Most of us aren’t born into highly connected circles.

We don’t grow up with an alumni network ready to open doors.

And when life gets hard, the thing that carries you through—more than strategy or credentials—is people.

I remember when I was $50,000 in student debt.

I had just stepped away from the startup I co-founded, was waiting for a buyout, and had no income.

I couldn’t even pay rent.

One friend helped cover it.

Mentors from my accelerator passed along job leads.

People showed up—and that changed everything.

So today, I want to share some honest thoughts on mentorship.

But more than that, I want to talk about how to build something bigger:

A real network of support—an ecosystem that holds you through the uncertainty.

Let’s break it down.

1. When you look up, get clear on the why

We often think of mentors as people way ahead of us.

That one person who’s made it. Who can give us the golden ticket, the path, the answer.

But mentorship works best when you know exactly why you’re reaching out.

Personal story:

Back in university, my GPA wasn’t great. I was pretty sure I’d get left behind.

It seemed like everyone else had fancy internships at banks and accounting firms.

Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to get in anywhere.

I went to a conference and met a VP from an insurance company.

Instead of asking for something right away, I helped her coordinate a speaking engagement at my university.

Then I kept following up.

Eventually, I asked directly: “Are you hiring interns?”

She referred me—and that internship paid $30/hour. No one asked about my GPA.

Key tips:

• Help first. Show up with value before asking for anything.
• Get clear before you reach out. What do you actually need? Advice on a transition? A referral? A reality check?
• Be persistent. A non-response isn’t a rejection. Keep showing up—respectfully.

2. Look sideways, not just up

When I left my startup, I didn’t just lean on mentors.

I leaned on friends.

Peers.

People beside me who understood what I was navigating—because they were in it too.

Some were just one step ahead, but that one step made a difference.

Why it matters:

• People at your level often have the exact solution to what you’re struggling with now.
• They’re easier to reach—and more available to help.
• They become collaborators, not just contacts.

Ways to connect:

• Reach out to people a level or two above you.
• Use cold outreach or mentorship networks like ADPList.
• Join professional communities—even if they seem overrated.

Note:

I got my first internship and my first job after college through people I met at events like this.

Sometimes it’s a friend who runs a geophysics conference.

Sometimes it’s someone who started a local meetup for sales professionals.

It all adds up.

3. Meet your role models where they are

Not everyone will respond to your messages. That’s okay.

Many people are already putting their knowledge out there—you just have to listen.

Digital mentors exist.

Podcasts. Talks. Courses. Panels. Instagram Lives.

It’s all there.

For me, it’s Sara Blakely.

I’ve never met her, but I’ve watched her speak so many times that it feels like I have.

And her mindset and approach have impacted how I show up—consistently.

Tip:

Find someone whose values resonate.

Watch how they think.

Learn from what they’re already offering.

You don’t always need a one-on-one to receive mentorship.

4. Always follow up

Relationships don’t end with the first call or coffee chat.

They’re built through follow-through.

• Send a thank you.
• Share the impact of their advice.
• Reach out again when something meaningful happens.

Get to know people like a friend.

Remember their dog’s name. Their birthday. Their favorite tea.

Ask them how that trip went.

Send something small if it feels right—like a candle, coffee, or note.

Keep it human.

Extra tip:

When you follow up, ask one question at a time.

It’s respectful of their time and more likely to get a response.

5. And always—pay it forward

Eventually, someone will come to you.

Looking for clarity. Or guidance. Or just someone to listen.

Offer what you can.

You don’t need to have all the answers.

Sometimes being generous with your experience is the most impactful thing you can do.

Closing

So if you’re navigating a transition right now, or trying to build your career from scratch:

You don’t need one perfect mentor.

You need real people.

A community.

And the courage to keep reaching out—even when it feels vulnerable.

The support you need might not come from one person.

But it’s out there.

And you’re allowed to ask for it.

Thanks for reading—and if you want more content on career transitions, navigating uncertainty, or building your thing from the ground up, I’ve got more coming.

I’ll see you soon.