Ambitious people are always looking for someone who can make them even better. Behind many successful people in history is a great mentor, a trusted advisor who has helped them along the way. Jennifer Merrill’s book, “Top 25 Mentoring Relationships in History” provides lots of evidence of this. Here are a few examples of great mentoring relationships to encourage you.
- Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg – Steve Jobs often met with Zuckerberg to discuss the best business and management practices for Facebook. When Jobs passed away in 2011, Zuckerberg posted on his Facebook page, “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”
- Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates – Gates first met American business magnate Warren Buffett at a dinner organized by Gates’ mother. There he began a discussion with Buffett about business and philanthropy that has lasted for years. Gates has said he has turned to Buffett for advice on various subjects and often refers to him as “one of a kind.”
- Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi – “If I hadn’t had mentors, I wouldn’t be here today. I’m a product of great mentoring, great coaching… Coaches or mentors are very important.”
- Actor and director Clint Eastwood – Now 90 and still directing, Eastwood was mentored by many including his grandmother who encouraged the Dirty Harry star to always work hard and pursue his dreams. “I’ve had many mentors in my life… my grandmother was always encouraging. She always thought I was going to be something when nobody else, including myself, thought I was going to amount to anything.”
A great mentor is suited to your personality, respectful of others, and a recognized expert in their field. Find someone who can show you that what you build can change the world.
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