On Mentors
This morning, I had a call with a mentor of mine, post call I reflected on how lucky I am to have such fantastic people advise me at various points in my life. It truly is a privilege.
I thought I would pen this article on mentorship and how organically overtime I have built a “board” of mentors for myself.
Companies have a Board of Directors, and smaller companies and non-profits have a board of advisors. The purpose of this diverse board is to bring in various different skillsets to help advise the company better. This is to ensure all bases are covered and the best expertise is available to guide and protect the management team in making critical decisions.
The same concept can be applied to ourselves as individuals. As we navigate through life, we go through many decisions and choices. Professional choices, social choices, personal choices, individual spiritual quests and pursuits. With all of these decisions many a time one faces a conundrum of what is the best possible path forward. This is where leaning on the wisdom of a mentor helps. But no one person could have answers to all the questions that come through in your life. That is why if you can, and if you’re lucky, you should have a board of mentors.
Maybe, there is someone whose professional trajectory you admire and wish to emulate. There might be another person who is spiritually well-versed and they could help you navigate that pathway. Somebody else who has raised a good family and their advice is useful to you as you go ahead and do the same. One faces such and many more questions throughout one's life and having various different mentors is very helpful.
A key requirement though towards calling someone your mentor is a) they should be a good human being b) they should be able to relate with you and you could feel that they genuinely care about your wellbeing.
At the end of the day, your decisions are your own and you have to make them and live with them but having a wise board of mentors makes that journey a lot easier to navigate. I am fortunate to have such folks in my life and will forever be grateful to them. Thank you for all you have done for me and I pray for your continued success and well-being.
