278. Unlocking Talent Via Early Career Mentoring

In the second episode of our Extraordinary Mentors mini-series, we explore how early-career mentoring turns talent into traction by building confidence, clarity, and judgment.

We hear real stories and practical insights from a range of contributors about the powerful role a mentor can play in kickstarting a career. Guests share how mentors open doors, normalise struggles, and balance psychological safety with stretch to accelerate growth.

Be inspired by how mentoring helped shape our contributors’ early confidence and direction. A great mentor can act as both mirror and map - offering reflection, guidance, and the human-centred wisdom that rarely appears in a handbook.

We also share simple steps for finding and approaching a mentor. Sometimes it starts with something very small: a coffee, a conversation, and a question for someone who inspires you.

Transcript

Opening And Personal Check-In

SPEAKER_02 0:02

Dead.

SPEAKER_05 0:04

Law, you alright? Yeah, I'll do well. How are you?

SPEAKER_02 0:08

Interesting week, as as you know, what's happened in my little poor little pussy cat passed away. So it's but um yeah, it was one of those things. So it's been a bit of a weird week, to be fair, Law, but um working way through that is like something you just have to part of life, isn't it? Something you just have to get on with and work away through it. So I could do with a mentor.

Series Focus: The Power Of Mentoring

Future Skills And Human-Centered Capabilities

SPEAKER_05 0:31

Oh, good link. Do you know what? The the the role that pets have, if you're especially if you're uh working from home every now and then or majority of time. I mean, they're they are like our little four-legged colleagues, aren't they? Yeah, you're pets at home, so they add all that sort of character. Um, and of course, you mentioned mentoring. This is our second in our four-part focus looking at the uh how to be an extraordinary mentor and the magic of mentoring. Um, where last week episode we sort of did an explainer. What is it, why is it important, what's the link with kind of uh modern day workplace, which is ever evolving. And just to refresh, um, one of the stats that has been kind of going around in my mind this week, Debs, is the World Economic Forum's December 2025 report looking at what is the world of work from a skill perspective from the stretch between now and 2030. And they estimate that 40% of core skills that are currently deployed by um adults in the world of work are going to need to be upskilled or re-skilled. And in terms of placing your big bets, no one really knows exactly where it's gonna go, but it's probably worthwhile tooling up on your AI and tech understanding and awareness if that's relevant. But even more essentially is your human-centric skills, which I know you and I have talked about loads. Yes. And of course, this is where mentoring comes in. Because mentoring is probably one of the fastest ways to equip and transfer people with knowledge, skills, and behaviours, because there's just not enough hours left to sit on training courses, sit on e-learning packages. There's there's too much almost to upskill and reskill. So rather than kind of panicking about it, let's use that natural ability we have to be able to share knowledge through conversation, and we can sum that up as mentoring.

Why Mentoring Beats Courses For Growth

SPEAKER_02 2:22

Yeah, brilliant. I'm so looking forward to this because we um we reached out, didn't we, to some of our audience and they gave us some amazing things that we could talk about. So yeah, it's like, what does that mean for us, and how do we put it into practice, I suppose? And from real life examples, it's just been fabulous to hear. And you go, ah, there was some common themes, though, I think, as we went through them, um, you know, especially around what they can do and how they can help. And I just think it's really interesting, especially in your early career, um, about getting yourself a mentor. Loved it. I thought it was really cool.

Early-Career Mentoring: Voices From The Field

SPEAKER_05 2:54

Yeah, really cool. So we're gonna mix things up a little bit. So in this episode, we have got an array of people from all walks of life from all different types of industries and sectors, and we asked them what role mentoring in that early stages of your career. So let's listen to a couple of people.

SPEAKER_04 3:20

A mentor can make a huge difference early on because most people don't lack ability, they just lack confidence and direction. So at the start of a career, everything is new and it's just easy to doubt yourself. But a mentor gives perspective, helps you make sense of situations and can shorten that learning curve quite a bit when you're new to your career. I think they also help normalise struggles. Everyone has had moments where they feel out of their depth, and um hearing that from somebody more experienced can really help with confidence and belief. And I think over time a mentor helps you move from just doing a job to really thinking about how you grow and develop in your career.

