Think You Don’t Need a Mentor?

Here’s What Ancient History Can Teach You About Winning at Life

I’ve always loved the act of coaching. Earlier this week, I had a conversation with a family friend, sharing something I’ve often thought about: I wish that during the early years of my career, I had someone who could genuinely advise me on what I was doing. My family, the people closest to me, didn’t have the experience to guide me through the world of business, medicine, or whatever field I found myself in.

When I started working in a hospital, I was fortunate to have someone who could advise me in my part-time role. That was incredibly helpful. But as I grew and moved into different areas, the people around me—though supportive—didn’t have the knowledge to guide me through the complexities of those worlds or help me connect with the right people to get things done. As I reflected on this, I realized that I see many young people today making the same mistakes I made or potentially walking into similar pitfalls.

One of the most important lessons I learned was the power of surrounding myself with the right people. By “right,” I mean those who could provide the kind of influence and insight that could elevate my career. Instead of working smarter, I often worked harder and harder, not realizing there was a better way—one that leveraged my natural strengths and allowed me to build something meaningful and bring others along with me.?

In those early years, I needed the right circle of influence. The different stages of one’s career require different kinds of advisors—people who can guide you, know the landscape, help you avoid ordinary land minds, and connect with the right opportunities. This support is less common today unless you’re in a smaller company where someone takes you under their wing. In larger environments, everything moves so fast that we’re often left to figure things out independently, stumbling through the complexities without that crucial piece of wisdom that makes all the difference.

This is precisely why I built GetCareerDoctor.com —I see the need for accurate, meaningful guidance. Last night, I talked to a friend about my desire to help young people, and she said something that struck me: “I don’t think young people want that kind of guidance anymore. They want to follow someone else.” And I thought that’s the problem. You can’t indeed follow someone just by observing them from afar. You need to understand the nuts and bolts of what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and, most importantly, have a real relationship with them to learn the lessons that aren’t obvious on the surface.

The History of Guidance: From Socrates to Today

Throughout history, humanity has always sought wisdom from trusted advisors. From the philosophers of ancient Greece to the wise elders of biblical times, seeking counsel remains an enduring aspect of what makes us human. Whether it was Socrates asking his probing questions or Jethro advising Moses in the wilderness, the need for guidance—someone to help us see more clearly or think more deeply—has always been part of our journey.

In ancient Greece, Socrates played a role that resembled that of the modern-day coach. He didn’t provide direct answers but used questions to guide his students in discovering the answers themselves. His method, known as the Socratic method, wasn’t about telling people what to do but sparking curiosity, encouraging reflection, and helping individuals conclude. This method made people think beyond their limitations, pushing their perspectives.?

Even in the Bible, we see advisors playing key roles. Moses, one of the most outstanding leaders of his time, had Jethro—a wise elder who helped him navigate leadership challenges. Jethro didn’t dictate solutions; instead, he offered insights, presented Moses with different ways to approach problems, and asked questions that made Moses rethink his approach to governance. This wasn’t about telling Moses what to do but helping him find a better way to do what he was meant to do.

Advisors have existed in many forms—philosophers, prophets, spiritual leaders, and wise elders. They weren’t there to give a roadmap but to help others draw the map themselves. They provided an external perspective that expanded the scope of possibilities, gave insights where there were blind spots, and asked questions that revealed truths otherwise overlooked.

The Need for Coaches Today

Fast forward to today, and we still crave that kind of guidance. The modern-day coach or career advisor takes on that timeless role of being the guide on the side. In our hectic, information-saturated world, it’s easy to get lost in the noise, to forget essential elements of our goals, or to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. Coaches are here to ask clarifying questions, to hold up a mirror, and to help us think through things we might be overlooking.?

The role of an advisor or coach isn’t to provide you with all the answers; it is to help you see the answers already within you. It’s about opening up possibilities and illuminating paths that might have been hidden under the weight of routine, doubt, or fear. It’s about creating space for you to explore, reflect, and, ultimately, decide with greater clarity and confidence.

The value of having a coach or advisor is not in being told what to do but in having someone who challenges you to think bigger, notice what you might be missing, and make decisions that align more closely with who you are and what you want to become. This is the same guiding principle that Socrates used with his students, that Jethro used with Moses, and that countless advisors have used throughout history.

Just as in ancient times, having someone by our side—someone who asks the right questions, listens, and helps us discover our best answers—is as crucial now as it was then. We may not sit at the feet of Socrates or receive wisdom on a mountainside, but the core need remains the desire for insight, a broader perspective, and someone to help us navigate our journey.

About the author

Dr. Marilyn Carroll, with her impressive array of qualifications, including a Ph.D., MBA, and MEd, stands as a beacon of leadership and knowledge in executive coaching. As a Senior Executive Coach, Founder of GetCareerDoctor.com , CultureVybe.com , and Co-Founder of Empowered Ed Pro, her expertise has been instrumental in guiding professionals and leaders toward achieving their full potential. Her work as an author further cements her role as a thought leader, offering insights and strategies for empowerment and success in the professional realm. Dr. Carroll’s comprehensive background and dedication to fostering growth and development make her an invaluable resource for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of their career with confidence and clarity.

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