Behind every successful person, there’s a mentor who helped them along the way. Some of the most influential people in history were encouraged to succeed by some of the most well-known people of our time.

To name a few;

• Mahatma Gandhi mentored Nelson Mandela
• Steve Jobs mentored Mark Zuckerberg
• Christian Dior mentored Yves St. Laurent
• Warren Buffett mentored Bill Gates
• Ray Charles mentored Quincy Jones
• Steven Spielberg mentored J.J. Abrams
• Audrey Hepburn mentored Elizabeth Taylor
• Socrates mentored Plato – Plato then mentored Aristotle. This trio alone shows us the power of mentoring relationships, and that they date as far back as 400 BC, as well as showing how the student can become the master.

A mentor is essentially a more experienced individual who can help you navigate the ups and downs of your professional journey, and having one can greatly improve your career by providing valuable guidance, support and advice. Below we delve into some of the benefits a mentor can bring to your career.

Career Development: A mentor can help you develop your career by providing guidance on your strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement. They can provide you with insights into the industry and help you set realistic and achievable career goals.

Networking Opportunities: Mentors often have a vast network of connections and can help you make valuable contacts that can further your career. They can also introduce you to potential employers, clients or collaborators.

Skill Building: Mentors can provide guidance on developing your skills and acquiring new ones. They can provide you with practical advice and support in areas such as public speaking, negotiation and leadership.

Confidence Boosting: A mentor can help you gain confidence in your abilities and provide you with the support and encouragement you need to succeed. They can provide a sounding board for your ideas and help you overcome any obstacles you may face in your career.

Career Advancement: Having a mentor can lead to new opportunities and help you advance in your career. They can provide you with guidance on how to take your career to the next level and help you stay on track towards your goals.

In a nutshell, having a mentor can greatly enhance your career by providing guidance, support, and opportunities. It's important to seek out a mentor who is knowledgeable, experienced, and has a track record of success in your field. A mentor can help you achieve your career aspirations and provide you with the tools and guidance you need to succeed.

Now might be a great time to have a think about people you admire in your field. Reach out to them & ask if they have capacity to take on the role of mentor to you. If they don’t, they will ideally have been flattered that you asked & will hopefully recommend someone to you.

And remember, your first mentor needn’t be Bill Gates and you can, and ideally will know more than one mentor throughout your career. You may even be the next Plato.