SPEAKER_07 4:02

I think for me, at the start of your career, most people don't lack talent. They've clearly got it, but what they may lack is clarity and confidence. So for me, a mentor is like a mirror and a map. They reflect back the strength someone hasn't fully owned yet, and they help seek direction when everything feels quite overwhelming. They also create connections, which is a big thing for me. Careers aren't built on in isolation, they're built through conversations, introductions, and someone saying to them, you belong in this room. And a mentor opens doors, they give you the keys for that. But most importantly, they help someone believe that they can walk through them. I think for me, in a world that where AI specifically gives you answers instantly, what a mentor can help is understand your potential. AI can support your job, but a mentor helps you grow as a person. There's a quote I love, which is work harder on yourself than you do on your job. And a great mentor helps you do exactly that because when you grow, your career grows with you.

Key Themes: Confidence, Clarity, Connections

SPEAKER_03 5:09

For me, a mentor can be the difference between wandering around in the dark and having someone flick on the light or provide you with a sat nav at the start of your career, you don't really know what what you don't know, and a mentor can help you sort of shortcut around that those years of sort of trial and error that we've all been through when we start out. Mentors can also spot strengths you take for granted and challenge some of the unhelpful stories that maybe you tell yourself. Um so is it a thought or is it an event? And trying to get to the bottom of those. Um it can also an mentor can also open doors for you that you didn't realise existed and help you to build your network. Which uh they can also give you a safe space to ask those questions that you think are silly, but actually they're not. Uh they can help you test ideas and also help you to build your confidence before you need to use it out in the in the real world. But most importantly, a great mentor helps you to see a bigger and better version of yourself and then backs you like a cheerleader while you grow into it.

SPEAKER_00 6:13

Okay, so very early on in my career, someone said to me, Don't leave before you leave, which has really stuck with me, and I think it's great advice. Later on in life, I read it in Cheryl Sandberg's book in regard to maternity leave, but I think it's a brilliant message for anyone. Don't leave before you leave.

SPEAKER_05 6:34

So, Dibs, what did you what stuck out from you from those um couple of people we heard from?

SPEAKER_02 6:39

Oh, I think the bits that stuck out for me were the ones where they were saying around it can uh a mentor sees potential in yourself before you fully believe it sometimes, and that ability that to give them your that belief that says you've got this can really help accelerate the learning, I suppose, without telling, um, but more of exploration and the relationship that you build um I think is so critical to this. Uh, and it's not about um instruction. I think that was the thing that came across. It's definitely not about that, it's more about perspective and looking at it. Um, they just help you think better if you have a great mentor. Um, and I think that was really interesting because they also I loved the bits where they said you can spot the signs of that person's strengths, even if you don't know you've got them. But a great mentor will be able to highlight those for you and create that safe space to, I suppose, build confidence and that professional identity, really, which is you know what you need sometimes as you're starting off in your career. I loved it.

SPEAKER_05 7:42

Yeah, yeah, really, really, really empowering and really got me thinking as well about the role that early mentors played in my um professional sort of start.

Host Story: The Mentor Who Changed Everything

SPEAKER_02 7:51

Yeah. So actually, on that, I have a question for you, Laura. Are you ready? I'm born ready, dips. So, my question to you is when you look back on your career so far, was there someone who plays a mentoring role for you, even if it wasn't formerly called mentoring? And what difference did that make to you?

SPEAKER_05 8:11

Well, the person that immediately springs to mind is Carly. So, Carly was my manager when I started my very first role as a trainer working in a huge recruitment business. And I was so nervous, Debs, before standing up and running the first induction. So I didn't sleep for two weeks leading up to it. I was so nervous about what was if I forget what to say, what happens if they, you know, the the recruitment consultants who are hardcore, what happens if they don't buy into me? And um, yeah, she was an absolute brilliant mentor because she gave me the confidence. So on the very I remember the very first afternoon and morning where I ran the first bit and she said to me, Thompson, you're a natural. You were born to do this. And I was like, Yeah, yeah. So that was fab. And then uh very kind of uh gently, she sort of totally unpicked me and built me back together again, to the extent where I remember her saying to me, Thompson, enough of that student brown lipstick, you need to be getting some red lipstick on. Oh, but that's where it came from. That is where it came from. And they all they almost pinned me down in the office, put this red lipstick on. I remember I was then in the lift going down, going, Oh my god, it does not look like me. And then um, yeah, 30 years later, whatever it was. You bring out the red lipstick. Bring out the red lipstick, yeah. And the trademark. Yes, yeah. So I'm hugely grateful to Carly for not only the technical and the knowledge expertise that she shared with me, but I think also as a 23-year-old, making my way in the world of what it means to go to meetings and you know how to how to stay at hotels and just all of that stuff, that I was it was just a whole new world to me, and I am supremely grateful to Carly for all that she passed on to me. And um, yeah, I have very fond memories, and I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for Carly. So that's so hugely grateful.

