I had the pleasure of meeting Aleisha McCall through a connection at The Friday Lunch Club. Her story is incredible, she has represented Australia & New Zealand at 4 Figure Skating World Championships, coached Team Australia, certified as an International Technical Specialist Judge, successfully launched her own media communications agency, celebrating 10 years this year and is a proud Mum to 3 kids under 7.
From the moment I met Aleisha, I knew I wanted her to share her story with The Friday Lunch Club members. At our recent event, she told the group about the non-negotiable support she gets from a mentor—support she pays for, and not a small sum.
Aleisha credits much of her success to this guidance. Her mentor has been a trusted confidant, wise counsellor, and steady supporter, returning the investment many times over.
“I always recommend you get the best mentor you can afford. Having a mentor/coach for most of my adult career has been one of the best decisions I have made for personal growth and fulfilment.
What I mean by a mentor/coach is not a cheerleader, but someone who can call you out on what you need to improve on, when you need it, hold you accountable to the goals you’ve set, help you identify your blind spots (the things you cannot see) and help you to become the best version of yourself to maximise everything you have to offer”, says Aleisha
In sports, coaching is an essential part of success—athletes expect guidance from those with experience to help them perform at their best. But in business, many people struggle to find that same level of mentorship and often go it alone. Why is that? And where do you even begin to look for the right mentor?
The need for mentorship has never been more pressing. Business is becoming more complex—hybrid work models mean fewer chances to overhear your manager handling tricky situations, and with mental health challenges on the rise, a mentor can provide much-needed perspective, support, and clarity. A mentor can shape not only your career but also your well-being.
Jane Huxley once shared a metaphor that stuck with me: Mentors are like books on a shelf. Some are short reads—quick conversations where you walk away with an insight or idea. Others are dense volumes—relationships that span years, guiding you through the twists and turns of your career. Both types serve a purpose, and we need different things at different stages of our journey.
How to Find a Mentor
- Start with your goal.
Think about what you need from a mentor. Are you starting a business and want insight from someone who’s done it before? Do you need industry-specific expertise, or are you seeking perspectives outside your field? Defining your goal will help you identify the right kind of mentor. - Know how you prefer to learn.
Would you rather meet in person or chat remotely? Do you need a regular schedule or someone available for more ad-hoc conversations? Your preferred style will shape who you approach and their availability. - Determine if you need ongoing support or a one-off conversation.
Some mentoring relationships benefit from long-term engagement, meeting monthly over six months or more. Others might just need a single chat to address a specific challenge. Both types are valuable. - Speak with your boss or People Leader.
Your manager may have contacts who align with your development needs. They might also recommend mentoring programs within your company or industry. - Tap into your existing network.
Consider people you already know and trust but hesitate to ask for advice too often. A structured, paid mentoring arrangement can formalise the relationship and feel more like a professional service than a favour. Remember, it’s okay if they decline—it’s not personal. - Check with your industry body.
Many professional associations offer mentoring programs or can connect you with relevant mentors. - Look beyond seniority.
Your mentor doesn’t have to be older or much more senior. Sometimes, peer mentors—those just a step ahead—can offer the most relevant advice. Reverse mentoring, where younger professionals share their expertise (such as on technology trends or inclusivity) with senior leaders, is also becoming more common. - Don’t rely on chemistry alone.
While good rapport is helpful, the most valuable mentors will challenge you, even if it feels uncomfortable. Mentorship based on respect and clarity—rather than just personal chemistry—leads to the most meaningful growth. - Be proactive about the relationship.
A successful mentoring relationship requires effort from both sides. As a mentee, take ownership by setting meeting agendas, following through on advice, and respecting your mentor’s time. Regular updates show that their guidance is making an impact and keep the relationship productive.
For those moments when you need quick, one-off advice, it’s helpful to have a small network of trusted people to turn to—former bosses, colleagues, or industry peers.
Another option is Mentor Walks, where women connect with mentors during a walk to discuss a specific challenge and get real-time advice. It’s a great way to access mentorship in a relaxed, informal setting. Learn more about Mentor Walks.
The impact of mentorship is undeniable. According to the Mentor Walks Impact Survey, 26% of mentees reported receiving a promotion, and 32% transitioned to a new industry—with many saying the mentorship played a significant role. What’s more, over 75% felt more optimistic and experienced higher self-esteem after their mentoring sessions.
“Mentoring has helped me realise my full potential, I often doubt myself – having a mentor that believes in me helps me achieve so much more. Mentoring also helps me organise my thoughts to be able to make a confident decision, I often suffer from decision paralysis.” Head of Client Service.
Mentorship is an investment—whether it’s time, effort, or money—and it pays off in ways that go beyond your career. With the right mentor by your side, you’ll navigate challenges more confidently, grow faster, and stay grounded through the ups and downs.
“I realize how essential mentorship is—no matter how senior you are. Even the most experienced leaders need mentors. Without someone to offer guidance, a fresh perspective, or simply a sounding board for navigating tricky situations, we can feel isolated in our decision-making. A mentor doesn’t just illuminate your professional path; they also provide clarity when faced with complex challenges where the way forward isn’t obvious. The value of mentorship lies in shedding light on the moments when we feel most uncertain, helping us see not just the path ahead but the best way to walk it.” Senior Project Manager.
So, don’t be afraid to seek out that wise counsel. Find someone whose experience aligns with your goals, and when needed, invest in that guidance. It’s one of the smartest moves you’ll ever make.
About Jules
Julie Dormand has been a formal mentor for over a decade and has impacted 100’s of careers. She can be engaged at an individual level through her business, as a mentor for Mentor Walks and for The Marketing Academy. She has won numerous accolades including winner of Mumbrella Business Leader of the Year 2019 and Finalist for B&T Mentor of the Year Award 2020 and Women in Media Glass Ceiling and Business Leader Awards.
