Everyone loves the label of the “self-made entrepreneur”: the hungry individual who overcame adversity and built a business empire from scratch with nothing but grit and hustle. It’s a powerful story… but how accurate is it, really?
I didn’t get to where I am all on my own. And no truly successful person would claim that they did either. We’ve all been supported by mentors, friends, advocates, colleagues, and the quiet strength of loved ones who cheered us on behind the scenes.
I’ve mentored 1,000+ entrepreneurs through the McDan Entrepreneurship Challenge and #McDanYouthConnect series, and here’s what I know for sure: mentorship isn’t just helpful, it’s a necessary tool for unlocking your potential as a young business owner.
Everyone thinks they can go solo… until they realise that they can’t. You might believe you can figure it all out on your own, but the truth is, you can’t. A mentor is more than a sounding board and a voice of reason; they’ve made the mistakes the you’re about to make and lived to tell them. Why not learn from their blunders instead of experiencing it on your own?
Find someone who’s already where you want to be. Why? Success leaves clues. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel or spend years “figuring it out.” A mentor has been there, done that, and a resume to prove it. Skip the guesswork, follow their lead.
I know Facebook has created this impression, but mentorship isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about access. The right mentor can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Want to land that big contract or get in the room with an investor? Sometimes, it’s not just what you know, but who your mentor knows.
Even the greatest athletes have mentors, in the guise of coaches. Think about it: Muhammad Ali, Messi, Ronaldo, LeBron, Serena Williams, etc. The best in the world still need guidance. They didn’t get there on talent alone. So why should you be any different? You never outgrow the need for wisdom, accountability, or support, no matter how skilled you are.
