Years ago, I came across the expression, “You become an average of the five people you surround yourself with the most.” This idea stuck with me. I remember looking around at the people in my life and realising how much I had unconsciously absorbed from them—both positive and negative traits. Since then, I’ve become very intentional about who I surround myself with, particularly in my professional life.

Working at the University of St Andrews, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant and inspiring people every day. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from colleagues and mentors who have influenced my career growth and leadership development in countless ways. Mentorship has been a critical part of my journey, and in this post, I’d like to share my insights on why having a mentor is essential for career success.

Mentorship: Don’t Wait—Seek It Out

One of the key things I’ve learned about mentorship is this: don’t wait for someone to offer to mentor you. Actively seek it out! Mentorship can come in various forms, and it doesn’t always have to be a formal relationship. Sometimes, you’ll have to approach people, whether it’s through networking or simply by reaching out to someone you admire.

In my experience, mentors have not only been people I interact with directly but also individuals whose work I consume regularly. For instance, I’m an avid listener of podcasts hosted by successful professionals, and I read books written by those who’ve achieved great things in their fields. I believe that mentoring can happen in these indirect ways, too—learning from inspiring people by absorbing their knowledge and adopting their mindsets. After all, where attention goes, energy flows. The more you focus on growth and success, the more you align your actions with those goals.

Formal Mentorship: A Structured Path to Growth

Sometimes, mentorship is part of a structured program. Through the Advance HE Aurora Women’s Leadership Programme, I had the opportunity to gain a formal mentor who played a pivotal role in my career development. This mentorship was invaluable, especially in navigating the higher education landscape and opening my mind to strategic thinking.

As someone who enjoys “big-picture” thinking, I found it exciting to learn more about the strategic elements of leadership. My mentor helped me understand the importance of aligning my work with the university’s overarching goals and strategy, something that has proven incredibly useful as I’ve stepped into more leadership roles. Understanding the bigger picture has been crucial in making informed decisions that not only benefit my immediate team but also contribute to the long-term goals of the institution.

Mentorship in Everyday Leadership

In addition to formal mentorship, I’ve been fortunate to have managers and leaders who’ve served as informal mentors. Even if they weren’t officially mentoring me, I’ve learned an immense amount by observing their everyday approaches to leadership and decision-making. Often, some of the best lessons come from simply watching how seasoned professionals handle challenges, manage teams, and communicate their vision.

As I progress in my own leadership journey, I’ve found myself integrating many of these practices into my management style. One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is being able to draw from the best practices of those who’ve come before me while still carving out my unique approach.

Peer Mentoring: Learning from Those Around You

There’s a common misconception that mentoring only happens with someone who is further along in their career. However, I’ve discovered that peer mentoring is just as valuable. Earlier this year, I piloted a peer mentoring program with colleagues, and it turned out to be a fantastic learning experience. Collaborating with peers allowed me to see problems from different angles and learn from their diverse experiences and strategies.

In many ways, peer mentoring has opened my eyes to the fact that everyone has something to teach, regardless of where they are in their career. Sometimes, the most insightful advice comes from someone who’s dealing with the same challenges as you, and sharing solutions can be incredibly empowering.

Mentorship Takes Many Forms

One of the most significant takeaways from my experience is that mentorship isn’t confined to a single format. It doesn’t always have to be a formalised relationship. Mentorship can happen in many ways—it might come from a structured program, through observing leaders you admire, or by surrounding yourself with content that inspires you to grow.

I’ve also found that seeking help from professionals outside your immediate circle can be invaluable. Whether it’s reaching out to a mentor for a specific project or consulting with someone who has specialised knowledge, mentorship doesn’t always have to be ongoing. Sometimes, a single conversation can have a profound impact on your career trajectory.

Conclusion: Mentorship as a Key to Leadership Development

Whether formal or informal, direct or indirect, mentorship is an essential part of career growth, particularly as you move into leadership roles. The insights, guidance, and support you receive from mentors can shape not only your career but also your approach to leading others.

I encourage anyone looking to grow in their career to actively seek out mentorship. Don’t be afraid to approach people you admire, collaborate with your peers, and surround yourself with content that aligns with your goals. Remember, the people you choose to learn from will influence your journey more than you realise.

In leadership, we never stop learning. And sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from those who have walked the path before us.