𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘸𝘪𝘴�‪�‬ ITC and VC4A

As we bring this season to a close we ask, “Can you outgrow a mentoring relationship?” and “How do you make a clean break?”. This can be tricky. When are you supposed to initiate the conversation about the end? What effect will a hard stop have on your reputation? In other words, What does a hard break say about you? How do mentors feel about moving on? As always our panel of seasoned mentors and experienced mentees offer an array of perspectives and considerations.

The question from our last episode brought out so many valuable answers that we decided to share more of the great answers we got. Respecting mentors time, sharing progress and keeping mentors informed and involved in good and in bad times are just some of the points they talk us through.

In this episode, we get to the heart of the series. Getting the most out of the mentor you have can be tricky so what are some of the not-so-obvious habits and tricks that mentees and mentors can use to keep the relationship not just useful, lively, and fresh? As always our panel had a heap of surprising ideas, suggestions, and experiences to share.

Once you’ve found an individual to approach to be your mentor, it is important to identify exactly what you want out of your relationship. This involves having a better understanding of yourself, your business, and most importantly your intentions. It's not always a straightforward process, which is why we put the question to our panel in this episode.

Speakers
- Silumesii Maboshe (mentor)
- Ananth Raja Ram (mentor)
- Bhavna Saraf (mentor)
- Ozaal Zesha (mentee)
- Sethebe Manake (mentee)

Questions
Q1. Can you share insights on how to define your goals?
Q2. Once you have defined your goals, what's next?

It is possible, and even recommended, to have multiple mentors, each of whom brings a unique perspective to a unique relationship, but where to kind them. Finding a mentor can be an elusive task. In this episode our experts take us through some of the different ways, places, networks, considerations and even mindsets that can lead you to the right mentor for you.

Speakers
- Trudi Haemmerli (mentor)
- Maria Dras Neves (mentor)
- Silumesii Maboshe (mentor)
- Ananth Raja Ram (mentor)
- Tinashe Guramatunhu (mentee)

Questions  
Q1. What are the hallmarks of a good mentorship matchmaking resource?  
Q2. How can founders leverage their own network to identify or locate potential mentors?

Finding the right mentor can be a tricky. How do you know who to turn to? Do you just ask the smartest or most senior person you know in your industry? Not so quick. The needs of you and your startup are specific. Understanding those needs is your best starting point. Finding a mentor who is a good fit for your business is not as hard as finding a needle in a haystack but it’s also not a one size fits all situation. So, what are those all-important considerations you need to keep in mind? Let’s find out.

Speakers
- Hamidah Thanawala (mentor)
- Trudi Haemmerli (mentor)
- Bhavna Saraf (mentor)
- Ozaal Zesha (mentee)
- Sethebe Manake (mentee)

Questions:
To what extent do you think that the industry or sector that a startup is operating in should influence the choice of mentor to approach?
The rate of change in industries and sectors is now at a rate never seen before. Should this influence a startups choice of mentor?