SPEAKER_02 10:10

I'm gonna ask you another question if that's okay, when you mentioned about Carly. Um I'm just intrigued. So, what was it about the way that she showed up that made the biggest difference to you then?

Role Modeling, Safety, And Stretch

SPEAKER_05 10:20

I think I honestly viewed her as like a role model. That's exactly what she was. She was a role model, and I think I looked at the way she carried herself, the confidence that she brought, and I thought, I want to be like that. And I, you know, I really I just admired the way that she handled herself. She just seemed to be so calm, you know, i in in these scenarios. And um, you know, and then also I think with a mentor, it's a very, very privileged relationship because you then get to hear, oh, actually, you know, she was bricking it about that board meeting as well, but she just knew how to style it out, and so therefore I could channel her to then be able to style it out. So I think the main thing was I just really admired her. She um uh we had a great fun as well, you know. I mean, that's where I really learned how yeah, you can have a laugh at work and still be very professional. And in fact, if you're dealing with lots of scenarios that require handling, you almost need that light sort of behind the scenes. So, yeah, a role model is how I'd summer up.

SPEAKER_02 11:22

Oh, that's really cool because you know a couple of people say that, didn't they? Around you know, how they um listened and that person also shared the mistakes as well. So it was as if they were trying to you know prime you into doing it. So I just thought it was brilliant actually when you yeah, just thought I'd ask you that question just to see what you you know, what it was, what difference did it make as the way that you know, the for the way she showed up in order for it to make the biggest difference to you? I love that role modelling and I love it, yeah, really cool. And she was generous with that.

SPEAKER_05 11:53

So there was there was no kind of competition as to try and keep me as the junior and you know, couldn't flourish. And and I've really tried to bring that into the mentoring that I do formally and informally, because why wouldn't you? It's the quickest way to to to create uh you know a high performance culture around you and everyone feels supported, and um, but also you know, you're gonna get stretched, you know, you're not going backwards, you know, you're going forwards.

How To Be An Extraordinary Mentor

SPEAKER_02 12:18

Yeah, I love that. So I suppose um if we listen to a few more people, we can see what they have to say. But I think then to listen to them, and then I'm gonna share my um call to action from that. Shall we do that, Laura?

SPEAKER_05 12:30

Brilliant.

SPEAKER_03 12:35

Really good mentors ask better questions than they give answers, and it's all about listening and also trying to understand where your mentee's coming from, and remembering that they are probably quite scared at this point. Second, really be really human, share your mistakes. It's not just about being successful, it's about um some of the things that didn't work out for you, and maybe um understanding or helping your mentee understand what flexibility and change is like because sometimes you can't do what you think you're going to do, and maybe you don't want to.

SPEAKER_06 13:06

So for me, the best mentors aren't the ones who try to give you all of the answers, they're the ones who help people build structures and give them the tools to be able to find their own. A big part of that is listening properly and really understanding what the other person is saying, and more importantly, what they really want from their own career. Another key part is being supportive but also honest. Sometimes mentoring means giving constructive feedback or challenging someone to think bigger about what they're really capable of. Consistency also really matters. Mentoring isn't just a one-off conversation, it's about building trust over time, a real relationship, checking in regularly and celebrating progress, but also helping someone navigate setbacks when they do happen. And I think ultimately great mentors create the space for someone else to grow, but they're also there to give a little nudge when it's needed. Whereas I like to say, give the tyres a bit of a toe poke at the right moment.

SPEAKER_01 14:09

I think a good mentor tends to listen more than just telling them the answers and is supportive and helps grow someone by sharing their knowledge, gives them constructive criticism and support them in difficult decisions and ideas that they want to try and push forward. I think it's great to share the knowledge that you have and make sure that you're very open to their ideas and suggestions, but are also good at critical thinking and giving them problem-solving ways of managing with different situations, especially when it comes to people and business. As long as you are there for their growth and helping them see a bigger picture and know that they are supported, I feel like that is one of the main things you can do to be able to see anyone flourish.

