This afternoon, I got the best kind of surprise—an unexpected text from my longtime mentor. She was in town and wondered if I had time to catch up. The answer, of course, was yes. No hesitation. My heart leapt at the chance.
This woman has been a force in my life for more than a decade. She’s been a champion, a challenger, a question-asker, and a truth-teller. She’s also become one of my dearest friends. We were originally paired through the College Leadership Florida program many years ago (which now feels like a lifetime ago), and somehow the universe got it exactly right. We’ve stayed connected ever since. She even stood by my side as a bridesmaid at my wedding—something I’m sure she didn’t see coming when she agreed to be my mentor for that “one-year commitment.”
Our visit today reminded me how powerful it is to have people in your corner. People who see you clearly, who help you stretch, and who hold space for you to grow into the next version of yourself.
Mentorship has been that for me—and more.
And I’ve realized that mentorship doesn’t have to follow a script. It doesn’t need to come with a title or a contract. It can look like a coffee with a friend, a trusted colleague who listens without judgment, or even someone you once considered a competitor who now pushes you to think bigger. Mentorship is really just an authentic, mutual relationship rooted in belief—belief in each other’s growth, purpose, and potential.
It’s not just about career moves or strategic advice (though there’s value in that). It’s about having someone who knows how to ask the right question when you’re stuck. Who reminds you who you are when you forget. Who helps you pause long enough to consider whether you’re chasing someone else’s goals—or your own.
One of the best gifts my mentor ever gave me was a simple but profound exercise: a matrix to help me align what I love with what I’m great at. That matrix is still part of my decision-making framework today. I’ve since shared it with countless others in coaching conversations, leadership development, and career talks. That’s the ripple effect of mentorship—it travels.
I’ve also had the privilege of being a mentor to some incredible young women. Watching them grow into their own power has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. And the truth is—I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me. That’s the beauty of it. We grow together.
Mentors open doors—not just professionally, but within us. They challenge our self-doubt. They broaden our perspective. They help us dream a little bigger and believe a little more.
In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, I wish more people embraced this kind of relationship. It doesn’t have to be formal. You don’t need an invitation. Just reach out. Listen deeply. Ask someone what they need. Or share what you’ve learned along the way.
Because whether you’re the mentor or the mentee—or, as is often the case, both—the relationship is transformational. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to do this life thing alone.
So, take a moment. Think about the people who’ve helped shape you. Who’s walked with you through the hard seasons? Who’s called out your strengths when you couldn’t see them yourself?
Text them. Call them. Thank them.
And then—be that person for someone else.
Because at the end of the day, mentorship is really about presence. It’s about showing up. And it’s one of the most powerful gifts we can give.
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