Mentoring: A Marathon, Not a Shortcut

Mentoring: It’s Not Just a LinkedIn Title

Mentoring is having a moment. If you’ve scrolled through LinkedIn recently, you’ve probably noticed an explosion of people adding “mentor” to their titles. It sounds noble, even glamorous—guiding the next generation, shaping the future, giving back. But let’s not kid ourselves: mentoring done right takes actual work, and title collecting doesn’t count.

At its core, mentoring is about guiding others while being genuinely invested in their journey. It’s not about basking in your own expertise or expecting immediate results—it’s about helping others grow, even when the path is rocky. Done right, it’s deeply rewarding. Done wrong, it’s little more than corporate virtue signaling.

My own experience

At StartSmart CEE, I’ve worked with tech startups from the Central and Eastern European region, helping them navigate the murky waters of innovation. The program provides plenty of resources—legal support, financial guidance, and connections to mentors who genuinely care about making an impact. But here’s the rub: mentorship only works when founders are ready to listen, adapt, and put in the hard work.

Mentoring at DayOne, based in in Basel (Switzerland), has brought a different kind of challenge. Here, startups are tackling the most pressing healthcare issues, from digital transformation to collaborative innovation. The stakes are higher, and the need for thoughtful mentoring is even greater.

DayOne’s platform connects startups with mentors and corporate partners, but it also underscores a critical point: mentorship is only as effective as the effort put in by both sides. Startups need to engage meaningfully, providing updates and seeking feedback. Mentors, meanwhile, need to offer more than recycled corporate wisdom. Startups don’t need “big company” clichés; they need actionable insights and guidance tailored to their scrappy, high-stakes realities.

Take one founder I mentored. Our conversation was... candid, to say the least. My advice? Accelerate timelines, cut burn, and focus on the product. It wasn’t what they wanted to hear, and their initial reaction made that clear. But months later, they implemented nearly everything we discussed, and their success became its own vindication. My reward? Some outstanding falafel at their launch party. Sometimes, that’s enough.

Mentoring: The Hard Truths

It’s easy to call yourself a mentor. It’s much harder to do it well. For every inspiring mentor, there are dozens of well-meaning professionals who think their big-company résumés automatically qualify them. The truth is, mentoring startups is a completely different game. It’s not about basking in past glories or delivering monologues about leadership—it’s about rolling up your sleeves and providing real, actionable value.

The LinkedIn Mentor Problem

Far too many mentors are in it for the optics, not the outcomes. They collect titles like stamps, adding “mentor” to their profiles without ever truly engaging with the startups they claim to help. But startups need more than occasional check-ins or generic advice. They need:

• Engagement: Mentors who understand their specific challenges and work to address them.
• Honesty: Feedback that might sting but ultimately helps.
• Commitment: Regular touchpoints that balance guidance with respect for founders’ time.

What Startups Need to Know

For startups, mentors can be game-changers—but only if you know how to work with them. Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Choose Wisely: The fanciest title isn’t always the best mentor. Look for someone who understands your industry and stage of growth.
2. Be Prepared: Respect your mentor’s time. Come with clear questions or challenges, not vague ideas.
3. Act on Feedback: Mentors aren’t magicians. Their advice only works if you use it.
4. Communicate: Regular updates keep mentors engaged and informed, fostering a better relationship.

A Two-Way Street

Mentoring isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about building relationships that benefit both sides. The startups I’ve worked with at StartSmart CEE and DayOne have taught me as much as I’ve taught them. Mentorship, at its best, is collaborative. It’s a chance to challenge assumptions, refine ideas, and sometimes just offer a reality check.

But it’s not for everyone. If you’re thinking about mentoring, ask yourself: Are you ready to put in the work? Can you offer more than your LinkedIn profile? Do you genuinely care about the outcomes? If not, maybe leave the title off your résumé.

For those willing to put their heart into it, mentoring can be deeply fulfilling—whether or not there’s amazing falafel at the end.