Coaching vs. Mentoring: Understanding the Key Differences for Your Professional Growth

They're often used interchangeably, but coaching and mentoring serve very distinct purposes in personal and professional growth.

So what exactly is the difference? Let's take a look.

Coaching

Coaching focuses on specific skills and immediate challenges. Think structured sessions, measurable progress, and direct feedback. Coaching provides the tools, guidance, and accountability to make it happen.

Group coaching offers actionable strategies tailored to your unique role while helping you build connections with others who understand your world. The insights and support you gain will empower you to navigate your career with confidence, become more effective in your role, and position yourself as an indispensable asset to your organisation.

Importantly, a coach does not have to have direct experience in the world of the coachee. A great coach knows how to guide, question and facilitate you to your own conclusions.

Mentoring

A mentor is more of a long-term guide and sounding board. They’ve walked the path you’re treading and are here to share their experiences, wisdom, and advice. Mentors are your go-to for big-picture thinking, career strategy, and navigating those “I have no clue what I'm doing” moments.

Beyond the advice, a mentor provides accountability and a safe space to discuss your ambitions, fears, and roadblocks. Their tailored support not only accelerates your growth but also equips you with the tools, confidence, and clarity needed to thrive in your role and beyond.

Enlisting a mentor for 1:1 sessions is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your career growth and business journey.

So, which one is right for you?

Well, actually both.

Coaching helps you refine your skills for the now, while a mentor helps shape your journey for the future. Group coaching also allows you to benefit from the wisdom of the group and make connections you might not find elsewhere. There's something very powerful about a group coming together to share their experiences.

At EA How To, we understand the value of both roles. We also understand that like leggings and stilettos, mentoring is not a one size fits all situation.

That's why we've put together a team of expert mentors from different career paths who are here to share their years of experience with you. Depending on where you are in your career journey, which timezone you are in or who you resonate with, you can choose the mentor who best aligns with your aspirations.

Alicia Fairclough is the Founder of EA How To and loves working with new EAs. She is a passionate advocate for administrative professionals and enjoys making the working lives of EAs better through actionable solutions and advice.

Trinity James is the complete package! Experienced EA turned Career Coach. Trinity gives expert career advice and as she is based in Western Australia, she is available to EAs in the Southern Hemisphere.

Funmi Dosunmu is an American powerhouse. With a strong background in the events industry, Funmi moved into the EA world and has been taking it by storm. She gets the big jobs and is the Founder of SixFigureEA.

Yvette Pearson is a highly experienced EA who moved into the world of operations and revenue operations. She's all about processes and anything she doesn't know about Monday.com isn't worth knowing.

Zoe Hill is a former EA and CoS. Zoe saw a new direction for the EA role and founded Premier Admin Services. She has an excellent corporate background, is business savvy and gives strong, practical advice.

? Book a session or learn more here.

When it comes to coaching, we believe in collaboration, community, and conversation. Our monthly EA How To Plus Group Coaching sessions are where growth happens - together.

Here’s how it works:

Each month, EA How To Plus members gather to tackle a key topic relevant to the EA world. But this isn’t just another webinar. It’s interactive, intimate, and impactful.

We break into small, focused breakout rooms to foster open discussions. This is your chance to share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and learn from peers who truly get what you’re navigating. Think of it as a sounding board, strategy session, and skills lab all rolled into one.

Our coaching sessions are all about empowering you to discover insights, refine strategies, and walk away with tools you can implement immediately. It’s the perfect environment to stretch, grow, and achieve your goals with the support of an incredible community.

The feedback on our group coaching sessions has been extremely positive with members agreeing that taking a small amount of time to connect with other professionals in various industries and corners of the globe has been an incredibly rewarding experience.?

"Agile talent strategist, leadership consultant, mentor and coach with over 20 years of executive experience in the Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia region.

I have lead multi-national teams through transition and change management. Over the years I have become an expert in coaching leaders and teams in managing behavioural change in the ever-changing business landscape.

My current focus is to consult executives and leaders from small businesses through to large organisations on all people-related aspects with a specific focus on integrating the talent of the business into the overall strategy. I also work for various companies as a facilitator in the area of leadership development, mentoring and change management.

My interests are corporate culture, employee engagement and mentoring with a specific focus on adopting the agile principles to support companies staying relevant.

I am also a published author and international keynote speaker"

"I'm a dedicated, caring and positive person, passionate about helping professionals get ahead in their careers. With over 10 years of experience in executive support, coaching, and business development, I've had the chance to work in both corporate and small business worlds— and I have had plenty of practise handling all the moving pieces while keeping things grounded and results-focused.

Specialising in resume writing, interview preparation, LinkedIn profile optimisation and personal branding, I offer tailored coaching that empowers EAs to take control of their career paths.

Based in Perth, Western Australia, I am passionate about helping my clients achieve work-life balance while pursuing meaningful career growth".?

? Learn more about group coaching here.

? Become a member of EA How To Plus here.