Whether it’s by helping you sharpen your skills, offering honest feedback or giving you the courage to take a leap, the right support network can accelerate both personal and professional growth. But mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all — it can come from seasoned leaders, peers in other industries or even younger professionals who bring fresh perspectives. What matters most is cultivating relationships built on trust, honesty and shared values.
Below, Rolling Stone Culture Council members reflect on how mentorship and community influenced their paths and share advice on finding the right support for yours.
Lean on Those You Trust
I have been blessed in that I have sat on a private board of 20 leading female entrepreneurs in my industry for the past six years. If it were not for their mentorship during my darkest hours in business, I am unsure how I would have survived. Find a community of more experienced business leaders whom you can trust — and when the time comes, trust them. – Cynthia Salarizadeh, Herbacée
Learn by Teaching Others
Mentoring someone this past year pushed me to level up. It sharpened my skills, improved my attention to detail and reminded me that leadership is just as much about personal growth as it is about guidance. If you’re looking for support, show up with intention and add value. The right people will find you. – Red Rodriguez, Iconoclast Agency
Expand Your Definition of Mentorship
I used to think mentorship was between a young novice and an old expert. Not necessarily! All of us need mentors at different times and places. We can all be mentors to someone. Surround yourself with wise people from various industries — not just your own. Young people can offer as much value as someone “older.” Your support group should be robust and honest — and forever expanding. – Scott Cowperthwaite, AfterFiveMedia
Seek Reflection, Not Just Advice
Mentorship and community have been less about guidance and more about reflection — a mirror that shows you both your blind spots and your brilliance. The right network isn’t found at a networking event; it’s built by seeking out people whose values sharpen yours, whose honesty cuts through the noise and whose ambition refuses to let you play small. Don’t chase connections — curate them. – Stephanie Dillon, Stephanie Dillon Art
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Address Blind Spots One at a Time
Mentorship has been transformative for me personally. Over the past two years, I’ve grown exponentially as a CEO thanks to five mentors, each guiding me in a core area: management, personal brand, philosophy, psychology and sales. My advice is to find a mentor for each of your blind spots — but work with them sequentially, not all at once (or you’ll become overwhelmed and confused)! – Jason Barnard, Kalicube
Choose Mentors Who Share Your Values
Mentorship shaped my journey. Early on, leaders entrusted me with high-stakes projects in Europe, which forced me to rise quickly — and helped build my confidence. My advice: Choose mentors not just for expertise, but also for their values. The right community should challenge you while keeping you accountable to becoming a better version of yourself, not just a better professional. – Nathanaël Bondu, Woodalls
Value Honest and Candid Feedback
Mentorship has opened doors and created opportunities for me. It’s also been a source of candid feedback offered in a safe space. Studies show that some leaders are reluctant to share feedback with Black women, fearing they will be perceived as racist. I have benefited from coaches who gave me feedback that ultimately helped me in my professional journey. – Jennifer R. Farmer, Spotlight PR LLC
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Look for Support That Feels Genuine
Mentorship and community have been anchors in my journey — reminders that no vision grows alone. They offered perspective, courage and care when the path felt uncertain. My advice is to seek people who see not just your work, but your soul. The right support isn’t found — it’s felt. – Sudhir Gupta, The Facticerie
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Gain Confidence Through Guidance
Good mentorship doesn’t just show you how to do something; it helps you to believe that you — specifically — can do it. My mentors have done both. They have given me a model to work from and the confidence that I can succeed in the work before me. To find mentors, go to places where people are more experienced and more successful than you. Then, strike up conversations, ask questions and learn. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
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