Standing with Titans

Who were the Titans?

In Greek mythology, the Titans were immortal giants with immense power. They were a force of nature who shaped the world. There were twelve Titans, each highly impactful in their fields due to their incredible knowledge, influence and strength.

The Titans were eventually overthrown by the Olympians (Zeus, Poseidon etc) in a series of battles called 'Titanomachy'. In essence, it was a struggle for supremacy between the older generation and the younger generation of Gods. This clash of generations still happens today in the modern world. But that's a story for another day. Back to the Titans now.

Who are the Titans today?

Today, a Titan is a Leader, an Entrepreneur, a Scientist, an Artist, an Author, an Inventor, a Journalist, A Researcher or anyone who stands out through great achievements. A Titan is someone who is recognized for his/her contribution to a specific field.

Einstein was a Titan of Science; Shakespeare was a Titan of Literature; Henry Ford was a Titan of Industry; Muhammad Ali was a Titan in Boxing; Mandela was a Titan of Leadership, Steve Jobs was a Titan in Technology. For me ...

• A Titan is someone who has wisdom, experience and a wide reach.
• A Titan is someone you look forward to emulate.
• Anyone and everyone can aspire to be a Titan.

Titans are Mentors

Like me, I am sure you have had the privilege of learning from Titans - be it directly or indirectly. I am deeply grateful to the Titans who, as mentors, have helped me grow, both personally and professionally, in my journey. I see Titans essentially as Mentors.

They are the teachers who we seek in our quest to grow. As Buddha said: "When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear"

Who was Mentor?

Again, let’s go back to Greek mythology. When leaving to fight in the Trojan war, Odysseus left his son Telemachus under the stewardship of Mentor, his old friend and trusted advisor. Mentor acted as a teacher, guide and father figure for young Telemachus. Thanks to Mentor's guidance, Telemachus grew up to become an able young man.

The story continues with Mentor accompanying Telemachus in his quest to find Odysseus who is lost after the war. At the end of the story, Mentor turns out to be Athena, the Goddess of wisdom, in disguise. In essence, Mentor was no less than a Titan who advised, guided and taught Telemachus to succeed in his quest and in his life.

What does it mean to be a Mentor?

With time, the word Mentor has evolved to mean trusted advisor, teacher and wise person. Having had a few mentors over the years, here is what a mentor means to me:

A mentor is someone who Coaches, Counsels and Connects the 'mentee' under his/her stewardship.

1. Coach – To coach is simply to lead with questions - A good coach can change your game. A great coach can change your life! To coach is to hold the space and help you to discover your inner gems – strengths, talents and values. A coach will challenge you to grow, to perform and to thrive.
2. Counsel – To counsel is to advise with experience - People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. A great mentor acts as guide, tutor and trusted advisor who shares wisdom, experience & insights. A great mentor shares the lessons learnt both from successes and mistakes.
3. Connect – To connect is to expand your network - Your network is your net worth. A mentor is someone who opens doors and connects you with a wider community, broadens your horizons and expands your reach. A mentor also acts as a promoter and referee to help you grow your career.
   

Standing with Titans

Mentors are Titans who lift us, guide us and stretch us – all in the spirit of helping us grow to be a better version of ourselves. Mentors are Titans on whose shoulders we stand. They are Titans who have our backs. They are Titans who stand by us through thick and thin.

How to be a Titan? Simple - GET a Mentor - BE a Mentor. You don't have to wait to be a wise old person to start mentoring, nor should you wait to feel lost or embark on a new quest to seek a mentor. It is readily accessible today. All it takes, is to reach out and ask.

Examples of Epic Mentoring Relationships

In literature, movies and stories, mentors are archetypes who help the Hero in his/her quest or through the Hero's Journey. They act as protectors, advisors and tutors who help the Hero become aware of their purpose, identity & talents. They train the hero to hone their healthset, mindset & skillset and help the latter to realize their full potential.

Here are a few examples, in fiction and in history, of Titans who have mentored or been mentored themselves:

1. Socrates and Plato
2. Aristotle and Alexander the Great
3. Hayden and Beethoven
4. Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung
5. Warren Buffet and Bill Gates
6. Pope Jean Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI
7. Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent
8. Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey
9. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg
10. Jim Rohn and Tony Robbins
11. Mister Miyagi and Daniel Larusso (Karate Kid)
12. Master Yoda and Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
13. Professor Dumbledore and Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
14. Gandalf and Frodo (Lord of the Rings)
15. M and James Bond (James Bond)
16. Master Shifu and Kung Fu Panda (Kung Fu Panda)
17. Batman and Robin (Batman)
18. Professor Xavier and Wolverine (X-men)
19. Mickey Goldmill and Rocky Balboa (Rocky)
20. Morpheus and Neo (The Matrix)

What examples would you add to the list? Share your insights in the comments section.