When Mentorship Is Real: The Impact of Lived Experience in Business
Advice is everywhere. You can find it in podcasts, on social media, and in endless blog posts. Admittedly, I am hugely invested in podcasts; I start each morning listening to the motivational words of the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Chris Williamson and Jordan Peterson. But when we really break it down, most of the advice so freely available to us is just surface level.
It’s easy for “experts” to talk about growth strategies or leadership theory. In fact, in my book – 10 Steps to Success in Business – I talk about how many self-professed experts exist in the world. When it comes down to it, it’s much harder to guide someone through the real work of building and sustaining a business, unless they’ve walked those steps themselves.
And that’s where serious business mentorship makes a difference; especially when it’s delivered by someone who has spent decades actually doing it. Someone who has built companies, made mistakes, adapted, and kept going. That kind of experience doesn’t just inform, it sharpens. Here’s why it’s worth paying attention to:
Mentors with lived experience don’t rely on guesswork or second-hand theory. They’ve tried, failed, adjusted, and succeeded, sometimes repeatedly. When they suggest a course of action, it’s because they’ve either done it themselves or learned exactly why it didn’t work.
Business is rarely black and white, and decisions aren’t always obvious. A seasoned mentor doesn’t give you a checklist, they help you think. They can sit with complexity and help you weigh options without pretending there's always a “right” answer. They also understand that progress often depends on context, timing, and judgment, not rigid formulas.
An experienced mentor can see patterns forming before they become problems. They’ve been through enough cycles to recognise what early-stage burnout looks like, or when a founder is making decisions from fear instead of clarity. This kind of early detection can make the difference between a small correction and a major course change.
Working with a mentor who has played the long game means you won’t spend your time chasing quick wins. They’ll challenge you to stop chasing distractions and start building something sustainable, helping you focus on what will move your business forward, laying the foundations for lasting success.
When someone still shows up with curiosity and energy after 20 or 30 years in business, it tells you something. It tells you they’re not just going through the motions, they still care. And that matters, because mentorship isn’t just about information, it’s about mindset. When you’re around people who haven’t let time dull their ambition, it raises your own expectations of what’s possible.
The bottom line is the best mentors don’t just give advice, they’ve lived it. They’ll help you think critically, act with purpose, and build on your own terms. If you’re serious about building a business on your own terms, don’t go it alone. Business mentors help you think sharper, move smarter, and avoid costly mistakes, and that’s exactly what I bring to the table.
For me, mentoring isn’t just something I do, it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I get a real sense of purpose from helping others navigate challenges, find clarity, and build with confidence. Giving back through mentorship is one of the most rewarding parts of my work, and I’m always energised by the opportunity to support driven people who are ready to grow.
Business mentorship isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about strategy, clarity, and experience you can trust. If you're ready for real momentum, let’s talk.
