A Millionaire, His Yacht, and a Monkey: The Power of Mentors

No, this isn’t the start of a joke! ?? It’s a story about the profound impact of mentorship, and how having the right mentor can shape your personal and professional life. There are four key reasons why mentors are critical in our journey:

• Guidance and Perspective
• Skill Development
• Accountability and Motivation
• Emotional and Moral Support

"A mentor will support and encourage you, offering valuable feedback and advice while helping you define and achieve your goals. This relationship can be pivotal, significantly influencing your life decisions and career path." – Jere Stille

My Story

At 12 years old, I met my first mentor—a successful real estate broker who was also my mother’s boyfriend at the time. Coming from a tough environment, rough neighborhood, and lower-income background, I was struck by the life he led, one that seemed straight out of a movie: a yacht, homes spread across Malibu Hills, Manhattan Beach, and the desert, and an array of animals, from horses and dogs to a monkey and even alligators. He was a man of adventure, always ready to explore the wilderness. But beyond the wealth and excitement, he became something far more meaningful to me—my first mentor.

Even today, 40+ years later, we stay connected, and I continue to value the lessons he imparted. When you allow it, a mentor can transform a lost soul and help you discover new horizons. And that is exactly what he did for me.

Ten years after meeting him, I was working full-time in the grocery business, looking for ways to accelerate my two-year college degree. I shared my strategy with him, thinking I was already doing the best I could by taking a full load of classes while working part-time. But then, he asked me, "Why are you only taking four classes? How do you know you can’t take more?" That question challenged everything I thought I knew.

Encouraged by his belief in me, I signed up for 7-8 classes per semester while working three part-time jobs and sleeping only 3-4 hours a night. The result? I achieved straight A’s and made the Dean’s List. I wasn’t just meeting expectations—I was breaking my own records.

This experience shaped my future, both personally and professionally. The lesson? You never know your limits until you push them. Mentors provide the push you need when you can't see your potential clearly.

Four Reasons Mentors Are Critical in Our Lives (and Careers)

1. Guidance and Perspective My mentor helped me see beyond my limited thinking. I thought taking a full load of classes was enough, but he pushed me to expand my vision. The same is true in the workplace—mentors can offer fresh perspectives and new opportunities, helping you navigate challenges you wouldn’t have considered alone.
2. Skill Development By taking 7-8 classes, I didn’t just stretch my limits—I developed essential skills like time management, discipline, and resilience. A mentor pushes you to refine your skills, whether in managing a heavy workload or leading a team at work. In the workplace, mentors help you develop the skills that will serve you well both now and in the future.
3. Accountability and Motivation My mentor wasn’t content with me just “doing enough”—he held me accountable to a higher standard. In professional environments, a mentor will challenge you to think bigger and push harder, all while holding you accountable for your progress. This kind of motivation is key to personal and career growth.
4. Emotional and Moral Support Balancing school, three jobs, and sleepless nights were tough, but knowing my mentor believed in me kept me going. Mentors provide crucial emotional support, helping you stay strong in the face of personal and professional challenges. In the workplace, they offer moral guidance, helping you stay grounded while navigating difficult situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Mentors transform lives—both personally and professionally—by helping you discover new horizons.
• They encourage you to take risks and push your limits. They see potential in you that you can’t always see in yourself.
• They inspire you to dream bigger than your big, which leads to breakthroughs in both your career and personal life.

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“The greatest risk in life is not taking any risk at all.” – Geena Davis

So, how has mentorship impacted your life or career? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on the power of mentors.