SPEAKER_00 15:22

To be an extraordinary mentor, I think you always have to put the person at stretch. So I love, I listened to an athlete talking about it, saying that uh basically a coach who helps you run the race, but the mentor is the one that says run a different race. So, for instance, if you run 800 metres, why not try 1500 meters? And I think it's that pushing the boundaries is the kind of role of the mentor of using their experience and pushing you that little bit further.

SPEAKER_04 15:56

I think first you have to listen. It sounds really simple, um, but really understanding someone's situation before jumping in with advice can make a big difference. Good mentors support people, but they also challenge them. Growth can come when someone stretches a little bit beyond what feels comfortable. And I also think it's important to be honest about your own mistakes. Sharing what didn't go well in your career can be more valuable sometimes than talking about the successes. Um and I think just being intentional, setting goals, checking in regularly, talking about progress, um, those things can turn it from a casual chat into something that really helps somebody grow.

Clarifying Boundaries: Mentoring vs Counseling

SPEAKER_07 16:40

First and foremost, stop trying to be impressive. Don't make it about you and be really interested in the individual. I think really good mentors lead with curiosity, they listen deeply and they ask questions that make someone think differently as well. Second, I would say balance the support with stretch. You can be their cheerleader, but also be brave enough to say you are capable of more. I think third is building connections. I speak about this quite a lot. Know what drives that individual, know what they're also afraid of. And mentoring isn't a checklist, it's a relationship. And I think in this AI-powered world, help that person deliver judgment or develop judgment. Encourage them to use technology to enhance their skills, but remind them that no algorithm replaces integrity, self-awareness, or courage. If you mentor well, you're not just helping someone to do their job better, you're helping them work harder on themselves than they do on their job. And that's where the real growth lives.

SPEAKER_05 17:45

Our devs, I've absolutely loved listening to this array of voices. It really is, because you just get an opportunity to see how there's no set format to mentoring. As many of our um our uh experts have said, it's it's around the relationship and creating that psychological safety, I guess, between two people. And as we um covered in uh the episode last week, this isn't counselling, you're not getting involved in dealing with problems that are outside of your area of expertise. This is professional mentoring where you're doing what you can to be able to support someone to uh to thrive through challenge and support.

Call To Action And Share The Secret

SPEAKER_02 18:26

Yeah, definitely. I think you're right. So my call to action um would be so if you're listening and and you are early in your career, I would say don't wait for somebody to assign you a mentor. Um, I would look around for somebody who inspires you and go and approach them and you know, who can you see ask great questions, who sees something in you and reach out to them? That would be my um call to action is reach out and start that conversation with that individual because you know, sometimes it just starts with a nice cup of tea or coffee and a simple question. That's it.

SPEAKER_05 19:00

Oh, yes, Debs. And my share the secret would be if you have a friend or colleague for whom early um career is a part of their role, or if you hear that someone is recruiting new people into their teams, as the World Economic Forum report clearly states the need to upskill, reskill, share knowledge, it's so relevant right now, and that's one of the quickest and low-cost ways to be able to equip people with a fresh perspective as well as feeling supported as well. So get them to listen to this, and uh, we've got a you know an array of perspectives around how to really unlock talent through early career mentoring.

SPEAKER_02 19:42

Yeah, I love that. And I'm really excited for our next episode, right? Because we're looking at how and what how on what does it take to be a great mentor as well.

SPEAKER_05 19:50

Absolutely, devs. So let's say there's someone listening thinking, I'm gonna get a mentor. This goes out to whoever's been, you know, you've asked, this is simple steps to be an extraordinary mentor. So looking forward to that one next week.

SPEAKER_02 20:03

Me too. All right, Laura, have a good one. Oh, you two devs. Keep the red lipstick.

Closing And Dedication

SPEAKER_05 20:07

Absolutely. Oh, no. And uh, this one goes out to Barney, the podcast cat. Oh, and there's little Betty now who needs a new mentor.

SPEAKER_02 20:17

Exactly, that's what it is, and she's sitting there just listening to us. God, that oh bless her. Will she learn? Who knows?

SPEAKER_05 20:25

Oh, well, have a good one, Laura. Oh, you two did. Lovely, lovely. We hope you've enjoyed this podcast. We'd love to hear from you. Email us at contact at secrets from a coach.com or follow us on Insta or Facebook. If you're a Spotify listener, give us the rating as it's easier for people to find us. And if you want to know more, visit our website www.secrets from a coach.com and sign up for our newsletter. Here to cheer you on and help you thrive in the ever-changing world of work.