𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦

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? 

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.

You might wonder if the stage of your business affects the type of mentor you should seek. To get to the bottom of this question we asked our mentors and mentees whether each new stage of business development demands a new mentor with new skills and expertise. Should you look for one mentor when developing a prototype and then another when seeking seed funding? While there are certain mentors who can stay with you throughout your journey, serving more as life advisors or guides, when it comes to seeking mentors with specific skill sets, the answers may surprise you...

Speakers:
Bhanva Saraf (mentor)
Ananth Raja Ram (mentor)
Silumesii Maboshe (mentor)
Tinashe Guramatunhu (mentee).

Questions:

Can one mentor stay with an entrepreneur throughout their entrepreneur's journey?
How does a venture’s stage of growth affect the type of mentor they need?
At each stage, what type of support can a mentor most effectively provide?
What should a founder consider when choosing their first mentor?

"Think about having a mentor all along, having advice, it's a great thing to have and make a part of your best practice." Bhanva Saraf

VC4A believes Mentor-Driven Capital is core to unlocking the continent’s potential. Not only is the pool of entrepreneurial talent coming up across Africa expanding, but the number and the quality of ventures are also improving over time. These companies represent a powerful collection of innovations, products, and services that have the potential to transform every industry.

Mentor-Driven Capital is creating value for startups by sharing the knowledge, experience, and network gained over the course of a career, actively supporting founders to maximize the return on investment. Through mentoring, business angels offer more than just money.

How to initiate, build and maintain a productive relationship with the right mentor for your business.