What a secret circle of mentors can do for you

- This is an audio course. Thank you for listening. (jazz music) - [Instructor] Welcome to this week's episode of The Modern Mentor Podcast. I'm your host, Rachel Cook. In today's episode, I'll be talking about how to build a secret circle of mentors. If you're looking for amazing coaching and support without ever having to ask for it, then here comes the guide you need. Hold onto your hat for the big reveal. Turns out, I dig mentors. Who'd of thought? Depending on the goals you've set your mentor may educate, inform, inspire, or offer you feedback. There are no limits on what that relationship might bring your way. But for many the idea of finding a mentor and maintaining that relationship can feel heavy, overwhelming, or intimidating. And I get it. It's a big ask of someone you admire and respect. And as the mentee, you may feel pressure to make the most of every minute spent together. But here's the thing. Mentor is a verb as well as a noun. And it's entirely possible for someone to mentor you without being a capital M mentor. And while I don't hold myself up as the epitome of success I have achieved a lot as I've defined it for myself. And as I reflect on levers I've pulled and buttons I've pushed in getting here, I realize that I've built a secret circle of mentors that has supported me along the way. Some have known they've been mentoring me and others haven't. Others I don't even know personally have mentored me from afar. In some way, they've provided support in a form that has served me in growing and achieving. So if you are not feeling up to the task of asking someone to be a mentor then let's talk about the different types of secret mentors you might pull into your own circle of support. Here's what my circle has looked like.