Few leaders reach the top without guidance. Mentors shape careers, open doors, challenge thinking, and instill confidence. But many aspiring leaders still ask: How do I find mentors? What should I expect? How do I make the relationship meaningful? Drawing on interviews from It’s Personal Stories, here are six enhanced lessons.

1. Be Proactive in Seeking Mentors, and Bold in Your Approach

Bill Ferguson, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Ferguson Partners, illustrates the power of boldness, describing how Leslie Hale, President and Chief Executive Officer at RLJ Lodging Trust, “redefined her peer set” by placing herself near leaders she wanted to learn from. Ross Bierkan, Principal, Wellfleet Equity, adds that mentorship “takes a little bit of chutzpah,” and most people are receptive when approached with sincerity. The lesson: mentorship favors those who ask.

2. Build a Diverse Portfolio of Mentors for Different Needs

Mentorship is rarely one-size-fits-all. Kevin Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer at Hilton, encourages leaders to “build relationships with a lot of different people” and find natural chemistry. Winnie Ho, Vice President of Digital & Technology Solutions at MGM MACAU, adds a powerful nuance: many mentors influence us without ever knowing it. A strong support system is a mosaic of voices, perspectives, and strengths.

3. Value Mentors Who Challenge You, Not Just Encourage You

Growth often happens outside comfort zones. Malaika Myers, Former Chief Human Resources Officer at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, recounts how a mentor let her “run into a freight train” to learn organizational dynamics firsthand. This form of trust, allowing a rising leader to stumble, stretch, and recover, is a hallmark of world-class mentorship.

4. Seek Mentors Who Model Values, Not Merely Skills

Jin Lee, CEO of Acrophyte Hospitality Trust, describes Suzanne Mellon as a mentor who shaped both competence and character. Brian King, highlights Arne Sorenson’s humility: he listened deeply and “was always the last to speak.” Mentors don’t just teach tactics; they teach what leadership feels like.

5. Understand the Difference Between Mentorship and Sponsorship

A mentor gives advice; a sponsor creates opportunity. Katherine Lugar, EVP of Corporate Affairs at Hilton, stressed: “Mentors are invaluable, but sponsors advocate for you when you’re not in the room. Both are essential.” Aspiring leaders should actively cultivate relationships with people who can guide them and those who can open doors.

6. Pay It Forward, Even Before You Feel Ready

Winnie Ho emphasizes becoming the mentor she once needed, reminding us that uplifting others strengthens us too. Chip Conley, CEO and Founder of Modern Elder Academy, reframes mentorship as mutual learning - being both “mentor and intern at the same time.” Mentorship is not reserved for late career stages; it’s a mindset rooted in generosity and shared growth.

Closing Thought

Mentorship is more than guidance. It’s a community of belief, challenge, support, and opportunity. The most successful leaders seek mentors intentionally, build diverse support systems, invite challenge, cultivate sponsors, and uplift others along the way. In hospitality, mentorship may be the single most transformational investment in your future.