π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦
By ITC and VC4A
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ Dec 17, 2020
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E8: Can you outgrow a mentoring relationship?
As we bring this season to a close we ask, βCan you outgrow a mentoring relationship?β and βHow do you make a clean break?β. 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.
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E7: What does it take to set up and maintain a mentor relationship that can help you and your business grow? Part 2
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.
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E6: What does it take to set up and maintain a mentor relationship that can help you and your business grow?
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.
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E5: How do I know exactly what I want out of a Mentor?
Once youβve 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?
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E4: Where can I find a good mentor?
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 Β
Q1. What are the hallmarks of a good mentorship matchmaking resource? Β
Q2. How can founders leverage their own network to identify or locate potential mentors?
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E3: Does my industry affect the type of mentor I need?
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 itβs also not a one size fits all situation. So, what are those all-important considerations you need to keep in mind? Letβs 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?Β
Teaser π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E3: Does my industry affect the type of mentor I need?
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 itβs also not a one size fits all situation. So, what are those all-important considerations you need to keep in mind? Letβs find out.
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E2: Does my startupβs business stage affect the type of mentor I need?
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 certainΒ mentors who can stay with you throughout your journey, serving more as life advisors or guides, when it comesΒ 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 ventureβs 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?
Teaser π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E2: Does my startupβs business stage affect the type of mentor I need?
"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
π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E1 : How important is a mentor for a startup founder?
While youβre busy trying to grow your enterprise, it can feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone eat and even sleep! But evidence highlighting the power of mentorship cannot be ignored. Entrepreneurs with mentors tend to perform better by leveraging their mentorβs wisdom and pool of knowledge and networks. On this episode weβll outline the reasons why a mentor is indeed necessary!
In this podcast series, the International Trade Centerβs Claire Sterngold and Hanan Taifour along with VC4Aβs David Coleman join forces to offer listeners access to advice from a variety of seasoned international business experts and young entrepreneurs on how to build and maintain a lasting relationship with the right mentors for your business.
In this first of eight episodes this pilot will bring together two respected voices in the SMEs support sector. Don't miss the latest episodes. Be sure to sign upΒ to receive the lastest podcast episode direct to your inbox.
Speakers
Ozaal Zesha (mentee)
Sethebe Manake (mentee)
Opening & closing snippets
Hamidah Thanawala (mentor)
Trudi Haemmerli (mentor)
Silumesii Maboshe (mentor)
Mentor-Driven Capital Testimonial by Tinashe Guramatunhu
VC4A believes Mentor-Driven Capital is core to unlocking the continentβs 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.
Teaser π π²π»ππΌπΏπΈπͺπ΄π¦ S1E1: How important is a mentor for a startup founder?
How to initiate, build and maintain a productive relationship with the right mentor for your business.Β