The Power of Mentors: Lessons from Top Icons

Grit alone isn't enough; seeking help is essential for founders.

"One of the mistakes that I see founders make is... they don't ask for help."

• Acknowledge that hard work needs support. • Be willing to ask for assistance. • Build networks to enhance your success.

Being an active learner enhances your mentorship experience.

"The very best are the ones that ask the most questions. They're enthused, they lean in, they're very inquisitive."

• Ask thoughtful questions to learn more. • Show enthusiasm and curiosity. • Engage deeply with your mentor to maximize growth.

Providing value to mentors deepens the relationship and enhances learning.

"To make yourself useful and to be of service to that mentor... somebody could help you feel like you belong there."

• Offer assistance to your mentor where possible. • Contribute value while learning from them. • Allow mentors to guide your growth journey.

Honest feedback from mentors accelerates your growth as a founder.

"A mentor isn't someone who's going to flatter you and make it easy for you. A mentor is going to tell you the truth, it's gonna kick your ass, and is gonna want you to be the best version of yourself."

• Seek mentors who offer candid feedback. • Embrace constructive criticism to improve. • Use honest insights to become a better leader.

Mentors can come from any generation or industry, enriching your perspective.

"I don't think mentors is like, you know, older people to younger people, it's dual... Some of my 80 year old mentors would tell you I'm mentoring them..."

• Be open to mentors from diverse backgrounds. • Engage in mutual learning relationships. • Expand your insight through varied mentorships.

Founders need a supportive peer network to navigate scaling challenges.

"You should be in a formal community of other founders... you want to be in a flotilla."

• Join or form groups with fellow entrepreneurs. • Share experiences for mutual growth. • Collaborate to overcome challenges together.

Building relationships with mentors helps establish credibility with investors.

"Don't think of mentorship as a transaction. Think of it as a relationship and building bridges... I wanted to build real credibility..."

• Cultivate genuine relationships before seeking favors. • Add value to your mentors and investors. • Show humility and appreciation to build strong connections.

Peer mentorship strengthens team building and helps tackle hiring challenges.

"Literally all of my closest friends are fabulous humans, many of them big entrepreneurs... really building very honest, close friendships."

• Build genuine friendships with fellow founders. • Offer assistance before seeking help. • Leverage your network for problem-solving.

Building a mentor network is crucial for founders to scale their startups effectively.

"You have to proactively make [mentors]."

• Join formal communities of founders to share experiences. • Actively cultivate mentoring relationships. • Seek guidance to strengthen your position.