ Build a relationship. Mentorship doesn’t always start with a title. Sometimes, a single helpful conversation turns into something long-term, but let it happen naturally. Remember: Mentorship isn’t about having one person guiding every step. It’s about intentionally learning from people whose experiences can light the path ahead. Who’s one person you’d love to learn from this year? Maybe it’s time to send that message.

🚫 Don't ask someone to be your mentor. 🚫 Asking "Will you be my mentor?" is a bit like asking "Will you be my best friend?" It puts pressure on something that should evolve naturally. The best mentoring relationships I've experienced are built on mutual value, not hierarchy. One of the best examples in my own life is Andrew Nip. On paper, we're different: ⚖️ Andrew comes from HR and recruitment ⚖️ I come from business and data But we also share common ground: 🌏 We're both Australian Chinese 🌏 We both spent years working in China 🌏 We're both curious about how talent thrives What made it work wasn't a formal arrangement. It was how we showed up for each other over time: 🤝 Exchanging honest perspectives 🤝 Sense-checking ideas 🤝 Making thoughtful introductions At some point, I realised something interesting. I see Andrew as a mentor. And he sees me as his mentor too. That, to me, is the best kind of mentorship: Fluid, two-way, evolving with life stage and context. We took this photo in Shanghai a few years ago. Since joining LVMH, Andrew has become noticeably more fashionable than me! 😂 My takeaway... Choose mentors who: 📌 Challenge your thinking (not just validate it) 📌 Share values (even if backgrounds differ) 📌 Get value from the relationship too Mentorship isn't a title you give someone. It's a relationship you earn ... through curiosity, generosity and consistency. Have you ever had a mentor where the learning went both ways? 👇 Tag them to acknowledge their role in your life. #Mentorship #GlobalCareers #LinkedInNewsAustralia ***** 🐯 Hi, I'm Chris. I help quiet achievers build networks and soft skills.

What if the advice you need to break through is just one conversation away? Looking back on my journey as both a founder and a mother, I've realized how crucial mentorship has been in shaping my confidence and decision-making. It was about having the right guidance when I needed it most, not only about learning. Ankur Warikoo has been that person for me, offering wisdom and clarity during times of doubt. His guidance has transformed challenges into learning opportunities, and it’s been a game-changer. But here's the thing: finding the right mentor isn't just about luck or chance. It requires intention and effort. Here's what worked for me: ✨ It’s important to find someone whose values and experiences resonate with your journey. Your mentor should reflect on the path you want to walk. Tip: Follow leaders in your field and attend industry events to connect with like-minded mentors. ✨ Mentorship doesn’t come to you—you have to seek it out. Ask the tough questions, reach out, and show that you’re ready to grow. Tip: Send a personalized message explaining why their guidance could help you grow. ✨ The biggest growth happens when you’re willing to hear perspectives that challenge your thinking. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Tip: After feedback, write down one key takeaway and apply it to your next steps. You seeking mentorship signals that you're ready for the next level of growth. It shows you’re open to evolving, and that’s a powerful step in any journey. Are you thinking about finding a mentor? Share your thoughts or questions below—this might just be your first step toward finding someone who will help shape your next chapter.

The best mentors I’ve had weren’t only in venture capital. Early in my career, I assumed the best way to find mentors was to look for people who I wanted to be in 10 or 20 years. The idea was simple: find someone who had already walked my path and learn from them. But over time, I realized this approach was too narrow. Some of the most valuable mentorship I’ve received has come from people in completely different industries—asset management, infrastructure, technology, even government. And that’s because the best insights don’t always come from someone who thinks exactly like you—they come from someone who sees around corners you don’t even know exist. What I’ve learned about mentorship: 1. Go beyond your industry. If you only take advice from people in your field, you’ll likely get the same thinking as everyone else. My most valuable mentors weren’t just in venture—they were in adjacent fields where the challenges were similar but the solutions were different. That cross-pollination of ideas has been game-changing. 2. Don’t just look for “older and wiser.” Some of my best mentors have been peers, founders, and even people earlier in their careers who simply had a different lens on a problem. Experience matters, but perspective matters more. 3. Make mentorship a two-way street. The best mentor relationships aren’t transactional. They’re built on mutual respect and intellectual curiosity. I’ve found that when I engage with my mentors as equals—asking thoughtful questions, sharing my own insights—it strengthens the relationship and leads to even better advice. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors who have fundamentally shaped how I think about business, leadership, and investing. But the biggest lesson? A great mentor doesn’t have to be someone who looks just like your future self. They just have to help you think in ways you wouldn’t on your own.

Mentorship doesn’t start with a formal agreement. There’s no signing ceremony. No official title exchange. The best mentoring relationships I’ve seen? They happened organically. A coffee catch-up that turned into a career conversation. A colleague who asked the right question at the right time. A friend who saw something in you before you saw it yourself. We often think mentorship is about advice. About guidance. About someone senior showing you the way. But the mentorship that actually changes you? It’s not about the advice. ✨ It’s about trust and truth built over time. The kind that deepens with each conversation. You start by sharing professional challenges. Then you talk about your aspirations and goals. The mentor who saw you spiral during a hard quarter and didn’t judge. Who celebrated your win like it was their own. Who called you on your patterns, because they’d earned the right to be honest. 💫 That’s real respect. Not the polite, professional kind. The kind where you watch how they make hard decisions. How they treat people when no one’s watching. How they admit when they got it wrong. And they see the same in you. 🤝 Vulnerability comes later. Failures. Regrets. Moments of doubt. This kind of mentorship doesn’t come from a structured program. It can’t be forced or scheduled into quarterly check-ins. It grows quietly. Over coffees that run long. Messages or Calls that start with “can I run something by you?” …and end somewhere completely different. Sometimes, mentorship becomes friendship. Often, it simply becomes trust. The hierarchy fades. The guidance stays. Some of my most meaningful mentorships grew this way. People who’ve seen my work. People I trust with unfinished thinking and honest questions. The real value isn’t in what they taught me. It’s in who I’ve become because they challenged me with care. So if there’s someone whose perspective you value, reach out. Don’t overthink the ask. Start with: “I’ve been thinking about [specific thing]. Would you be open to a 10-minute conversation?” The best mentorships often start with a single, genuine question. #LinkedInNewsAustralia #Careers #Mentors

Don’t just ask someone to “be your mentor” — be intentional about how you work with them. Mentorship has shaped my career in big ways. One of my earliest mentors was an interim pro-vice-chancellor when I worked at a university. That relationship led to the opportunity to work in India — something I never could have planned, but which completely shifted my trajectory. I still work with mentors today, so when people approach me for mentorship, I try to help where I can. Enter Iqra Ali. She recently reached out with the perfect approach — clear, thoughtful, and showing she’s driven, passionate, approachable, and ready to put the work in. And that’s the difference. Mentorship works when the mentee drives the relationship. From both sides, here’s what I’ve seen matters most: ✅ Be clear on what you need support with ✅ Do your research before you reach out ✅ Come prepared and on time ✅ Keep your mentor updated on progress ✅ Follow up promptly — respect their time Beyond the basics, mentorship can also be strategic: ✅ Learn from people indirectly (blogs, podcasts, videos, talks) ✅ Build a network of mentors, not just one ✅ Set yourself weekly challenges to apply advice ✅ Invest in yourself — through mentors, courses, and training I truly believe mentorship can be a game-changing investment. But it does require time, and sometimes money. If you’re clear on what you want, open to feedback, and willing to put the work in, the return on this investment will continue to pay off again and again throughout your career. #mentorship